Some Great Tips For Being An Event Photographer

By Katherine Wong

Professional event photography is a great career. People who cover events like marriages, seminars, sports events, award functions etc. are called event photographers.

People normally believe that all you need to do to become an event photographer is to bring a camera and keep taking photographs during the event. However, this is not right at all. To become a professional event photographer one needs to develop certain talents demanded by the job, which can be obtained and improved by taking up customised courses on the subject.

From the outside you may believe that as the photographer runs around just snapping that there is no process in their photography. At an event there is an objective in place that must be met. Generating a large spread of great high quality photos takes skill and a great eye. Being quick off the mark is a must to snap all those unexpected shots.

The first skill that an event photographer must possess is imagination and it should be coupled with the ability to understand the theme of an event. For instance, a wedding has to be shot in an entirely different fashion than a sports event. Thus, the photographer needs the capability to artistically reflect the mood of an event through his images.

Remember at an event you are there to take the picture and not actually be part of the shots. By that what is meant is that you should be able to do your work without interrupting the course of the event. No one really should know you are there. When people do not think you are there, not only do you gain the best candid real shots you also do not disturb the event.

Since you are handling live events, you also need to have management capabilities. If you are slack and casual then this profession is definitely not meant for you. The photographer must be prepared with his equipment and camera well in advance to the beginning of the event. A lazy approach where things get done only at the eleventh hour will spell doom for an event photography career.

An event photographer should be technically sound and competent for the job. Knowledge about the technical features of photography equipment affects the outcome. He requires to know about the proper use of illumination and angles and he should be able to make use of the available resources to the maximum.

Offering a photography service also implies that you are in business. You are no longer an recreational photographer snapping a few photos for friends you are a professional. Because you are in business you will need to improve your non-photography skills such as your people and communicating skills. Take the time to do communication and people management training courses because they will pay dividends for you particularly if this is a weak spot for you. If your communicating skills are low your business growth will be slow. Being able to be effective with people is a No.1 skill in this industry and field of photography. Books like 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' are also a must to read. Grow your individual communication skills today and watch your business grow tomorrow.

In short, event photography needs a full time expert who is prepared to discover all the varied aspects of this discipline. You also need to enhance your alertness levels and adaptability to be able to do well in this field. - 30452

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