Preparing Yourself for Events Photography

With everyone having a camera on them at all times these days, thanks to the rise of smartphones, it's easy to feel like a photographer’s role in the world is diminished. Our advice, however, is to not feel disheartened, there will always be a place for events photography.

Events photography involves capturing life's most important and enduring moments for people, so they are free to simply enjoy the event, and not worry about doubling as a photographer when they should be living in the moment. Read on to find out if events photography is for you.

Events photographers are a common site anywhere where there is an important activity unfolding, which needs to be recorded. This can be public events with big crowds or more intimate private events. Here are some common places to look for work if you are an aspiring events photographer.

Party photography: One of the most enjoyable events photography jobs would have to be party photography. Join in the fun and mingle in the crowd, making sure to capture the joy of the partygoers while you are at it.

Night club photography: Similar to above, night club photography involves you getting amongst the crowd and capturing any interesting events that unfold. Popular night club photography involves identifying the feel and fashion highlights of a particular club, and capturing these attendees in their best light - clubs want to entice other prospective party goers to attend in future.

Sports events photography: If you have ever been to a big sporting event, you would have noticed the professional photographers on the sidelines. They are the ones carrying the professional camera gear, which includes long telephoto lenses for getting a closer view of the action.

While it is impossible to start at the top and jump straight into photographing AFL games, consider getting your foot in the door by photographing local sporting events.

Wedding photography: Arguably the most common events photography job is wedding photography. You don't need us to tell you how important the job of a wedding photographer is - you are in charge of capturing the key moments of their big day, with the important side quest of not interjecting yourself into proceedings too much. Make sure you have in-depth discussions with the couple before the big day, so you can highlight what aspects of the occasion are most important to them and make a checklist. Ie. Do they want a photo together with all the invitees, or are they keen on you capturing a great deal of candid moments?

Corporate photography: Corporate event photography is more than just taking pictures; it's about capturing the essence of a company's brand, culture, and key moments.  A skilled corporate event photographer documents everything from keynote speakers and award ceremonies to networking interactions and candid moments of attendees. These images serve a vital purpose, providing valuable content for marketing, public relations, and internal communications, helping to showcase the event's success and create lasting memories.

Music/concert photography: Music and concert photography, a dynamic subset of event photography, thrives on capturing the raw energy and emotion of live performances. It's about freezing fleeting moments of passion, from the sweat-drenched intensity of a guitarist's solo to the euphoric connection between a band and their audience. Skilled photographers navigate challenging lighting and fast-paced action to deliver visually compelling images that document the spectacle and atmosphere of a concert, transforming sound into a tangible, lasting visual experience.

As you can see, apart from the common theme of capturing participants of an event while it unfolds, many popular forms of event photography require vastly different photographic skills and equipment for success. Here are some things to consider when you are putting together your event photography kit.

Mirrorless camera: Mirrorless cameras are at the forefront of all things photography, whether you are a beginner or a pro; this is because they offer versatility and exceptional performance, all in a portable package.

Lens Choice: This will largely depend on your environment and how far away you are from your subject. For indoor events in which you rub shoulders with guests, a shorter focal length, such as a standard zoom lens is a perfect match. For sporting events and even weddings, where you don't want to get in the way too much, reach for a telephoto lens.

Flash or no flash: For outdoor events, a flash will do no good, so you can ignore your speedlight when packing for sporting events, horse racing photography and more. Corporate photography, weddings and other events that allow you to be up close and personal with your subjects benefit from some form of flash photography. Want to know how to harness flash lighting that is more natural and soft in appearance? Consider learning how to use bounce flash.

While having the right gear is essential, truly successful event photography hinges on understanding the unique rhythm and flow of each event. Mastering this understanding allows you to anticipate key moments and capture them effectively. Stay tuned for more photography tips and tricks! Follow our blog to elevate your skills and learn how to make every shot count.