At one point in time, the purpose of photography was to capture a moment in time and preserve a memory. Photographs were primarily used for reflection and historical documentation.
In the modern social media era, however, photography is about much more than preservation. It strives to highlight a moment and tell a story; it is an art form that can be used to showcase experiences and promote the feeling of a particular lifestyle.
Recognizing the role that captivating and compelling images play in the world today, event photographers can carve out a career that is both creative and lucrative. Understanding the field of professional event photography can help you decide if this is the right niche for you.
Preparing for Successful Event Photography
Whether you specialize in wedding photography or corporate event photography, it is essential to prepare in advance in order to successfully capture the event and meet the expectations of your client. Before you arrive at the event, camera in hand, you will want to focus on:
Understanding the Event’s Purpose and Client Expectations
When a client signs a contract with you to photograph their event, schedule a consultation appointment to go over the key details of the event. This will give you an idea of the purpose of the event and the type of photographs the client expects. Being aware of the client’s expectations and desires will help guide your decisions while shooting and editing event photos. Not to mention, research has shown that photo-taking and one’s engagement with an event are positively correlated — which may result in photographs that capture the event’s true essence and enjoyment.
Planning the Shot List and Key Moments
While you are collaborating with your client and planning for the event, create an event photography shot list that prioritizes key moments during the event. Studies on imagery perspective have shown that people are reminded of the meaning of these moments (as opposed to their own physical experiences) when they later view “third-person” photographs with themselves in the pictures. Thus, being strategic about this aspect can be particularly applicable to events with sentimental value.
For example, with wedding photography, you will want to work with the couple to determine their must-have shots for the day. Some of the essential shots to take include:
- Detail shots of special wedding day items (such as bouquets and the couple’s jewelry, accessories and gown).
- Portrait shots of the couple as well as the bridal party and family members.
- Candid shots of the couple during the ceremony and walking down the aisle.
- Artistic shots of the couple toasting each other, feeding each other cake or enjoying their first dance together.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Having the most advanced and reliable photography equipment and technology available helps ensure you are able to capture the event with ease. When it comes to event photography equipment, it is imperative to have backup equipment on hand. According to the Kolari Vision event photography guide, this is the equipment that you may need:
- A DSLR camera that is capable of shooting in low-light conditions.
- A variety of lenses that allow you to adjust your focal length.
- A high-quality external flash to adjust to low-light conditions (which are common at corporate event facilities and wedding venues).
Techniques for Capturing High-Quality Event Photos
Shooting at special events requires you to utilize specific corporate event photography and wedding photography techniques. Combining your professional prowess with advanced event photography equipment — plus an understanding of aesthetics in photography — will allow you to effectively capture any event, regardless of its scale and scope.
Understanding Lighting in Various Settings
Lighting can be one of the most challenging aspects of corporate event and wedding photography, largely because most of these events are held in venues that have low-light conditions and artificial lighting. There are no one-size-fits-all guidelines for using lighting at these types of events, meaning you must understand the needs of your clients and the lighting conditions in order to capture the event in a way that is both accurate and artistic.
Candid Photography and Capturing Emotions
Candid photography is part of almost any event, as you will be tasked with capturing the moments that take place. This is especially important with wedding photography, when you are working to capture the expressions of the happy couple, emotions of their family members and atmosphere at the reception.
Composition Tips for Dynamic Shots
The composition of your image will play a significant role in its overall impact. Here are a few of the best photo composition tips for event photographers:
- Simplify your photos and frame the subject as the focal point. Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible.
- Use the rule of thirds for event photography composition: Divide the frame into three sections to create a compelling and clean image. This is particularly valuable when shooting fast-paced events like weddings and corporate conferences.
- Switch up the angles you use so that every image does not look the same in the client’s gallery.
Managing the Flow of the Event
When you are not shooting portraits for the event, you will face the challenge of blending in with the scenery while still staying in the center of the action. Knowing how to manage the flow of the event will enable you to capture key moments without disrupting the atmosphere and experience itself.
Blending in and Moving Discreetly
As the photographer, you are charged with the task of capturing the events of the day without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. A few wedding photography tips can help you move discreetly throughout the event:
- Dress for the occasion. If it’s a formal event, look the part. If it’s more casual, feel free to dress comfortably.
- Find a space where you can capture various moments using different equipment, allowing you to shoot effectively without disrupting the flow.
- Avoid photographing people at inopportune times, such as while they are eating their meals. This can make them uncomfortable and tense, and it will show through in the photos throughout the entire experience.
Working With Event Staff and Coordinators
Partnering and collaborating with other vendors at the event will allow you to become part of the team. The event coordinators can help you understand the timeline for the day as well as the parameters for the event.
Capturing Key Moments for Different Types of Events
Many event photographers cover a variety of events, from weddings and bridal showers to corporate seminars and conferences. Knowing the key moments that take place during these events will allow you to effortlessly navigate every experience and capture the best possible images.
These event photography tips cover some of the most crucial moments to photograph during the following events:
Weddings and Engagements
Key moments to focus on for wedding photography include:
- Interactions between the couple.
- Posed portraits of the couple.
- The couple’s vows.
- The walk down the aisle.
- The arrival at the venue.
- The bridal dance.
Corporate Events and Conferences
Notable moments to focus on for corporate events and conferences include:
- The speeches of keynote speakers.
- The reactions of the audience during any speakers or presentations.
- Interactions between attendees at events.
Private Parties and Celebrations
Key moments to focus on for private parties and celebrations include:
- The arrival of the guest of honor.
- Any ceremony or tradition that takes place at the celebration.
- Gift opening.
- Interactions between the guests of honor and those celebrating alongside them.
Post-Processing and Delivering High-Quality Images
Event photography workflow can vary slightly from artistic, landscape, or portraiture photography workflow. As an event photographer, you should work to develop a workflow that allows you to work efficiently and deliver the best possible images.
Editing Techniques for Event Photography
According to Adobe, here are a few of the best tips for editing event photos:
- Back up your images in multiple places before you begin.
- Select the images you are going to give the client first, and only edit those.
- Use editing tools that enhance the image without altering it in an unethical or inaccurate way.
Curating a Selection of Highlights
Event photography can quickly yield an overwhelming number of photos. Use your creative license to narrow down the best images from different aspects of the event, giving your client a highlight reel to enjoy.
Delivering Photos to Clients Professionally
While most photos are delivered digitally, you can still create a professional presentation that emphasizes your expertise. Investing in high-quality, user-friendly online gallery systems allows you to present your images to the client in a professional and impressive way.
Tips for Growing as an Event Photographer
Laying your groundwork in photography is the first step toward launching your career — but in this creative field, you will constantly be looking for new ways to grow and develop. After all, considering the prevalence of smartphones with quality cameras, taking pictures has become a nearly universal human experience as a way to synthesize our experiences in the world. This means event photographers must find ways to distinguish their skill sets now more than ever.
In addition to learning corporate and wedding photography essentials, you can continue growing as a professional event photographer by:
Building a Diverse Portfolio
Your event photography portfolio should include a wide variety of images from different types of events, including weddings, corporate events, and more.
Marketing and Networking for Event Photography
By connecting with other professionals in the event planning sector, you can grow your customer base and start to establish a brand identity.
Continuing Education and Learning
Ongoing learning should be a top priority, as this is the key to staying informed about the latest technology and emerging trends in the event planning sector. Seeking out continuing education allows you to develop new skills and build upon your existing foundation. For instance, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design offers alumni the opportunity to participate in RMCAD Renew — through which graduates may attend current course offerings of their original degree program curricula for free.
Learn How to Photograph Events With an Artistic Touch at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Professional event photography requires you to be a precise, efficient, and creative photographer. At RMCAD, we offer an on-campus Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography degree as well as an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography degree, both of which enable students to build the knowledge necessary to launch a career in this field. Our curriculum features coursework that helps you develop your technical skills while exploring a vast range of photography techniques and styles.
Request more information about our fine arts degree programs today.
