The Best Tips to Improve Your Event Photography Skills in 2022

Event photography takes incredible focus and skill from the photographer because each event presents a new challenge with varied lighting and subjects. So, it's important that event photographers have a deep understanding of their camera's settings and client expectations.

For instance, if you're photographing a dimly light concert venue for a band, you'll need to understand how to adjust the ISO  settings on your camera - so you can capture well-lit photographs. Relying on auto settings may result in blurry images due to delayed shutter release or exceptionally dark photos that you don't like. Simply put, it's important to get to know your gear in and out before photographing an event.

Want more event photography tips? Keep reading! Below, you'll find the best tips to improve your event photography in 2022.

A Few Tips for Taking Photos in General

There are many opinions on what makes a good photograph. After all, beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. However, there are a few tips any photographer can employ to improve their photo skills:

• Get closer to your subject - move close to the person or object you're photographing and avoid using your zoom lenses when you can. To practice moving in a bit closer, try using a prime lens with a fixed focal length.
• Practice photography often - Photography, like all art forms and creative hobbies, takes time. So, invest as much time as you can into learning your camera settings, experimenting with different compositions, and exploring different subject matters. Each day presents endless opportunities to capture images - you just have to keep your eye out and your camera in tow!
• Consider all aspects of the photo, even the background - Distracting objects can take away from an otherwise good image. Make sure you adjust your angle or surroundings to get a clean shot.
• Good lighting is important - You can photograph your subjects using natural light, strobe lights, or flash units; as a photographer, the choice is yours. However, it is important that you have good lighting, no matter what type of lighting you decide to use.
• Keep extra batteries or a backup camera handy - This photo tip may seem obvious but it cannot be overstated. It's important to be prepared for every photo session! Simply stated, you can't take a shot if your camera is dead.

5 Tips to Enhance Your Event Photography

Photographing an event is much different than shooting portraiture. While time is a factor in all genres of photography, it is very important when it comes to event photography.

Let's be honest, moments are fleeting. A photographer or photo assistant either captures the moment or they miss it. Many times, at events, moments can not be staged - so it's imperative that the photographer pays attention to what's going on.

Event photography can be a challenge to photographers across varying skill levels. However, there are some tips photogs can use to improve event photography skills and impress their clients.

Here are 5 tips to enhance your event photography:

• Bring a shot list - Think about the type of event you are going to photograph then compile a shot list. This task is especially important if you're new to event photography or have never photographed the type of event you're prepping for. Whether shooting a wedding, concert, or party; a shot list is the easiest way to ensure you get all of the images to meet your client's needs.
• Don't forget your off-camera flash - One of the most useful tools you can bring, besides your camera, is an off-camera flash. These flashes can provide incredible sources of light and allow you to shoot from multiple angles. When it comes to photographing in-door events, an off-camera flash can work wonders.
• Arrive early and take photos before guests arrive - While most clients don't plan to get pre-event photos, a photographer can benefit from taking shots before guests arrive.  For instance, the event photographer could use this time to capture the tables' centerpieces, buffet set up or instruments being loaded in for the band - giving their client a detailed experience through the imagery.
• Be nice to the guests - It can be tempting to ask folks to smile or stage photos at events but try to avoid it as much as possible. Most people are attending an event to have a good time and a photographer's presence can challenge that or create discomfort for those who are camera-shy. Instead of being pushy by interrupting guests to take their photos or obstructing their view to get your shots, try to immerse yourself in the event and focus on capturing the overall feeling of the space. And, candid images when you can!
• Watch out for candid moments - Speaking of candids, make sure you are looking out for opportunities to capture genuine smiles, people laughing, and other human interactions that add sentimental value to an event. After all, weddings, concerts, birthday parties, and other soirees are created for people - so don't hesitate to focus on the folks attending and entertaining an event!