Photographying Events

If you've been asked to photograph an event, party, shower,

or special occasion,

here are some tips to help you memorialize the highlights!

Not only did I get to shoot Mother/Daughter photos with

Terri and her daughter Ali...

I got to photograph Ali's bridal shower!

The shower was held in a historic building with an entire

 wall of windows on a bright sunny day.

I know the harsh sun and windows seem scary,

but since I usually backlight my portraits,

I simply considered that wall of windows my sun and backlit everything.

I shot the entire event with natural light.

Backlighting with the window worked like a charm and I purposely photographed people

with their backs to the windows...my SUN!

I love the backlit "halos" glowing around their hair from the sun behind them.

Events are usually chaotic and ever changing.

I set my ISO on automatic so I don't need to constantly check it.

I used my Canon 50mm f1.4 lens for this. 

I shoot in Aperture Priority Mode so the only thing I have

to tinker with is the aperture to capture details and play with depth-of-field.

If you find your photos are looking dark,

simply boost your exposure compensation.  Don't worry if the window

gets blown out...that is art!

You are in charge of capturing the event.

Arrive early and  look at the fine details,

then try opening your aperture all

the way to pull the eye to the main feature in your composition.

For the bridal shower, Terri set each place with a different setting

of vintage china and handkerchiefs.

I knew she would want me to capture these special touches

from a variety of angles!

I shot these decorating details before the guests arrived

so I could then concentrate on the people.

You will be much less stressed and won't get people in

these detail photos if you shoot them before the party begins.

Always concentrate on the guest or guests of honor...in this case the Bride-to-be.

It's easy to get involved with all the people and hoopla,

and at the end, you realize you have very few photos of the STAR!

I learned this because it happened at my wedding! 

Very few photos of me and my groom!

Whenever you are near the STAR...grab a shot!

When guests begin to arrive, look for little groups that have gathered.

Don't just snap away...stand there with your camera aimed and

ready...while you watch for MOMENTS!

Wait for them to laugh, or hug, or smile!

CLICK!

Yes, stand there with your eye to the camera and

wait for MOMENTS!

While looking through the lens waiting for moments,

plan your composition. 

Create FRAMES using other people.

For this photo, I backed up to include their pretty dresses...

then I watched for that LAUGH!

CLICK!

I like candid shots best...

But, also pose shots with special guests.

Once activities such as games or speeches begin,

you need to stay alert to capture these moments!

I used my Canon 24-70mm, f2.8 lens for some of these so

I could quickly zoom in and out.

You will need to be on the move.

I usually begin in the back of the room to capture a wide shot

while they are introducing the games, etc.

Now move around to capture different angles while paying

close attention to MOMENTS!

I saw Terri reach for her daughter's hand and I KNEW

that was a MOMENT!

I quickly zoomed in close and waited for the

SMILE!

Really LOOK and SEE what is in that frame.

I had to shoot higher so the pitcher of orange juice didn't block

the hand-hold.

Then I scurried to capture another angle of this lovely moment

to include the guests reactions!

If they are preparing to open a bottle of champagne for a toast...

Get into your best position to capture this.

I wanted to include the guests.

Again, watch and wait for MOMENTS among the guests

and include the STAR!

Snap one of the game winner.

At some point, zoom all the way out and try to

get a full shot of the entire event.

When it's time to serve food,

Capture the STAR going through the line first

so you can show the food.

Then grab some detail shots of what was served.

But, DON'T photograph people eating!

When it's time to open gifts,

first shoot the wide shot from the back of the room.

Then fill in with shots from various angles

and distances.

You want the STAR to shine, so wait for her to SMILE or LAUGH!

Watch for MOMENTS!

Look for fun details!

Go in close for special MOMENTS!

And, show that special bond with mother/daughter, and family!

Pose a few...

And watch for CANDIDS!

Wait for the LAUGH!

Always, get a fun shot of the family!

I put these photos into a book I created on Shutterfly

and gave one to Ali and a copy to Terri as gifts.

Putting thought into each shot and watching for the MOMENTS

will give you an awesome collection of memories

the STAR will cherish forever! 

Capturing MOMENTS with your Cell Phone

 

If you are attending an event with your I-phone camera,

you can capture some wonderful memories!

 

I brought my I-Phone 6s Plus to our county fair

and have some great tips for capturing

MOMENTS in time with your phone.

 

 

 

Most people point their phone camera and shoot without much

thought to what they are capturing.

 

Instead, look for the MOMENTS!

 

 

I went to the fair all alone.  I didn't know any

of these people I photographed. 

But even if I did...It's best to study

what is happening around you.

 

Rather than posing people, really look to see what they are doing naturally.

 

I saw this older gent sitting on the bench next to his horse.

I really liked the setting...the gear hanging from the wall behind him,

the long bench, the backlight from the open barn door.

 

I composed my shot and focused with my phone camera

then watched and waited.

 

When he put his hand on his hat...I recognized a

MOMENT!

 

CLICK!

 

I didn't luck out to get that shot...I waited for it.

 

 

It's worth the wait!

 

While you're waiting, look for interesting composition.

What can you include in the photo.

Is there a unique angle you can try?

 

 

Rather than have someone pose...

capture them as they are actually doing something.

 

 

Most people would have this little girl stand in front of

the pig pen and say, "CHEESE"!

 

I chose to capture her true delight watching the piggies.

 

 

 

 

 

I-Phones work great in low light.

Look for interesting lighting situations.

 

 

Shoot some wide shots:

 

 

 

And, go in for some close-ups:

 

 

I used my Moment Telephoto Lens for most of

my shots which is excellent for street photography

like I was doing at the fair.

 

 

It allowed me to get excellent shots without

the creep factor of getting too close!

 

It let me to capture these horse photos

much closer than I could have gotten without the lens.

 

The I-Phone 7 Plus has the telephoto lens built in to the camera...

I want that!!!

 

 

So, the BIG thing is to look for interesting happenings,

compose and focus..

WAIT for the MOMENTS...

then CLICK!

 

Your I-phone photos will be much

more interesting

and memorable.