Event Photography Techniques [With Examples, Tips & Tutorials]

Event photography is the act of taking photographs of events. Events are a broad range, but for photographers, it’s more than just parties.

Event photography also includes conventions and festivals, sports games and tournaments.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about event photography, including how to get started with event photography and what gear you’ll need.

So whether you’re new to event photography or looking to brush up on your skills, read on!
 

Corporate event photographers specialize in taking pictures at conferences, conventions, and other business-related events.

They generally work for companies who want to document their corporate gatherings using professional event photography services.

Barbecue photographers or food photographers focus on taking beautiful shots of food at outdoor barbecues and parties.

What Is Event Photography?

Event photography is a type of photography that involves photographing an event. The event can be anything from a wedding, to a concert, to a ball game.

And the event photographer can be hired either as an individual or as part of a company.

The big difference between event photography and other forms of photography like street photography or portrait photography is that there is usually less control over lighting conditions and composition.

This means that the event photographer needs to have some experience with flash photography in order to make up for the harsh lighting conditions.

They also need to know how to use their equipment effectively so that they can get the best possible results out of each shot.

Event Photography Tutorial

Event Photography Tutorial

Event photography can be a little different than standard portrait photography. You are going to have one chance to capture the event, so you can’t miss it. It is important that you get your camera settings correct before the event begins and that you plan out your shots.

Description: What type of camera do I use?

Advances in digital photography have made it possible for anyone to take professional quality photographs with a relatively inexpensive digital camera and ‘point & shoot’ lens. The key to using these types of cameras for event photography is simply being prepared!

Spend some time testing how your camera works at the different settings and make sure that you know what all the buttons on your camera do. Make sure that your batteries are charged and carry extra fully charged batteries with you.

If your camera allows, set up the ‘auto off’ function so that the camera turns off after ten minutes of non-use. Letting the battery go down during an important photo opportunity will result in missing the shot!

You must also be aware of any limitations your equipment has. For example, if you are using a zoom lens for an indoor event you must make sure that it is not too long for the space or there may be distortion in the pictures. 

How To Do Event Photography

Ever wondered how to do event photography? No problem, we are here to help with these event photography tips.

Treat each event as a new challenge: Every event is different and brings its own set of challenges. If you are planning to go for an event photography project, don’t just rely on the skills you have already acquired. Approach every new challenge with a positive spirit and work hard to get what you want.

Get your equipment ready: Make sure that your cameras and other equipment are in good working condition. Make all the necessary preparations before you leave for the venue. Also, make sure that there is enough memory space in your camera so that you can take pictures without any fear of running out of storage space.

Be punctual: Always be on time. Visit the venue at least two hours before the start of the event so that you can get a feel of the place, meet some of the organizers, and prepare yourself accordingly. There might be many people milling around and you may not get enough space to set up your equipment or get a good vantage point without disturbing anyone, so plan ahead and see where it is possible to set up your camera without hampering anyone’s movement.

Search for photo-worthy moments: Try to find photo-worthy moments

Event Photography Tips And Tricks

There are times when you need a professional photographer for an event. The last thing you want is to get home from the party and realize that all of your pictures look like they were taken by a toddler with a point-and-shoot. It’s best to hire a professional photographer.

Here are some tips and tricks that will help make sure your event goes off without a hitch.

Event Photography Tips And Tricks

Know the Event

It’s helpful to go over the event with the photographer so they know what type of pictures you are looking for. This will help them know how to position themselves throughout the event in order to capture all the important moments.

If you’re inviting people who may not be familiar with your social circle, let them know ahead of time what activities will be taking place.

Know the Photographer

This may sound strange but photographers can’t read minds. Make sure you clearly communicate your vision for the photos. Don’t assume that your photographer knows what you want just because they have experience, tell them exactly what it is you’re looking for.

Let them know if there are certain shots you would like captured and if there are any restrictions on where they can take photos. 

Best Camera For Event Photography

   

The best camera for event photography is a versatile one. These cameras are great because they can be used in the daytime and at night without the need to change lenses.

They capture images quickly, which is an absolute must when chasing after your child during a soccer match or your niece as she walks down the aisle on her wedding day. Here’s a list of 5 of the best cameras for event photography:

Nikon D3 -The Nikon D3 is currently the highest-rated professional SLR camera that you can purchase. It has 12.1 megapixels, shoots HD movies and has a 3″ LCD screen that swivels out from the top of the camera so you can take self-portraits or capture shots over your head easily.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II- The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is ideal for capturing high quality pictures at a rapid rate of fire with 10.1 megapixels and a 7 frame per second burst rate. It also comes with Canon’s own image processor, Digic 4, built in to give you some of the fastest picture taking speeds available today.

Sony Alpha A700- The Sony Alpha A700 is capable of recording video in HD (1080p) resolution.

Best Lens For Event Photography

[What is the Best Lens for Event Photography]

Event photography is a broad term that can cover everything from photographing your kids’ soccer game to documenting a historic event…

And yes, there’s a lens for that.

With the right gear and practice, you can capture memorable moments with ease. Here’s what you need to know about lenses for event photography:

Focal length. The focal length you need depends on the type of event you are shooting. If you are shooting an indoor sporting event, you would want to zoom in tight so that you can capture the action up close.

A wide-angle lens will allow you to do this and still capture some of the background action. On the other hand, if you are capturing a stage performance or concert, a telephoto lens will let you capture the whole stage in one shot and get up close to your favorite band member without disturbing them or other audience members.

Zoom or prime? Most people assume they need a zoom lens if they are shooting an event because it lets them get up close without getting into the action. While zoom lenses can be convenient, they also have their drawbacks. If you have trouble getting sharp photos when taking pictures of moving objects, a prime lens is more likely suitable for that.

Event Photography Technique

Event photography can be a lot of fun. You get to see things you might never get to see and meet interesting people along the way.

Tripods can be your best friend or worst enemy when you’re shooting at an event. They are definitely a necessity for an event photographer. But in my experience, most photographers don’t know how to use their tripods properly. I’ll tell you how to achieve the best results from your tripod and hopefully, make your life easier at the same time.

Once you set up your tripod, you want to make sure it is firmly planted on the ground or floor where you plan on shooting. Even when using a moderately priced tripod, don’t expect them to hold up if they are set on sandy soil or gravel. Obviously, if you’re shooting outside in windy conditions, take extra care as well.

Next step is to extend the legs of the tripod out so they are longer than your camera and lens combined. This will allow you maximum flexibility in terms of shooting angles and perspective when composing your shots during the event.

Another thing I always do before any shoot is to make sure that the center column on my tripod is pushed all the way down so it’s locked off and won’t move during my shoot (most trip).

Event Photo Shooting Advice

Event photography is a large part of what I do. It is an area that I have become passionate about, and have really grown to love.

Description: Event Photography is a very broad description that can encompass many different situations. There are so many different types of events and venues; weddings, corporate events, parties, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries… the list goes on.

Description: Shooting in Events such as Weddings can be full of obstacles that you may not expect. When working at a wedding you need to be careful not to get in the way of the action, yet still, capture the right moments, and all this while also making sure not to be intrusive or rude to your clients.

Description: Here are my top ten tips for event photography:

Arrive early – this is one of the most important tips for event photography! If you arrive early you will have time to scope out the venue and find some good locations for photos before anyone even arrives at the venue. This will give you time to figure out where you want your subjects to stand for group shots or if there are any areas that are preferable for certain photo opportunities.

Plus it’s always nice to arrive early so you can relax and chat with your client before the event takes place.

How To Become an Event Photographer

Event photography is a great hobby and can be very lucrative. You don’t have to have a degree in photography either. All you need is a passion for shooting and you’ll achieve success. In this article, I will provide you with some information on how to become an event photographer.

This may be the best time to take event photography seriously as there is always money to be made. Many people like to take photos of their family, friends, and experiences but very few are willing to pay good money for the right print or photo. Event photographers are at the right place at the right time!

So how do you become an event photographer?

Many people start out by taking pictures of friends or family events. It’s easy because you are able to capture the moment without anyone else knowing about it. This is crucial in order to not distract from the main purpose of the event by getting in everyone’s way.

After you get the hang of it, it’s time to start selling your services. The key here is being professional and patient while looking for your first clients.

Start small–have friends and family hire you for their own events so that they can spread the word about your work. Then slowly expand into more lucrative markets (corporate parties and weddings)

How To Do Event Photography

Now that you’re equipped with some basic knowledge on how to do event photography, why not organize an event yourself? There’s a lot of things you can do to make it a success!

TIP: A good way to start doing event photography is by capturing pictures of your friends, family, and colleagues. That way, you’ll be getting familiar with the equipment you’ll be using at events.

TIP: If you want to set up a professional photo booth for your event, here are some tips on where to get your supplies and everything else you’ll need. You can also hire a company to do it for you. You may also want to check out this article about shooting weddings if there’s an upcoming one in your family or social circle.

TIP: Perhaps a photo booth isn’t the best option for your event. If so, just have fun shooting anything that interests you! You can learn more about photography by reading these articles about composition and framing.

TIP: Remember that lighting is extremely important when it comes to taking great photos. Check out this article if you want to learn more about proper lighting techniques in photography.

Event Photography Prepare For The Event

To have the most successful event photography experience possible, it’s important to make sure that you are prepared for the event.

This will ensure that you’re able to capture all of the best moments of an event and share them with others. It’s a good idea to follow these simple tips before the event begins to ensure that your event photography goes smoothly.

Event Photography Tips

Research The Venue: Before you arrive at the venue of your event, research it thoroughly. This can help give you an idea of what type of lighting you can expect as well as some possible photo opportunities so that you’ll be prepared when you arrive. If there is a specific area that you want to shoot from, this is also a good time to determine if there will be any obstructions such as trees or signage.

Prepare Your Gear: Once you have done your research on the venue, it’s time to prepare your camera equipment for the shots you plan on taking.

Check your battery levels and make sure that all batteries are fully charged. Also, check the memory card capacity on your camera and make sure there is enough room for additional photos at the venue. If you plan on shooting video, be sure to prepare extra batteries for any cameras that need them.

Gear Up For Event Photography

There is a variety of equipment that is essential for a good photographer, particularly one who shoots events. Your photography gear will vary depending on what type of photography you are going to be doing.

Tripods are a must for event photographers. They allow you to take sharper and clearer pictures and to allow you to have your camera on the same level as the subject.

For those with SLR cameras, there are tripods specifically made for them that have an attachment at the bottom so that they can fit directly into the camera body (which makes them lighter). There are also mini tripods that can be attached to things like monopods or selfie sticks so that you can set up photos without setting your camera down on something. A remote shutter release is also crucial because it allows you to take photos without touching your camera.

You should have at least one lens with a zoom feature, as well as a wide angle lens that allows you to get more people into the photo. You should also carry around extra batteries and memory cards in case you need them during the event.

Depending on how long the event is, it might be worth considering bringing along a small bag where you can store these items so that they aren’t visible to others and cause security issues.

Event Photography Shoot In Burst Mode

The hardest thing about photographing events is capturing that true candid moment.

Trying to capture photos of guests having fun, or children enjoying the activities at an event can be a challenge. These types of shots are always the most popular and sought after, yet they are also the most difficult to capture.

Trying to capture that perfect shot in burst mode is possibly one of the worst things you could do. Burst mode is when your camera takes a number of photos over a period of time, which can result in blurry and unidentifiable pictures.

Here are some tips on how to take event photos using your DSLR camera in burst mode:

   

Set your camera to ‘continuous’ or ‘high speed’ shooting mode. You want to shoot as quickly as possible without having to worry about having to push the button again and again. Keep your finger pressed down firmly on the shutter button, but don’t keep it pressed down all the way. Release it every few seconds in order to let your camera focus properly. Be sure that you have enough storage space on your memory card – you don’t want to run out at an important time! Make sure your camera’s focus and exposure are set correctly by doing a test shot.

Event Photography Capture Emotions And Expressions

Event photography covers a wide range of events from weddings to parties, exhibitions, shows and conferences. The common thing with all these events is that they are often very special moments in people’s lives.

For this reason I always try to capture emotions and expressions. An event photographer should never forget to live in the present moment, because it will be gone in a flash. Capturing feelings, joy, and excitement is what makes your pictures come alive.

While it may seem like common sense, you would be surprised how often I see event photographers who are not really living for the moment, but rather trying to capture the moment.

If you want to be a great event photographer you need to get into the habit of being present! You should also keep in mind that an event is not just about the subject on stage or on camera. You also need to pay attention to your surroundings.

A good example is a wedding where you have a bride and groom as well as their parents and other members of their family. You can take several nice photos of the bride and groom together but if you only focus on them you might miss out on capturing some great family photos of the bride with her parents or even the groom with his parents.