Events are exciting but challenging. From weddings to birthday parties, there are all sorts of special events that people may ask you to photograph.Â
However, photographing a bunch of random people having fun is quite different than photographing a family or engagement session. There are far more challenges but it can also be great fun if you come prepared and know what you’re doing.
Feeling unprepared? Read this to get the basics of how to photograph an event.Â
Gear
As with most types of photography, the gear will make or break your images of the event. Many events are held indoors, which means challenging lighting. There may be different colored lighting to contend with or a general lack of bright light.Â
This isn’t always the case as some events are held outdoors. But that can sometimes mean bright sunlight or the setting sun, which may cast harsh shadows or bathe your subjects in unflattering orange light.Â
So let’s look at what you should have in your bag to combat these issues.Â
Camera Body
For indoor events, it’s crucial to have a camera body that can handle low lighting well. Not all cameras have the same low-light capability and if you plan to do a lot of event photography, this is a feature you should prioritize.Â
A higher megapixel count is also helpful as these cameras pick up details better. However, higher megapixels mean huge files so be sure to have plenty of large SD cards on hand because you’ll be taking a lot of photos.Â
For outdoor events, the requirements are slightly different. You may not be dealing with low lighting unless it’s at night, but you may need speed. People may be moving around more and you’ll need a camera that can keep up. Look for a camera body that has a high frame-per-second rate.
Lens
Another way to handle the low light challenge is with the lens you choose. Lenses with a wider aperture allow more light to enter the lens, making them a better choice. You should stick with lenses with a maximum aperture of f2.8.Â
Of course, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny for those lenses, but the right gear is a large part of what will set you apart as a professional.Â
Another advantage of wide-aperture lenses is that you can get a nice shallow depth of field. Artistically speaking, this allows you to pull people out of the crowd and direct the viewer’s attention to the important element of the photograph.Â
Event photos can sometimes be confusing to the viewer because they don’t know exactly what the subject is. However, if your subject is the only thing in sharp focus, it immediately becomes obvious.
Finally, there is the great debate between prime lenses and zoom lenses to consider. Prime lenses generally offer sharper images, especially in low lighting, which is a huge advantage. But in order to change your composition, you have to zoom with your feet, which can be challenging in this setting.
Zoom lenses offer more versatility and help cut down on lens changes. However, you may sacrifice a touch of image quality for convenience.
Another way to handle the low light challenge is with the lens you choose. Lenses with a wider aperture allow more light to enter the lens, making them a better choice. You should stick with lenses with a maximum aperture of f2.8.
Of course, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny for those lenses, but the right gear is a large part of what will set you apart as a professional.
Another advantage of wide-aperture lenses is that you can get a nice shallow depth of field. Artistically speaking, this allows you to pull people out of the crowd and direct the viewer’s attention to the important element of the photograph.
Event photos can sometimes be confusing to the viewer because they don’t know exactly what the subject is. However, if your subject is the only thing in sharp focus, it immediately becomes obvious.
Finally, there is the great debate between prime lenses and zoom lenses to consider. Prime lenses generally offer sharper images, especially in low lighting, which is a huge advantage. But in order to change your composition, you have to zoom with your feet, which can be challenging in this setting.
Zoom lenses offer more versatility and help cut down on lens changes. However, you may sacrifice a touch of image quality for convenience.
Clients
In general, event photography is a little more stressful for clients than something like family photos. They are already stressed because of planning a big event, often a once-in-a-lifetime one. Plus, there are no easy do-overs. The photos you take are what they get.
Thus, it is important to set yourself and your clients up for success. Let’s look at how to do that.Â
Client ExpectationsÂ
One of the best ways to provide a product your client loves is to know exactly what they are looking for. There are many different styles of event photography from strictly documentary to posed images of the guests.Â
Most people are expecting a mix between the two, but every client is different. The only way to know what this particular client likes is to ask them! A questionnaire is helpful to prompt information the client might not know to convey and you should also sit down with them in person to discuss the details, if possible.Â
You should have an attorney draw up your contract. Make sure that what you provide — and what you won’t provide — is clearly outlined.Â
Types of Shots
There are several different types of images you will be shooting at an event. Most people are expecting to see a mix, though you should definitely find out what to prioritize.Â
Posed vs. Candid ShotsÂ
Most events will include posed images. For example, at weddings, the bride and groom will gather with friends and family and these posed shots are considered gold. These are usually the ones that end up framed on the wall.Â
However, candid shots are a whole lot of fun. This is what will fill a photo album of the event with laughter and emotion. Keep an eye out around you at all times. The laughter, tears, and unexpected images you capture will be the ones that turn a bunch of boring photos into the most important photos ever!
Pre-Event Detail Photos
In addition, your work should include a few detail photos of the venue and decor. Your client worked hard to make their event look perfect. Photos will ensure the memory of their work lives on!
Furthermore, depending on who your client is, they may wish to use these photos as promotion for future events.
You, the Photographer
All right, we’ve got everything else out of the way, but what about you? Let’s look at the general expectations people will have for a professional photographer at their event.Â
Be Prompt
If you’re on time, you’re late. For both your sake and theirs, get to the event with a little time to spare. This will give you a chance to get set up before the event begins and take a few test shots to try out the lighting. Plus, you have a few minutes to get photos of the decor before it gets crowded.Â
AttireÂ
You might not be attending the event as a guest, but you should still match their attire. Dress up a little if it is a wedding, wear business attire to a corporate event, etc.Â
Of course, the dress code can be all over the map for some types of events. For example, birthday parties can be very formal or very casual. The main thing is to not show up in a t-shirt and ripped jeans.
How to Act
Try to stay out of the way as much as possible. You might be drawing attention with flashes, etc but you want to keep as low of a profile as possible. Nobody is there to see you; they’re there to enjoy the event.
Don’t interrupt people to ask them for photos and avoid obstructing views as much as possible. If a guest asks not to be photographed, don’t photograph them. Be polite to everyone.
Don’t stay in the same place too much. You’ll get more variety and angles as you move around. Plus, you can miss opportunities if you are rooted in one place.
When a special piece of the event is about to happen, get in place early. This will assure you a good vantage point without having to jostle into position. Then, with your composition and camera settings ready, you are poised to click the shutter at the opportune moment.
Event Photography in a Nutshell
To be honest, event photography doesn’t fit in a nutshell. There are a lot of elements that must come together well to successfully photograph an event.
This guide will set you on the right track and the rest comes with experience!
