Event Photography

The term event photography covers a range of subjects – from photographing your best friend’s wedding to recording the perfect holiday celebration. No matter what the event, there are some techniques photographers can use to make sure their shots are beautiful, memorable and special.

Some of the many tried and true tips for successful event photography include:

• Consider using the continuous shooting mode on your camera to capture those great shots. Most of the midrange and high end point and shoot digitals on the market include the ability to turn on continuous shooting, and some budget models include this feature as well.
   
• Become familiar with the features of the camera well before the event. The wedding day is not the day to start experimenting with your new digital camera. Be sure to read the manual carefully and take lots of practice photos before the big event. Know where the buttons are located so you can find them quickly when its time to start shooting.
   
• When shooting Christmas parties and other holiday celebrations change the focus of the photos as you go. Make the Christmas tree and its many presents the subject of one photograph, and the celebrants gathered around the punchbowl the subject of the next. Shoot some photos from unusual angles for a different look.
   
• Different lighting situations require a different approach to digital photography. Many of the most popular events, including parties, concerts and theatrical performances, take place after dark, so be prepared for these lighting challenges. Experiment with the lighting settings on your camera before the big event, and use flash sparingly. Try to avoid the use of flash by changing the other settings on the camera. Take lots of practice shots in similarly dark environments until you find the right combination of settings. Many cameras allow photographers to save their settings, so be sure to look for this time saving feature.
   
• When shooting sports and other fast action events, try pushing the shutter nearly all the way down a split second before the action you plan to capture. This will help to overcome the shutter lag inherent in many digital cameras. Get to know the sport or event so that you can anticipate the action and be ready to capture it.
   
• Always ask permission before taking photographs at private events or in public buildings. Many companies and event organizers will have special rules that prohibiting the taking of photographs at some events and in some locations. Asking beforehand is often the best way to get permission to shoot in those venues.
   
• Try to become familiar with the layout of the venue prior to the event. If possible it is a good idea to visit the site of the event ahead of time. This will give you the opportunity to become accustomed to where everything is located.
   
• And last but certainly not least – relax and have fun. Even if you are serving as the official photographer try to join in the celebration and have a good time. Watch the partygoers having a great time and get into the spirit of the moment. Your enthusiasm will show through in the images you capture.