Event Photography: 12 Top Tips
For most photographers, shooting events can be a really fun way of making a passive income - either in your spare time or between working hours. Financially, event photography can be a very lucrative business on it’s own, or even a way to top up monthly earnings. Let’s be honest, we’ve all at some point been at the end of the month wondering where the money went so fast!
Networking wise, shooting events opens up a whole range of opportunities to gain new clients and exposure. Whether your photographing a birthday party with 50 guests, music festival or a business meeting. As the photographer, you’re pretty much the one that everyone will see at some point, so make sure to take note of tip number 12!
1: Get close up
This is where the action really happens. Get out your zoom lens and really focus of those funny moments filled with laughter and action. Identify where guests are huddled around food or playing games, and make sure to get those action shots! Make sure to also apply this with tips 4 & 9.
How about going even further, get creative with close up shots from either above or below the action.
2: Capture the wide angles
You’ve got those action shots, now focus on the scene. Most clients want to also remember the environment where the event took place. Make sure to get those shots which capture the decoration and general vibe of the event.
3: Find the conversations
Scout the room and the event, pay attention to who the main people in the event are - who are they talking too and what are they doing?. At the same time, also take into account other guests, can I create some candid action shots?. Photographs of conversations are a great way to make sure the emotion and general vibe of the event is captured.
4: Take more photographs than needed
Honestly, this is a tip that can be applied not just to event photography, but to all genres of photography. There is nothing worse than that gut feeling in your stomach when you leave an event and wonder if you have enough images?. Remember, you’re there to get plenty of images - so make sure you have more than needed. A general rule of thumb for event photography is to double or triple your image count needed. Event photography is full of blank expressions and closed eyes. Don’t get caught out by not having enough images when it comes to the editing stage.
5: Speak with the event organiser to get details and a shot list
This really is so important. It’s so easy as a photographer to turn up to an event and just shoot images. But are the images your making, the ones which the client really wants?.
Take a few minutes before the event to talk with the event organiser or client in advance. Ask them specifically what are the most important images they want to get out of the event - or even better ask them to email you a shot list. Once you have this, the rest of the images will just fall in between of these shots. It’s a great way to get a happy client!.
6: Mix it up: Black and white / Colour
This isn’t for every client, each client may have their own specifications. On the whole however - many clients love creative editing. Ask your client if they have a certain image look they are after, even better if they can save images they like. If not - the playing field is open to your creativity. Out of my experience, people love a mix of colour and black / white shots.
7: Choose an editing style
Consistency is key when delivering a set of images. Make sure your editing for that event works with each other. Consider creating a new preset in Adobe Lightroom just for that event where all the editing and colour tones are consistent. Presets are great for editing large amount of photographs and saving time.
8: Don’t forget those group shots
If you’re photographing a busy event, party or festival - the client will most likely want lots of group shots. As a rule of thumb, I find that you’ll have to wait for guests to settle into the event and the fun to happen before these shots are possible. Make sure you ask at the right time, look enthusiastic and be confident - You got this!.
9: Check your shutter speed often
Over the years, I’ve lots count of how many times as a photographer I’ve been in the ‘heat of the moment’ and accidentally flicked the shutter speed without realising until you get to the editing stage. All those perfect images that you thought came out crisp sharp, are now blurred. If you have a lock on your settings, use it for situations which have constant lighting. If not, checking your settings frequently ensures you’re covered for most eventualities.
10: Blend in to the crowd
Acting as a fly on the wall for events is a great technique. A generally rule of thumb for me which works when photographing a party or event is to follow a particular path two or three times - then find a great vantage point which allows you to watch the event unfold for a few minutes. Use this time to identify particular events which are happening and where the next shot will come from. Who in the crowd is looking like they are having the most fun and what haven’t you captured yet?.
Being able to frequently observe the event from afar allows the photographer to not only blend into the crowd whilst planning the next shot, but it also gives breathing space for guests.
11: Shoot RAW
“Photographers should only shoot RAW”. It’s a phrase you hear all the time around the industry. Of course, it’s up to each individual photographer if they shoot jpeg or raw. However, if you’re shooting an event, there may be times - certainly in low light situations where you will really need to pull out some data from the file. That’s where the RAW file comes in, it’s literally a life saver at times. When you’re on a shoot, it’s all too easy to aim to perfectly expose every shot, but we all know there are also times where lighting changes so quickly and its a matter of either getting the shot in low light or missing it. I know which I would choose!. Shoot Raw and make sure you’re covered for all situations.
12: Take business cards
Remember what we said at the start of this post? … the photographer is the one who everyone sees. It’s a perfect way to build your network, whilst getting paid!. I can guarantee 9/10 times a guest will ask the photographer where they can find the images. That’s a perfect quick introduction and opportunity to hand over your details - even if the distribution will be handled by the client.
Bonus Tip:
Smile and have fun! … guests and clients love a happy photographer. Trust me, if you’re able to smile throughout the whole event, guests will find you much more approachable, leading to fun and natural images!
I hope you enjoyed this blog post, remember to check out my facebook page where you’ll be seeing lots more exciting content to come!
