Secrets to Success: Event Photography
I offer special discounted rates for full-day events, and bulk rates for those in need of a large number of final photos to showcase a special occasion.
The world is opening up again in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic as restrictions ease across Vancouver, and long-postponed events are finally being rescheduled. This has created a boom of social gatherings, corporate events, summits, and seminars that will likely last well into the fall season.
I have photographed a number of events this season, and will be available to shoot many more in the coming months. I offer special discounted rates for full-day events, and bulk rates for those in need of a large number of final photos to showcase a special occasion.
I have developed a few key principals for photographing events that I employ to ensure every desirable aspect of the day is thoroughly documented.
Establish the scene
The first principle is to establish the scene. This involves a number of wide shots that showcase the venue, the crowd, and the surrounding location. The idea is to give context for the rest of the photos in the set, and to assist the viewer in remembering or imagining how it felt to be there. I like to take wide shots of guests arriving and signing in, pouring through the doors from the outside, and finding their seats if seating is available.
Document the Process of Setting Up
The next principle is to document the process of setting up the venue. This may involve close ups of hands at work tying bows, pouring drinks, and setting tables. This may also include wide shots of staff carrying food, arranging the buffet, or configuring lighting and sound systems. This gives the viewer an impression of the work that went into hosting the event, and therefore a greater appreciation for the product of that labour.
Showcase Details
The next principle is to showcase details. This involves dreamy close-up shots of elements like food, drink, decorations, flowers, name cards, and unique aspects of the venue. Often times, these details have taken weeks or months to arrange, and are very important to whoever took the time to plan them out.
Another important element is to document is the entertainment. Whether it is a lone pianist, a full ensemble band, DJ, or any other live performer, capturing flattering images of these artists at work is an integral part of documenting the atmosphere at the event.
And the guests
Finally, the most important aspect to photograph at any event is the guests. I have two principles for capturing guests: candids and posed. I capture many close-up candids at the beginning of an event as guests are shaking hands, telling stories, or greeting each other with hugs and laughter. By singling out these emotional moments in each frame, I am able to give a personal impression of how the event resonated with different individuals. The resulting photos are heartwarming and likely to conjure happy memories for those who were in attendance.
Later on in the event, once guests have had a chance to mingle and get to know one another, I will capture posed group shots and singles of people enjoying different aspects of the event. These shots are always my favourites to capture, especially when group shots balloon in size as more people are summoned into the frame by their new friends and colleagues. These shots showcase the camaraderie of the event and the spirit of meeting new people and revisiting old connections. These shots are also great for event companies and party planners who want to show off the joy that their work can bring to people in attendance.
While this is far from a comprehensive list of everything worth photographing, I find that these principles are helpful in guiding me to capture a wide range of images that showcase the breadth of each event I attend.
You can view some of my Event Photography Galleries here ⇢
If you would like to book me for your next event, or inquire about my rates, please fill out the contact form on this website or send an email inquiry to yhanson100@gmail.com. I look forward to working with you soon!