The majority of amateur photographers aspire to photograph events. It’s a dream come true to go from casual photography to professional events where you’re paid to capture weddings, concerts, live events, sporting displays, and so much more.
However, if this is your first event photography job, you’ll need some pointers on how to arrive prepared. It’s crucial that you project the image of a true professional. It’s the only way you’ll obtain more event photography gigs in the future if you do it.
You may earn more money by putting your abilities to use and learning some of these event photography tips and methods. You’ll also expand your consumer base, and you won’t seem foolish or have an embarrassing experience by showing up unprepared and even without equipment.
Always Be Prepared: Don’t Forget Your Gear!
Coming to an event without all of your equipment is one of the worst things you can do as a photographer covering an event. This entails being prepared for any and all scenarios. When photographing outside on a bright sunny day, bring along the equipment you’d ordinarily use to capture images in a dark cellar or a dark room. You want to make sure that all of your bases are covered just in case something happens.
When it comes to deciding which camera to bring, you should bring them both. If you plan to photograph in low-light inside circumstances such as parties or weddings, make sure to bring your preferred portrait camera. Bring along your favorite landscape photography camera as well, because you never know what you might come across. Always make sure that your camera has the highest megapixel count feasible in order to capture the greatest amount of detail possible.
At the same time, you should carry a camera that can capture the maximum frames per second so that you can capture the action when it gets extremely intense. This means a camera that is dependable, has excellent autofocus points, excellent tracking, and allows you to customize the shutter speed. In an ideal world, you would have a single professional camera that could be used in any situation.
When it comes to event photography, the data will pile up rapidly on your computer. Always keep a dependable supply of large SD cards or flashcards on hand in order to store all of the images you will need for later editing and processing. In fact, always bring extra batteries with you — and don’t forget to bring along a car charger in case something happens.
When it comes to lenses, you’ll want to have a wide selection. Having said that, event photography frequently involves photographing people who are in close proximity to one another. Consider using a lens with a maximum aperture of between F/1.8 and F/2.8. Because of the bigger aperture, this will allow for ample light to enter, resulting in photos that are bright and vibrant.
The ideal lenses to use are those that are made of high-quality glass. High-end lenses are sharper, quicker, and more reliable than entry-level lenses. When it comes to the best lenses for your job, you can’t afford to cut corners.
Finally, make sure to bring lighting equipment. You never know what kind of situation you’ll be faced with until it really happens. It is vital to have access to portable artificial illumination. Take precautions to ensure that you have a flash as well as some type of continuous light source on hand.
Keep a sharp eye out for opportunities to capture themManage Expectations & Make a List
In the profession of event photography, the only way to ensure that you are rehired is to capture the right moments. This indicates that everyone in the room will be displaying strong facial emotions, wide smiles, and a lot of energy. There are a few important guidelines to follow in order to ensure that you always capture the greatest images.
First and foremost, position yourself at a commanding vantage point from which to get natural environmental images. Understand what you’re there to photograph and position yourself so that you can easily follow them with your camera, snapping the shutter whenever something interesting happens. Moments will usually emerge if you remain stationary for an extended period of time.
This means that you must always be in front of the camera. A wonderful opportunity can present itself at any time, and you must be prepared to seize the opportunity. Pay attention to the expressions on people’s faces, be aware of your surroundings, and attempt to anticipate what will happen in every corner of the room. It seems like there is always someone in a corner doing something that would make for an excellent shot.
Never be hesitant to snap a slew of images at one sitting. You can always delete the ones that aren’t interesting later. You would rather take the shot and receive nothing than miss out on something truly spectacular, wouldn’t you? And, when it comes to awkward or stiff themes, attempt to lighten the mood by cracking a joke on them. You can also alter things up and catch them in a more passionate state rather than a humorous one.
Just as a side note, candid photography is the most effective. By observing how individuals connect with one another, you can catch the most exciting candid moments that other guests at the party may have overlooked.
However, you must also take images that are posed. These are extremely necessary if you want to gain more employment and earn a higher salary. Selecting attractive couples and asking them to pose for a photograph should not be avoided. You should also feel comfortable approaching individuals and encouraging them to embrace, strike positions you believe will look the best, and even kiss if the situation calls for it. They will always express gratitude to you later on when they view the photographs.
Manage Expectations & Make a List
There is no such thing as a typical event photography assignment. Always engage in a conversation with the customer before showing up for the event or meeting. Pose some extremely crucial questions, such as what type of event it is, what kind of photos the client desires, what the client considers to be the most significant moments, what style of photography they like, and what they do not want featured in the photographs. This will assist to guarantee that the consumer is completely satisfied. Always maintain an open line of contact with the customer and strive to fully comprehend their requirements.
As soon as you’ve figured out what your customer needs and what type of event you’ll be attending, establish a list of the important photos that you believe will help you complete the task successfully. Try to have some crucial moments that you’re on the watch for, whether it’s a wedding or an office party so that you can compile a full album of the event.
Try connecting with the event organizer or other key persons at the event to ensure that you capture everyone and leave nothing out of your recording. Their expertise can help you identify the top performers, the couples, and other crucial factors that your camera should be paying attention to during the shoot. If you fail to notice the birthday boy’s response when the surprise cake is delivered, your customer will most likely be upset with you.
The Legality: Make a Contract
Even while event photography appears to be a dream career on the surface, the reality may be downright terrifying. Keep in mind that everyone else at the event is normally a member of the family or a group; you are an outsider with a camera who has been invited. Your parents may become upset and ask you to leave, and dissatisfied spouses may demand a refund after criticizing your photographs merely because they spent far too much money on their own ceremony. Anything may go wrong, which means you must be legally protected at all times.
If you’re serious about event photography, you should consult with a contract attorney. Make certain that you will not be sued or held responsible if something happens that is out of your control. This implies that clients will not be able to obtain unauthorized refunds, so upsetting their day and losing you money.
Before you attend the event, make sure you have a formal contract in place to safeguard your hard-earned money from being stolen.
Punctuality and professionalism is essential
Finally, remember to be on time and to conduct yourself professionally. This entails arriving earlier than the majority of the attendees. Always arrive on time. Not only does this give you the appearance of being a committed professional, but it also provides you the opportunity to shoot the location before the guests arrive, followed by photographs of the guests as they come.
You should also have a decent turnaround time when it comes to timeliness. In most cases, seven days is sufficient time for delivering proofs to the customer. If you start too soon, you’ll appear as if you didn’t put forth enough effort, and if you start too late, you’ll appear as if you were lazy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that events lose their significance quite fast. After two weeks, it’s possible that everyone has forgotten and that your customer no longer wants the images. Make sure to collect and deliver within seven days after receiving the order.
When it comes to being professional, there are two things you should keep in mind at all times. First and foremost, do not annoy the guest. Guests at an event should not be interrupted in order to snap a photograph. Be courteous to everyone, even if you don’t particularly like for them. If someone expresses a desire not to be photographed, respect that request.
Second, make sure you look at the part. When attending events such as parties and company gatherings, you can usually get away with wearing a semi-formal dress. However, if you’re attending anything really formal, such as a wedding, make sure you’re dressed to impress while yet blending in with the crowd. As much as possible, try to become a part of the scenes that you’re filming.
Conclusion
Photojournalism at events is not always a walk in the park. First and first, you must remember to look after your own health and wellbeing. The majority of events take place over the course of a single day. It is possible to arrive early in the morning and not depart until late in the evening. Pack your own food so that you are not under the impression that the event organizers will provide you with refreshments, and be prepared to spend the most of the day on your feet.
Keep clear communication with your client, prepare a list of key moments and shots that must be captured, bring all necessary equipment and then some, and dress to impress while acting like a professional, staying out of everyone’s way, and remaining in the background to capture all of the best moments.