If you see something that moves you and snap it, you keep a moment. Photography, whether taken up as a hobby or as a profession, has emotional strings attached to it. And no other photography’s chords are stronger than that of event photography – be it a wedding, a cricket match, or an office party.
Here are 10 tips to take better shots of your next event.
Tip#1 Pursuing a professional course
One can easily enhance skills with event photography courses from top-class institutions. This will not only give a thorough understanding of shoot technicalities, but also improve transferable skills such as interpersonal communication, teamwork, and the likes.
Tip#2 Knowing your gear like the back of your hand
For every photographer, event or otherwise, their camera and other related photography equipment is their secret weapon. Thus, it is essential to know one’s camera, its lens and flash, lighting adjustments, among others to the t. This is something a professional program will seamlessly instil!
Tip#3 Doing a lot of prep work
Before the big day of the shoot, do your homework and do it well – research about the event, the type of attendees, important activities about to take place, spots where specific activities are to be held, among others. Prepare a shoot list with your client to never miss out on the essentials!
Tip#4 Going candid, and going often!
Candid photos or action shots are way more interesting than staged pictures. As an event photographer, this should be one of your strongpoints – buckle up to stay constantly on your toes and ready to click that perfect shot before time runs out.
Tip#5 Asking your subjects to pose
Now, no successful event photographer will swear by all-candid photos. Feel free to ask your subjects to pose; to deal with stiffness, help them loosen themselves (maybe suggest a few funny poses to ease a tense portrait or ask people to embrace each other and even kiss in case of a married couple).
Tip#6 Practising the pause
There will inevitably be times when you may have something else in mind while your subjects have something completely different. Learn to practice the pause and try to work a way around their demands – never try to impose your ideas! Client management is another excellent skill an event photographer must possess.
Tip#7 Your external flash is your friend in need
This is especially the case with indoor events where natural lighting is not in your favour. However, even outdoor events may demand the use of flash – if the subject is dimly lit, in cases of shooting backlight or overpowering sun rays, etc. Just remember, your external flash is a handy friend during such times.
Tip#8 Getting up-close and personal
Shooting an event as a whole requires much more than wandering about the area with your camera. That will reveal nothing much besides the number of attendees. To make images more interesting and meaningful, get personal with the subjects – introduce yourself, have a chat, and then click a photo.
Tip#9 Having an eye for crucial shots
Remember the shoot list we mentioned sometime back? Make sure you mark all key shots that you may wish to shoot from a specific activity or area – couple’s bridal dance, an unfortunate goal kick in a football match, Chairman addressing employees in a corporate event, etc.
Tip#10 Being punctual
You know what they say about event photographers, “If you’re on time, you’re very late!” It is both professional and useful to arrive at least an hour before your subjects and monitor your work field thoroughly for a final prep. And if it’s a wedding, you need to be all the more early – never miss out on pre-wedding photos!
For top professional courses, aspirants must choose top institutions like the Pearl Academy. Students will get a 360-degree learning experience and a thorough understanding of topography and lighting conditions to shoot every event with the utmost ease.