Posted in Event Photography

Seven tips for taking good event photographs. 

1. Read the crowd

No. 1 Tip, is read the crowd, step back and look at what the crowd is doing,  is there a group of people that are happy or involved in the moment which  would capture a nice shot of the event. 

This could include happy, sad or solemn.

2. Look for animated people

No. 2 Tip, look for animated people, what I mean by this is there someone that has a big loud laugh, or the centre of attention to a small group of people. 

Trying to take a candid photograph of these people or the people watching or interacting with this person can make a great shot. 

To take candid shots, keep the camera pointed down and when you see something that looks natural and interesting raise your camera, and take the shot. Don't ask for their permission, that would turn it into a posed shot.

3. Take candid photographs rather than posed

No. 3 Tip,  there is nothing wrong with posed shots, I have taken many great posed shots, but always ask them first and give them time to organise themselves, this especially if there are children involved.

4. Be patient

No. 4 Tip be patient when taking photos whether they are posed or candid, sometimes it won't work and when you least expect it you will capture something special. 

The key is be ready to take that shot when it presents itself.

5. Interact with the crowd

No. 5 Tip don't be afraid to interact with the crowd or group at times, assuming they are not hostile, if they want to ask you a question about photography and what sort of equipment you use, tell them, its a great ice breaker and will make them feel more comfortable with you.

6. Take plenty of photographs including duplicates

No. 6  Tip take plenty of photographs as well as duplicates or in other words more than one shot of the same image.

7. Use the highest resolution

No. 7  Always photograph in the highest resolution your camera can take and if possible photograph in the format of RAW. 

This will give you the best editing options available.  It will take up more memory on your camera and hard drive, but memory is cheap these days, don't scrimp on quality.

For further tips check our Event Photography Complete guide,

So you have a formal party coming up and you want to capture the best photographs possible.

Firstly,  if possible get a friend that likes photographing.

If you ask someone that is only going to do it to please you, then you are not going to get the best photographs. 

Give that person an itinerary of what will occur, so they know what to expect.

Tell them of any particular images that you would like captured.

I work  well under instruction, that is knowing what is wanted by the client, and having an itinerary of what is going to occur allows me to be organised and capture the most amount of photographs.

Secondly, get there early take some photographs of the room set up before anyone has arrived, if there are tables set up for people to eat at, take some nice photos of that.

Thirdly, photographs are meant to tell a story, arrive early before the guests start arriving and capture candid photographs as the guests arrive and start to mingle.

Fourthly, be patient, keep your camera pointed down and only raise it when you a ready to take a photograph.  This is your best opportunity to get a candid photograph, if they see a camera they will naturally pose for the image.

Be patient it will take time before people start relaxing this is when some of the best photographing opportunities occur. 

When people have had a bit to drink and start getting a bit loud and animated, you can get some great photographs. 

Try and get people dancing on the dance floor, shots when people are all doing the same type of dance like the nut bush or some other uniformed dance always make good shots. 

The uniformity or pattern always give the eye of the viewer somewhere to follow.