What sets event photography apart from something similar like wedding photography? You'll find more unwilling models because events don't necessarily signify celebrations.
Event photography is tiring and not always fruitful but clients demand results. Most attendees of such events are business people who aren't too keen on having their pictures taken right when they're in the middle of a conversation. You'll also be jostling for space with people from the media which means your tactic to getting good photos must be sneakily disarming.
Introduce yourself
Before taking photos, introduce yourself and reassure guests that you've been hired for the event. This immediately sets you apart from the media. Once you build a relationship it's easier to get better shots and more of them too.
Chat people up
Get to know people who seem amiable. You won't find everyone eager to have their pictures taken but more times than most, a friendly and respectful attitude will see you being given access. Reassure them that you won't take up much of their time. Remember, events are a great place to network and have business conversations so most attendees don't want to spend the evening hamming it up in front of the camera.
Stick with groups of three or less
Since the guest list is usually quite long, there'll be more people than you can photograph. Sticking with groups or three or two will throw up better images and create better focus on the subjects rather than having five or ten people crammed into the frame.
Avoid room shots
Don't bother with them because they look messy and irrelevant. Do so only if your client asks you to or if there are décor elements that stand out as in the case of party planners' events.
Timing is everything
There are countless perfect moments to grab great pictures; you just have to stay alert. The best photos are those that tell a story and you find them everywhere. Maybe there's a guest greeting an old friend or someone toasting to another's health. These opportunities don't have to be visible to all but as a photographer it's your job to stay alert.
Use bounce flash
Eliminate red eye with bounce flash which also creates softer light. Use it when photographing singles or groups. Outdoor shots, meanwhile, should be taken using fill flash which evens out shadows and balances light.
Use gear you're comfortable with
Photographers favour one brand over another and you're no exception. Work with equipment you feel comfortable with even if it means compromising on certain elements. Or, learn to work with different gear and aim to master those meant for event photography. The list of tools is dizzyingly long and there's no perfect equipment. Just equipment that's perfect for you.
Display only good or great shots
Web galleries should only exhibit the best images because they're available for all to see. You won't be forgiven for displaying photos where someone has his eyes closed or his mouth open. Delete useless shots and don't bother trying to work with them.
Like all fields of photography, event photography takes practice and the right gear allows you to get the shots you want. The tips outlined here will make learning easier and guarantee clients are satisfied.
Event photography is tiring and not always fruitful but clients demand results. Most attendees of such events are business people who aren't too keen on having their pictures taken right when they're in the middle of a conversation. You'll also be jostling for space with people from the media which means your tactic to getting good photos must be sneakily disarming.
Introduce yourself
Before taking photos, introduce yourself and reassure guests that you've been hired for the event. This immediately sets you apart from the media. Once you build a relationship it's easier to get better shots and more of them too.
Chat people up
Get to know people who seem amiable. You won't find everyone eager to have their pictures taken but more times than most, a friendly and respectful attitude will see you being given access. Reassure them that you won't take up much of their time. Remember, events are a great place to network and have business conversations so most attendees don't want to spend the evening hamming it up in front of the camera.
Stick with groups of three or less
Since the guest list is usually quite long, there'll be more people than you can photograph. Sticking with groups or three or two will throw up better images and create better focus on the subjects rather than having five or ten people crammed into the frame.
Avoid room shots
Don't bother with them because they look messy and irrelevant. Do so only if your client asks you to or if there are décor elements that stand out as in the case of party planners' events.
Timing is everything
There are countless perfect moments to grab great pictures; you just have to stay alert. The best photos are those that tell a story and you find them everywhere. Maybe there's a guest greeting an old friend or someone toasting to another's health. These opportunities don't have to be visible to all but as a photographer it's your job to stay alert.
Use bounce flash
Eliminate red eye with bounce flash which also creates softer light. Use it when photographing singles or groups. Outdoor shots, meanwhile, should be taken using fill flash which evens out shadows and balances light.
Use gear you're comfortable with
Photographers favour one brand over another and you're no exception. Work with equipment you feel comfortable with even if it means compromising on certain elements. Or, learn to work with different gear and aim to master those meant for event photography. The list of tools is dizzyingly long and there's no perfect equipment. Just equipment that's perfect for you.
Display only good or great shots
Web galleries should only exhibit the best images because they're available for all to see. You won't be forgiven for displaying photos where someone has his eyes closed or his mouth open. Delete useless shots and don't bother trying to work with them.
Like all fields of photography, event photography takes practice and the right gear allows you to get the shots you want. The tips outlined here will make learning easier and guarantee clients are satisfied.
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