10 Tips for Photographing Events Like a Pro

Written by Robert Lowdon

Robert Lowdon is an internationally published commercial photographer based out of Toronto, Canada. He spends his time photographing architecture and industrial projects for the most part.

Published October 21, 2013

Toronto event photography

Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur, photographing events can be a great way to get some unique and interesting shots. However, it can also be challenging – there are a lot of things to take into account when preparing for an event shoot. In this blog post, we’ll give you 10 tips for photographing events like a pro!

To ensure that you get the best event photography, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing to photograph an event. Here are 10 best event photography tips:

Arrive Early to the Event

This will give you time to scope out the best possible locations for taking pictures, as well as give you a chance to meet and chat with the event organizer, event planner, and/or client.

Dress appropriately

When you photograph events, it is important to dress appropriately. This means wearing clothing that is not too tight or too loose, and that is not too revealing or too formal. You want to be comfortable so that you can move around easily, and you want to look professional so that you will be taken seriously as an event photographer.

Bring Plenty of Memory Cards

When you photograph events, it’s important to have plenty of memory cards on hand. You’ll likely take a lot of pictures, and you don’t want to run out of space part way through the event. Make sure to bring along a few extra cards, just in case.

For event photography, it’s important to use a memory card that can keep up with your shooting speed. If you’re using a high-speed card, you’ll be able to take pictures without having to wait for the card to write the data to it. This will allow you to keep shooting without interruption.

Be sure to Focus on the Main Subject of the Photo

In event photography, it is important to focus on the main subject of the photo. This may be a person, a group of people, or a particular object. Make sure that the main subject is in sharp focus, and that the surrounding area is blurred. This will help to emphasize the main subject and create a more striking photograph.

Take Plenty of Shots

With digital photography, there’s no such thing as too many pictures. So don’t be afraid to shoot away. The more pictures you take in event photography, the greater the chance that you’ll capture some great moments.

Be Sure to have Fun

In event photography, it’s important to have fun and enjoy yourself. After all, if you’re not enjoying yourself, the photos will likely reflect that.

Try to get into the spirit of the event and let your creative juices flow. Be prepared to experiment and take some risks. If something catches your eye, go for it.

And don’t forget to document the little details that make the event special. It’s these details that will often provide the most lasting memories in your event photography.

With these tips in mind, you’re sure to get some great photos of your next event. So go out there and have fun!

A Shot List Will Help You Capture Those Key Photos

It’s important to have a shot list in event photography. This will help you to ensure that you capture the key photos that you want. A shot list can be as simple or as detailed as you like, but should at least include shots of the bride and groom, the wedding party, the ceremony itself, and any special details or moments that you want to remember.

For corporate event photography, your shot list might include photos of the keynote speaker, any special presentations or awards, and shots of the attendees enjoying themselves.

Whatever type of event you’re shooting, take some time before the big day to sit down and make a shot list. This will help you to make sure that you don’t miss anything important in your event photography.

Types of Event Photography

There are all sorts of events that a photographer may be called upon to shoot. Some of the most common types of events include weddings, corporate functions, and birthday parties.

Weddings are perhaps the most popular type of event photography. They provide a great opportunity to capture some beautiful and emotional moments. Wedding photography requires a lot of planning and preparation but can be very rewarding.

Corporate functions are another type of event photography that is very popular. These events can be anything from a company picnic to a major conference. Corporate event photography requires a different approach than other types of event photography, as you will often need to capture corporate event photos of the attendees in a more formal setting.

Birthday parties are another type of event that can be great fun to photograph. These events often have a more relaxed atmosphere, which can provide some unique photo opportunities

Preparing for the Day of the Event

One of the most important things you can do to ensure success as an event photographer is to be prepared. This means having all of your equipment ready to go well in advance of the event itself.

Make sure you have extra batteries, memory cards, and anything else you might need. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the venue beforehand. This way, you’ll know where the best places to take photos will be.

Event photography is really about timing and preparation.

Shoot Candid Photos

Candid photography is a type of photography that captures unguarded and unposed moments. It can be a great way to capture natural expressions and emotions, as well as the feeling of a particular event.

To get the best candid shots, try to blend in with the crowd and be as unobtrusive as possible. This way, people will be less likely to notice you and act differently than they would if they were aware of your presence.

Another tip is to focus on capturing detail shots. These are often the event photography images that really tell the story of an event, and they can be anything from close-ups of decoration to shots of people interacting with each other.

Photo Editing in Event Photography should be Minimal

In event photography, it is important to keep your editing to a minimum. This is because you want your event photos to capture the essence of the event as it unfolded, without being distorted by too much post-processing.

That said, there are a few basic things that you can do to improve your event photography without going overboard. For example, you can adjust the white balance and exposure levels to ensure that your photos are well-lit and look natural.

In addition, you may also want to crop or rotate your photos if they are not aligned properly. However, be sure not to crop out any important details that could give context to your photo.

Lastly, don’t forget to add a bit of contrast and sharpness to make your event photography photos pop. But again, be careful not to overdo it, as this can ruin the overall look of your photo.

By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your event photography will turn out great!

Do you have any other event photography tips? Share them with us in the comments below!

Indoor Event Photography vs Outdoor Event Photography

Event photography can take place either indoors or outdoors. Each type of event photography has its own challenges and rewards.

Outdoor event photography is often more challenging, as you have to deal with changing lighting conditions and the possibility of bad weather. However, outdoor event photography can also be very rewarding, as you have the opportunity to capture some truly stunning scenery.

Indoor event photography often provides more consistent lighting conditions, but you may have to deal with low light. However, indoor event photography can also be very rewarding, as it allows you to capture some truly unique moments.

So, which is better? Indoor or outdoor event photography?

There is no right or wrong answer. It really depends on your personal preferences and the type of event you are photographing.

If you are new to event photography, it may be a good idea to start with indoor events, as they will provide you with more consistent lighting conditions. Once you feel more comfortable, you can then move on to outdoor events.

Personally, I think outdoor events just offer the opportunity for much better photos. Dark hotels can be very challenging.

My Personal Take on Event Photography

When I think back to all of the corporate events I have photographed in the past one word comes to mind – Fun. There is always lots of action and people enjoying themselves. I always get a lot of enjoyment out of any event I photograph. Seriously, I love photography, events are basically parties, and I get to see the smiles on clients’ faces when I deliver their images, there is no real downside here.

Events can be a monumental task to photograph. In event photography, there is often poor lighting, and there is always a lot happening at once. One of my staples is to get right in the middle of the action.

The event photos I take look like I am about a foot away from the subject, and that is because I am. I move through the crowd and disappear into the background as any good observer would. My clients expect me to document the total event and that is exactly what I do. The photographs need to show the spirit of each event and exactly what is happening from moment to moment.

Speed is the key for experienced event photographers. You have to be ready at any and all moments to get the best photographs, and your shooting abilities need to be technically sound.

Relying on the camera is the wrong idea in event photography. Automatic camera settings will almost always yield poor results.

As an event photographer, I use high-end professional equipment, but these are all just tools to produce high-quality images my clients expect. Event photography can be tricky and our skills as event photographers can easily be tested.

Event Photography Pricing

When pricing your event photography services, it is important to remember that you are providing a service that requires a lot of time and effort on your part. In order to ensure that you are compensated fairly for your work, it is important to come up with a fair and reasonable price point.

The Four Main Types of Event Photos

When photographing an event, you will likely be asked to take a wide variety of photos. Here are three of the most common types of event photos that you may be asked to take:

Group Shots

These are photos of large groups of people, often taken at the beginning or end of an event. Group shots can be challenging, as you will often have to deal with a lot of people who are not used to being in front of the camera.

Candid Photographs

These are photos of people taken without them posing or looking at the camera. Candid moments can be very tricky, as you will need to be very stealthy in order to get the best results.

Posed Photos

Posed event photos are formal portraits of people at the event. These photos are usually taken at the beginning or end of an event and can be quite challenging to capture correctly.

In posed event photos, it is important to make sure that all of the subjects are looking at the camera and that they are all properly positioned. You will also need to make sure that there is enough light in the photo, as this can be a challenge in indoor event photography.

Action Shots

Action shots are photos of people in motion, such as dancing or playing sports. Action shots can be very challenging, as you will need to capture the action without blurring the image.

How Much Does an Event Photographer Cost?

The cost of an event photographer can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the length of the event, the number of guests, and the size of the venue. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000 for an event photographer.

Of course, the price is not always the most important factor when looking to hire event photographers. You will also want to take into account the quality of the event photographers’ work, as well as their reputation in the event photography industry.

In order to get an accurate estimate of what you should expect to pay for an event photographer, it is best to contact a few different photographers in your area and request a quote.

By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible value for your money.

How do I Start Shooting Events?

If you’re new to event photography, the best way to get started is by attending some local events and practicing your skills. Once you feel confident in your abilities, you can start offering your services to friends and family members.

Once you have built up a portfolio of event photography, you can begin marketing your services to event planners and venues in your area.

By networking with other professionals in the event industry, you can get your name out there and start getting some exposure for your work.

What Event Photography Gear do you Need?

As an event photographer, you will need a few essential pieces of event photography equipment. A DSLR camera body is a must, as well as a fast lens or three. A flash unit is also highly recommended, as you will often be shooting in low-light conditions.

Other items that can be helpful to have on hand include extra batteries, memory cards, and a tripod.

While you don’t need the latest and greatest equipment to be a successful event photographer, it is important to have quality gear that you can rely on.

What should the Turnover Time be for Professional Event Photographers?

Now the most important part is file delivery. Seriously who wants to wait two weeks for their final images?

I have images ready for clients within 24 hours of the event, and if required, can be ready in as little as One Hour. Final images can be viewed online through my website, downloaded, and shared through social media and prints can be purchased as well. The event photos can be accessed through mobile devices.

Robert Lowdon Photography’s commercial photography services are customer-centric and tailored to each client’s specific requirements. I provide a customized service that meets my client’s expectations. My customers get wonderful photographs, which are delivered ahead of schedule, and my customer support is exceptional.

If you are in need of a professional event photographer, contact Robert Lowdon Photography today! Robert Lowdon is a photographer specializing in professional event photography. He has years of experience shooting all types of events, from commercial to corporate functions. He will work with you to ensure that your event is captured exactly as you want it.

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