Get started photographing events
Written by: Ben Manning
What to do when your friend asks you to shoot their event.
The first time I was asked by a friend to photograph their team performance party I made sure to sit down with them and explain exactly the level I felt my photography was at, what equipment I had (1 zoom lens, no flash and no backup camera), and the fact that I’d never done anything like it before. It took the pressure off me and let them know what to expect. In the end it went really well and they loved the photos.
I’ve now photographed weddings, birthdays, charity events, work parties, conferences and festivals and these are some of the tips I’ve picked up along the way. Hopefully they will make that nerve-racking first event a little easier.
Make a plan
This is a really important first step. Don’t forget to manage expectations if it is your first event. Show your friend the type of photograph you can take and make sure they aren’t expecting something very different.
When you will start and finish?
Make a list of specific shots wanted
Find out the times of the important bits you need to capture. The last thing you want is to be arriving late or missing the cutting the cake because you were having a 5min tea break.
Research the venue
This step is critical if you are going to do a professional job. Go in person but also a quick search on Google could turn up some interesting ideas.
Where will group shots work?
Where will the light be coming from at different times of day?
What time does it get dark and will you need artificial light?
Where are the interesting backgrounds?
Prepare for the day and the weather
Clean your lenses and sensor, and pack your kit in good time.
Format your memory cards and bring spares.
Charge your batteries the night before and bring your charger along with you. I could easily go through 4 batteries at a busy event so it does help to have a spare.
Little extras that I have found useful:
A bottle of water, change for the car park, electrical tape, sensible ‘non-squeaky’ shoes, and your lens cleaning kit.
Plan for rain, bring an umbrella and if it’s looking torrential find someone to hold it for you.
Settings that work for me
These days I shoot everything in manual but if it’s one of your first events I recommend sticking with whatever you know and are comfortable with.
Shutter Speed – I usually aim for 125/sec and up most of the time to keep things sharp, but don’t forget using a tripod and a slow shutter can add some interesting motion blur to busy rooms or dance floors.
Aperture – Usually wide open to blur the background and isolate the subject but remember to change it to at least f5.6 for group shots where you need everyone to be in focus. Do the maths beforehand: work out how deep the group will be, how far away you are and what lens you will be using. Use something like PhotoPills to calculate the aperture you need based on these variables.
ISO – Use this to balance your exposure without going too high for your camera.
Shoot in RAW – This will help to bring out details in dark venues in processing.
Use burst mode – When people are speaking or moving (for example when making a speech) the difference between a good photo and a great photo can often be a fraction of a second. Test your burst mode beforehand to see how noisy it is. You shouldn’t interrupt the event with a noisy camera.
Using a flash
Flash photography takes practice but it can be a great tool once you get it right. Avoid using a built-in camera flash – the effects can be too garish. If you own an external flash that you can bounce off walls or ceilings, or a flash you can mount ‘off camera’, then this is an opportunity to use it for a few shots. Just don’t rely on using the flash for anything critical until you’ve got it nailed.
Capture the atmosphere
During an event I am always on the lookout for scenes that capture the atmosphere. People smiling, displays of emotion, moments of connection between people, kid’s antics. For me, these are the elements that really reflect the day. If you can capture some of these they look great alongside the more formal photos. And don’t forget using flash can ruin an atmosphere so make sure you understand your camera so you can capture shots in low light effectively.
Finding the light
For events with low light it’s really important to manoeuvre yourself around the room to find the light and use it. Work out where it’s falling and try to catch it illuminating people.
Organise people and be confident
One of the key differences of being The Photographer at an event, as opposed to just taking photos, is confidence. Walk up to the stage to photograph a band, get close when something is happening and gather people together for the group shots. Direct people to where you want the shot and ask them to swap places so the photograph will balance. This may put you well outside your comfort zone. Don’t worry, people expect it, take the time to do this and they will love the photos afterwards.
Remember the details
Spend some time looking around for the little things that make the event personal and special to the organisers. These could be wedding favours, food, decorations, a photo wall, or maybe a special pair of shoes or item of clothing. They are straightforward to photograph and are personal reminders of the day.
Don’t worry about other photographers
You may not be the only photographer at an event. There may be professionals in the crowd or perhaps a co-organiser, an event sponsor, or a band has hired one. The most important thing is to not let this bother you. Do your own thing, be friendly and have a chat with them.
How much to charge?
This is always a really hard question to answer, as there are so many variables. The path I took was to do my first few events for free. Then I started charging expenses to cover my outgoings and I increased my charges from there. Be realistic but don’t undervalue yourself. You have invested in your equipment, developed your skills and will be putting in a lot of hours planning, shooting and editing afterwards.
Have fun
Don’t forget to enjoy it. Photographing someone’s big day can be a pretty nerve-wracking experience, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to have fun doing what you love and capturing some great images along the way. Good luck.
Baffled by manual controls?
Join A Year With My Camera, Emma’s online photography course. You will be off auto for good after the first 6 weeks.
For me the challenge moving forward is always this; to take pictures for clients, and for myself, that truly capture those tiny instances in time. Pictures that capture the real emotion in the faces of those present, the real beauty in the landscape, or the real feeling of that fleeting moment that occurs only once and is then left to memory. Ben Manning
