Taking on event photography can be a fun yet complicated challenge. You will face a number of technical difficulties that might demoralize even the most experienced event photographer if you are not prepared.
Once you have mastered the tips and tricks to getting event photography right, you will enjoy the shoot more than ever and never worry about missing any great shots. Here are ten of the most important things you need to know and apply to practice in event photography so you come up with pictures that tell a thousand words.
- Use the right gear. Specific events call for specific cameras and accessories. However, events usually take place indoors, where there is limited lighting. When this is the kind of shoot you have planned, be prepared with a low light camera. For an outdoor shoot, carrying a DSLR or two without the right carrying system around for hours will likely lead to shoulder aches and back pains. You can use a lightweight camera but it might compromise the quality of the shoot, so a DSLR is still the best option. Regardless of whether the event is indoors or out, investing in a carrying system like the SpiderPro Single or Dual Camera System V2 will help you comfortably carry your heavy cameras around. It will allow you to capture unexpected or spontaneous shots quickly too.
- Know which lighting equipment to use. You have a choice between continuous light and flashes when you need artificial lighting in events. Keep in mind that continuous light is easier but can be quite distracting, especially if the event is supposed to be done in dim lighting. On the other hand, flashes are the more popular choice by photographers, but if you are not skilled with it, your photos might end up looking harsh. Weigh your options and when you decide on what flash to use, the Spider Monkey Kit will help you carry the flash on your belt for quick access.
- Always bring extras. Batteries, memory cards, camera body, lenses and more, always remember to bring one or two extras of these. You never know when you might need a spare, so always be prepared. Organize these extras in the SpiderPro lens pouches, SpiderMonkey utility pouch and store your memory cards in the Spider Memory Card Organizer.
- Set your camera right. Setting your camera on burst mode is great for event photography, where guests or participants are always on the move, and very quickly, too. Just keep in mind that the burst mode will result in images in the hundreds, if not thousands. Be prepared to sort through that many images. The continuous focus setting is also quite helpful since it allows you to lock in on your subject and follow the subject around.
- Know what your client wants. Always have a discussion with your client days before the event. This will help you set and manage expectations and give the client what they want on the day of the event.
- Prepare a short list. Even professional photographers stick with this tip. You wouldn’t want to miss a scene that the client specifically asked for because you forgot about it. Having a short list will make you organize your shoot effectively and is very helpful in case no coordinator is around to help you out.
- Get those candid and spontaneous shots. Even if the client did not ask for it, candid and spontaneous shots will show numerous emotions and scenes at the event that will be more often than not be cherished more than the formal shots. Surprise your client with these kinds of photos and they will be delighted, for sure.
- Capture images before the event and even after it ends. Doing so will cover the whole story and help you convey the message of your photos more clearly. It will help you to bring out more details of the event and give a fuller narrative of it, too.
- Move around without disturbing others. Staying in one spot for long will make you miss other important and spontaneous photo opportunities. One key trick is to keep moving around and look out for guest reactions and emotions. However, always remember to keep your subject in sight. You should be precise and quick in your movements all the while keeping out of guests’ way.
- Be professional. Don’t forget to be the professional that you are, from your gear and your accessories to your attire and your manners. Be punctual, dress appropriately and hand over the results of the shoot not a day late than what you and your client agreed on. Always have the contract sealed before taking on any photoshoot.
Taking full advantage of these tips and the recommended accessories and carrying system will most definitely help you to step up your photography game. Don’t wait any longer and put them into practice. You will definitely be able to tell the difference.
If you want to know which Spider Holster gear can complement your work perfectly, do not hesitate to visit our website.