Event Photography is not for everyone. Even the most skilled photographers can be overwhelmed by crowded public events filled with moving people, inconsistent light and a feeling of pressure to capture everything as time ticks away. Wow even I am starting to wonder why I do it after all that. Well the answer is fairly simple and that is it combines my love for photography and the chance to experience music, festivals while meeting interesting people and with any luck getting some great photo's.
A friend of mine once asked me how I deal with the crowds and people walking in front of my shots and bumping into me when I go to events. I explained that I go to the event knowing that I will not get every shot that I want and those things are going to be a big part of that. Going in with the right frame of mind is critical. If you lament each shot you failed to get because somebody walked in front of you then the whole day will be wasted.
If you are interested in trying out event photography I may have some additional tips that can help you increase your odds of getting some shots you will be happy with. Please read on for some tips.
Tip 1: Bring the right tools for the job
Keep in mind the type of event you will be attending. For this article I will focus on outdoor events as these are by far the easiest and best way to start off event photography. I would suggest a good zoom lens with a wide range. Most events are far too chaotic to change your lens often and lugging around a ton of extra equipment in a busy crowded event is not so much fun for you or the people around you. If you think you have enough memory cards I suggest bring an extra anyway as they weigh next to nothing and it is better to have too many than not enough. The same concept applies to your battery as nothing is worse than having the main event starting and your battery is blinking it's final farewell to you for the day or having to try and economize your shots for fear of it running out.
Tip 2: Arrive early
I do not mean 5 minutes early I mean an hour before the event starts or more if at all possible which it often is for outdoor events like parades, street festivals etc. Why you may ask? Several reasons for this really. First you should scout out the area. Keep in mind where are the stages and other places of interest and the best places to get a good shot. Look for places to stand that are next to a solid object so someone can't bump into you or near an area where someone won't come stand in front of you. Another reason for this suggestion is that some event preparation rituals can provide better photo opportunities than the event itself.
Tip 3: Variety is the spice of life
If you stand in the same place all day your photo's will all start to look the same even if your subjects change so move around never staying in the same place too long. Try taking close-up shots of people as well as crowed shots and shots of other things at the festival besides people like signs, merchandise etc. It is really easy to fall into the trap of shooting similar things that interest you.
Tip 4: Beware of the creeper, because it could be you
We live in an era when people can be pretty suspicious of folks with camera's especially if they seem to be shooting women or children. Even though this is legal in most public places and in most countries (not all and not under all circumstances) you should be aware of your image and your mannerisms. I highly suggest that if you are serious about photography and if you don't already have some that you make business cards and bring them with you to any event or situation where you will be taking candid shots of strangers. I will sometimes take photo's of people and show them the photo on the display then give them my card and offer to send them a copy. It is a simple act of good will and gives you more visits to your website, referrals, and with any luck a good photo of a willing model but best of all it may allow you to escape the social stigma of being labeled a creeper.
Tip 5: Don't be stingy!
Shoot on rapid/burst mode. This is not a studio and you are not in control of the environment. Things move very fast and thanks to the digital age you can delete your least favorites out of a group of shots. People are going to be walking in and out of your frame, wind will cause strange things to happen and people will often blink or be caught in a strange expression while shooting candid shots. With burst mode you greatly increase your odds of getting a shot that you will be happy with.
Tip 6: Be the last man/woman standing
Event's can make for a long and exhausting day. You have been baked by the sun, experienced sensory overload from trying to see and do everything and all you want to do is take off your shoes and relax right? Well the job is not done yet. Some parting shots of the street cleaners busy at work, dropped signs, lost items, confetti can all be your and yours alone as those less diligent have gone for the day. Muster your energy for a final session you will be glad you did later.
I hope these tips help you and remember to expect the unexpected and not be a creeper.
