The Role of an Event Photographer
An event photographer is the eyes of the event and is there to capture it all, the atmosphere, the emotions, the candids and the memories. From Bar Mitzvahs to weddings, birthday parties and corporate events, the role of an event photographer is to create dynamic and visually stunning photographs that will help clients relive the memories of the event for years to come.
Capturing the moments
It is my job to document the special moments of an event as the event photographer. This includes capturing candid shots of the guests, key moments during a ceremony, room decor, important details, and anything else that will help preserve the memories of the event for the client. I am able to anticipate key moments and am ready to capture them as they happen.
Capturing these special moments, like the first kiss during a wedding, the tears and laughter from the guests during speeches, the reading of the Torah at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or the candid moments between guests requires experience and technical skill. My experience allows me to understand the flow of an event, anticipate moments and the emotions of the guests. Technical skill allows for a good sense of composition, working with the lighting, angles and perspectives that work best for different types of events.
Storytelling as an Event Photographer
As an event photographer, I use composition, lighting, and other technical elements to create vibrant and engaging photographs that tell the story of the event. I am able to convey the personality and style of the event and its guests. Through the photographs, an event photographer can transport the viewer back to the event, allowing them to relive the emotions and memories of the occasion.
My approach to storytelling is client-centered. I tell the client’s story, and reflect the client’s expectations and preferences. This requires not only technical skills but also the ability to listen and understand the client’s needs, their personality and their tastes.
Preparation & Communication
Preparing for an event is a big part of my job as an event photographer. Before the event, I meet with the client in person or over the phone to discuss their needs and expectations, and to understand the style and atmosphere of the event. During this meeting, I gather important information such as the schedule of events, key people to be photographed, and any specific shots that the client wants.
Once the event is approaching, I make sure that I have all the necessary equipment, including camera, lenses, lighting equipment and backup batteries. I also ensure that I have a good understanding of the layout of the event space, and that I am familiar with any special lighting or other conditions that may affect my photography.
During the event, I work closely with my client or the planner to ensure that I am capturing all of the desired shots. I will touch base with the client or planner throughout the event or make sure I am available to be pulled in any direction they would like and ensure that they are satisfied with my work.
After the event, I provide my clients with a private online gallery to view, share and download all the re-touched images. If it is approved I am also happy to publish some teasers on social media the day after the event.
Communication is key throughout the whole process, I make sure that I am available to my clients at all times, whether it be through phone, email, or in person. I also provide my clients with a contract that outlines the details of our agreement, including the scope of work, payment terms, and delivery timeline. This helps to ensure that both my client and I are on the same page and that the event is captured in the way that the client desires.
Professional Gear & back up equipment
As an event photographer, the use of professional equipment are essential for capturing high-quality photographs that are true to the event’s atmosphere.
I use Canon professional high-end bodies, lenses and flashes that can shoot at high resolutions and high frame rates, which allows me to capture crisp and clear images even in low light conditions. I use a variety of different lenses with different focal lengths that can be used to capture different types of shots and perspectives.
I also ensure that I always carry backup equipment, including additional cameras, lenses, memory cards, and batteries in case of any unexpected equipment failure. This redundancy in equipment ensures that there are no setbacks and that I can always be ready to capture the special moments.
Creativity & Innovation
I am always looking for new and interesting perspectives, using unconventional techniques, and approaches to create something truly special as the event photographer. I like to experiment with different angles and perspectives besides what is just in front of me.
Photoshop is one of the tools as an event photographer that comes into play after the event. I use the software to carefully edit the photographs, adjusting the exposure, colour balance, and contrast when necessary. I also remove any unwanted elements, crop the images to create more dynamic composition and in some images I will add an effect. Correcting blemishes, imperfections also help me create a polished and professional final product.
