Event Photography – Tips

Event photography can be a big challenge for photographers but if you approach it in the right way your talent will sparkle.

Commercial clients often require this type of coverage to effectively record significant events. You will be under an element of pressure from the client to document the highest level of quality while boosting their public persona.

Corporate coverage is a speciality, with years of expertise providing indoor and outdoor coverage here are our key tips to keep in mind

• Identify
• Homework
• Prepare
• Cover it
• Seek variety
• Windown

Identify

Make sure you know what the client needs, you should know what the desired outcome of the shoot is and be sure to deliver effectively.

Homework
Check out the location before the shoot and know the schedule. Make sure you know the timings of the particular sections you’re shooting taking note of any opportunities for delay. There’s a big difference between photographing a wedding and shooting a function or corporate event.

Prepare
Prepare with adequate memory for your cameras and stack up on a quick energy snack. Consider the gear you need and how this will affect your flexibility. If your best shots are going to be from a distance, be sure to pack the right length lenses too.

Cover It
Get establishing shots at any large gathering you should capture some images that give your audience an overall feel for the event. In contrast with the establishing shot, find faces that communicate the feeling and excitement of the event.

There are times when the events only come along once, and for those special moments, it may be worth considering a second cameraperson. If you’re confident in your own abilities, you may be able to cover it yourself.

Seek variety
Be sure to get some detail shots with a good mix of people in them as well as the relative size of people in the frame. The more variety you have, the easier to create interesting layouts later — whether for editorial publications, corporate brochures or wedding albums.

Wind down 
Check all your equipment at the end of a shoot and pack up the memory cards, batteries, lenses, flashes. Make sure to have a debrief with the organiser/client. Communication is key, let them know when to expect the final product be clear with times and final completion dates.

Ultimately, it comes down to being prepared and professional.

Good Luck