Event Photography Tips and Tricks (6 Shot Types)
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
- Below is a List of your Main Shot Types when Shooting an Event
Establishing shots:
You do not need many of these. A few wide shots are essential to give a sense of place and establish scale at an event. I will typically shoot these at 17mm with my 17-40mm lens. I try to get a shot from several different perspectives. Shots like these can be each corner of a banquet hall, a wide shot of a crowd from
Close Candids:
These are the shots that really capture the emotional high points of an event. They can be shot in a variety of ways, but usually with a telephoto lens and a shallow depth of field in order to focus the viewers reaction on the emotion of the shot.
Candid Interactions:
Similar to close candids, candid interactions but provide context to the moment you are highlighting. In other words you can see the person or persons the subject is interacting with. You will typically want to stop down your aperture a bit for these to allow each of your subjects to be in focus.
Posed Photos:
Sometimes you will shoot posed portraits of an individual, but most of the time posed portraits are of groups of two or more. These are simple to do. Anytime you see a small group conversing, approach them with a smile and simply ask, “hey can I get a shot of you guys?” These should be shot at narrow enough apertures to capture everyone in focus. F2.8 or lower can work depending on distance, focal length, and how similarly distanced they are to you, but a rule of thumb I use is to shoot at f4 or higher to capture groups of three or more. I usually do not feel the need to go any higher unless the group is somewhat staggered in distance from me.
Portraits
This can be a professional headshot or something more artistic. Once in a while, you may be asked to shoot one of a notable speaker or such. But usually, I’m shooting these for myself. It gives me an opportunity to work more intimately with someone, get creative in a different way than I spend most of my time shooting, and a fun way to build a portfolio.
Detail Shots:
There are many ways to shoot detail shots. I have shot these with a 24-70mm lens, 70-200mm lens, 50mm vintage lenses, 135mm lens and more. These shots will compliment your wider establishing shots to tell a story.
Details matter at an event. Organizers put in a lot of work to produce an event of any size with many details to show for it. When photographing an event put on to showcase a product, the product should be your focus. That said, be sure to get shots of attendees interacting with the product. You should always discuss what your client is looking for, but this will most likely be it.
Although a photographer’s job is in part to capture details, their focus should typically be on capturing defining moments. These moments tell a story and evoke a feeling regardless of the type of event. Every photograph delivered should be about something. It can be about an emotion, someone’s reaction, or an interaction between people, but there should be meaning behind each image. These highlights offer a window into what it was like to be there. Always shoot with intention and never raise your camera to your eye just to snap a shot. Event organizers and marketers do not need thousands of lousy images, they need photographs they can actually use. At private events people want emotion filled images that bring them back to a moment. Capturing the height of an expression can be a ringing reminder of exactly how they felt in that moment.
I have been a professional event photographer and photography teacher for 10 years. Follow the links below to see my work.
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Los Angeles Event Photographer | mikmilman.com
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Facebook | / mikmilman
#eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventphotographyshottypes #eventphotographyshotlist #eventphotographytips #eventphotographytipsandtricks #howtoshootanevent #eventphotographyin2021 #losangeleseventphotographer
Hi Everyone.
You can also find additional resources for event photographers by visiting my site at mikmilman.com
Shot types with descriptions are listed in the description!
No affiliate links and I never sell to you. If you would like to support me making content like this, please consider becoming a Patreon!
www.patreon.com/mikmilman
Watching this as I wait for an event I'm photographing tonight to start. No joke. //A
Thanks for watching but I'm sure none of this will be new info for you!
@@MikMilman It's all good info and good reminders. It's very easy to get lazy and realize later you didn't fully cover the event and only came away with obvious shots.
(oh, and the photography was on point. I love seeing your work)
Truth be told, my patience ran out looking for good establishing shots. I have them, but not enough. I learned a lesson from my own video, which I kind of already knew and thats to shoot more establishing shots.
For me, the takeaway was the lesson you gave about taking portraits of notable people involved in the event. I love events because I don't have to interact with anybody. It's like street photography, only no one cares that you're there or taking their photos. You can endlessly play with stories and moments and have license to do so. But I know that the planners very much value photos of themselves and the personalities they invite out. Providing them portraits and posed moments are much appreciated. But I avoid those because it takes getting out of my comfort zone.
Okay so
Event Photography
*Show Scale
*Establishing Shot
*Candid
*Shooting Through Things
*Candid Interaction
*Emotional Interaction
*Posed Images
*Portrait Shots
*Detailed Shot (Item, brand, sponsor, closeup, etc. )
-Capture moments that define the event
Tysm bro
I was asked to do my first event recently. A large charity event. I watched almost all your videos to try and prep for it. What a massive help it was. So much more to learn but the event went well and I had a blast doing it. About to send my photos to the client. 😬🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
Thank you so much for this comment. I really appreciate hearing it!
Oh, my god, you act just like a regular person! What a breath of fresh air! Thanks for being awesome!
OK.. so after hearing that a few times, I'm curious. What do other people sound like?!
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Hopefully I've earned your subscription.
Hey, Mik. Ok, one thing that's noticeable is that you don't usually tell people what they should do like there's just this one way to do things. You tell people what you do and what works for you. I think that's a sign of someone who's open to ideas. I've noticed that about people who are very experienced in any field. There's some old saying that goes something like, "An expert is someone who's stopped learning." I think some of the other advice RUclipsrs tend to just declare that this is the way you do it. I'm sure they're really decent people and everything, I just think that saying there is this one way and you know it and here it is, I just think that's a bit naive and intellectually presumptuous.
Also, I really get the idea that you're doing this as a way to give back, from your heart. Nothing against people who are trying to "make it as a RUclipsr" and get ahead and make a living from it. They provide good content too. Just nice to see someone who is content and stoked and doing it for the love.
Also, it's trusting and generous of you to share your feelings and stories.
I just get the feeling that you're primarily a person first but also photography is something you love and do, but that you're primarily just someone on a journey like all of us.
The other people, not to criticize them, they just do a lot of clickbait and hyperbole. They seem like they're trying too hard to impress someone. Also, a lot of times, they're trying to find something to say when they've already said everything they've got, just because they feel pressure to post new content or are addicted to the adulation.
So not to be flattering or anything, just thanks for taking a chance and putting your self out there, for adding your voice and helping the noobs like me. I get the feeling that even if you didn't get money or exposure from teaching, that you'd still do it anyway just because you're stoked. The bottom line is people like that, people like you are just nice to be around and to have in my head.
I think as people we must always be open to new ideas in order to grow. I believe I am on a lifelong journey to slowly break down dogmas downloaded into my mind.
I'm really glad to hear that my intent is clear. You're right: I've been a teacher in some form my whole life. It started with me going to and assisting my mom at the classes she would teach. Its just built into my DNA.
But that said, at some point I need to make RUclips sustainable. I have no intention of being a gear reviewer or someone with a million subscribers selling bogus stuff to 5% of my super fans, but it would be nice to be able to earn something just so that I can justify devoting more time to it. What I am in the process of doing is setting up a patreon. But I want to do something different with it. I don't want to just ask people for money for bonus content or nonsense like that. What I want to do is set up tiers for mentorship so that I can actually help people. I'm still figuring it out, but I want to offer a tiers that includes the ability for people to email me once a month with their questions to a tier in which people can receive business coaching etc. Let me know your thoughts if you'd be kind enough!
I couldn't agree less. Most of the shots you mentioned i am taking them, a few tips and pointers i could try on my next photoshoot.
Thanks for the video Mik. I have an event in a couple of weeks. The point that you make at the beginning about taking a shot that establishes context is something that I had never thought about. I’ll be taking my wide angle lens with me. I have learned something tonight. Greatly appreciated.
Thanks Mik! As primarily a sports photographer I use a different shot list for each sport I cover - but now just starting out with events. This info helps loads with creating a new shot list for these types of events, appreciate!
a lot of solid advice here and tips that i'll use at the next event i shoot. thank you so much, subscribed
Thanks, Brittany. I'll keep the event photography content coming. I recommend checking out my event guide and advanced tips video if you haven't already.
I think I've watched this before shooting every event so far. It's so good to have a video to just make sure I haven't forgotten anything.
And I'm back, like I said it's a good refresher.
thanks mik! today my first pay job for friend engagement wish me luck.
Good luck. Make sure to watch my video on how to enhance your candid photography. I think it will apply.
I love how straight to the point you are and no BS information served in this video. Well done! Great reminders! Tonight, I’m heading off to an event I’m covering. 🤣😁👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you and good luck on your event! What sort of bs are you finding in other videos?
Wow. I feel really privileged to be watching your video! You have a substantial and impressive background! Thanks for these tips. They are exactly what we novices need!!!
Thanks for this video! Im shooting my first event in two days and its for this CEO summit so its kinda intimidating with high profile individuals so this has been a great help. Keep em coming!
This is absolutely helpful and to the point. Thank you so much
Excellent advice... I love the trick/tip of asking subjects to look at each other to get those candid shots of them busting out laughing... that is Gold. Thanks...
new sub.
This is so helpful! Thanks so much for making this!
Great video! I really enjoyed seeing some of your work. It helped me to see what these different shot types look like.
Thanks Jenna! Glad you enjoyed it.
Really great reading all the positive comments here from people about to shoot their first event. The video's title (to say nothing of the content!) has clearly hit the mark, sir.
Love the tip about simply asking the people to look at each other to trigger a natural reaction and smiles/laughter. That's a perfect "photo hack" for sure!
Thank you for your thoughts. The positive feedback is what keeps me going.
Awesome tips. The look at each other request is something I'll start doing going fwd. Should be fun.
Excellent information. Great help. Thanks so much for sharing. The more I learn about photography, the more excited I get📸. Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great advice. Thank You. Much needed.
Thanks for the solid tips man. I understood the types of shots in my head, but never could quite articulate it. This really helps when I get back out to shooting events again. Now to go check out your stealthy video.
I hope you get as much out of it! Oh, and I'm glad I could help.
Appreciate you knowledge king, this information is perfect for my shoot that’s coming up🔥👍
Dude, sick video. I was looking for some tutorials on how to handle events photography and for now this has been the best. Congrats and keep it up!
Sadly, I have not been able to find anyone else consistently talking about event photography on RUclips. Let me know if you find one!
Thanks for sharing the video. Very informative tips!
Love every single video on your channel…
Watching this for an event I am covering later today.. I am surely watching it more than once..
Great video, full of information presented really understandable, thank you!
Dude this was extremely helpful! Thanks for all the tips can't wait to use them🙏🏻
Glad to hear that! I have an event photography playlist if you're looking for more.
Your portfolio is awesome man. Goals.
Great tip on having the subjects look at each other!
Works every time.
Thank you! This was so helpful. Off to my first event (charity event) style gig and this was very helpful. 🤞🏻
Thanks for taking the time of typing the shot types in the description. I found it very practical and I went ahead and copied and pasted them so I could have it on my notes to review every now and then. (I hope you don't mind)
Not at all.
Very Good! Keep the video's coming! 👍
Great tips! I especially love the one about people looking at each other 😅
I really like the tip Looking at each other shot ☺️ I'm so applying this in the future
Good selection of shot types and illustration of technique.
Great Video, so helpful !!!
I just got into the photography hobby and asked a friend to start shooting their parties as practice. Although they are by no means "corporate" events, these tips are still very helpful in anchoring the event and giving a sort of framework so stop me from aimlessly shooting. Thank you!
These shot types would apply to absolutely any type of event or editorial photography! If I gave the impression otherwise, that was not my intention (not suggesting you're saying that).
Always remember that a lot of event photography is about roaming around and capturing. But this is done with intention of course, not aimlessly. I think you would like my video on how to maximize your coverage as well:
ruclips.net/video/yAOTgX0xjss/видео.html
Thank you man. You just gave great advice all in one video. And these are exactly the type of events that I do. Parties and weddings. I’m still amateur even though I’ve been doing it for a while and I’m trying to level jump. This was great advice that I wrote down. The closeup candid shot advice where you ask them to look at each other -that is magic. My problem is I take too many candid shots and a lot of them turn out badly because there’s so many people w their backs turned. I need to get close up and personal. Another issue is one of the main restaurants I shoot at is very dark and I haven’t mastered lighting. I have an external flash but I haven’t figured out the best way to use it because I’m not getting the greatest shots. A lot of my photos are printed in real time so I don’t have time to edit shots. Im trying to learn how to take the best possible photos without having to edit.
Hi Brent,
I got behind on responding to comments... so I am going to go through all of them today in a live video. Hope you can make it.
All of a sudden there's a lot of event photographer youtuber out there but I still find you the best. I only watch theirs for curiousity.
Is there really? Havent seen any.
@@MikMilman maybe they are not showing up there in the US but there is a lot here in the Philippines if I google them.
I'm in Thailand right now actually :D
Thanks very much, Mik. It was very informative yet easy to follow.
Good to hear!
THANK YOU!!! Key points are so well-explained ! 🙏🙏
Thank you, Estrella. I appreciate you saying so.
Great content and tips. Thanks a lot.
A very concise appraisal of things you need to know. Great work!
Thank you, David.
This is a helpful tips. So glad I found and watched this vid a week before the event we're gonna photograph
Thank you. There's a whole event photography playlist if you're interested.
@@MikMilman will do watch them all. 😊
Very useful video.. thanks for sharing ❤❤❤
Great video. I kind of got adopted as an event photographer for an annual veterans event. I have a lot of the types of shots you describe. I also have quite a few where one subject is out of focus. I'll be more cognizant of that going forward. They were nearly all candid shots. I didn't get any closeups but a couple that I can crop in. Learned a lot this first year. Next August will be great. Thanks for the video.
This was the correct video!! YES! We require all the interns to watch before we send them out on their trial events.
That's amazing. Glad to help!
Wow. !
First time watching you (& I've watched a lot of photo videos on RUclips). I also subscribed.
I actually took notes as you were talking... Thank you so much for sharing your tips, I'll be sure to include some in my next shoot.
Cheers, from Australia.
You got it. FYI, I usually include a written version of my videos either in the description box or on my site.
mikmilman.com/
Thank you so much for your content !!!! Extremely informative and helpful ☺Cheers from France !
Thank you, Lila! Glad you found me.
Thanks Mik for another great video on Event Photography! I love how you include photographs to illustrate each point. As you mentioned in an earlier comment, there is a void out there when it comes to Event Photography. You have become my "unofficial" Event Photography mentor! Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Linda! That's the greatest praise you could have given me. I'm very glad to help.
agree
Hi Linda,
It's funny you say that because my future goal is to provide a mentorship service to people though patreon. I want this channel to be sustainable, but not by sponsorships or selling bogus things. I want to be able to actually help people in a meaningful way.
@@MikMilman Hi Mik, I would definitely be interested in being a patreon member of your channel. :)
@@lindaallen594 He just shared a link in his last video!
So informative, thank you!
Happy to hear that and thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for this video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks you sharing your experience. Going to shoot my first event in two days. This was helpful.
Awesome. Goodluck. Let me know how it goes.
I'm gonna shoot my first event next Friday. (27th May) There's gonna be a celebration at my previous middle school and my mother asked me to come (she teaches there). Basically I'm there to sharpen my photography skills and make sure everyone can see their moments captured in the moment.
I hope I actually have fun. Cheers!
Wow 🔥
This was super helpful!
Great video
Did my first event last month;) thanks for your videos 🙏
Thank you. I want to provide real value to people and I've realized there is a bit of a void when it comes to videos on event photography.
although Im not into event photography, but I learn a lot from your videos. Thank you
Thank you!
Very helpful tips! Thank you very much! :)
You're very welcome! I've got a whole event photography playlist, if you're interested in more tips.
ruclips.net/p/PL7juywq2ZoCzzIutxWlDNTtz2bylOM3o9
Another tip: When you ask to take someones picture, take it as they would expect. Standing their looking at the camera. Then show them and say, "Now I want a fun picture" and throw out an idea. Like I want everyone to look as mean as they can. If it works, great, but be fast to get the laughter shots after too. Now you got a small diverse set of pictures from that one moment instead of the classic boring looking into a camera shot everyone else takes.
Thank you so much for this
I'm glad you found it helpful!
Good stuff. This gives me confidence 3 hours to an event in about to photograph.
Hope it went well.
This was amazing info. Watching this before my first event shoot. Thanks again for this awesome advice
When you have the time, I would really recommend watching my complete guide. It should do a lot to ease any anxiety you have over shooting your first job.
Mik Milman I will definitely check it out. Also the shoot was a success.
Glad to hear it!
Great tips! Shooting my first event this weekend :)
I hope it went well!
I have a couple of events coming up super helpful and teaching me how to bring a more cinematic effect to my style of photography.
Great to hear it! Good luck!
These tips are super helpful! Trying to go next level
Where's your current level?
Mik Milman honestly I’m not sure!
Ive been getting hired for occasional photography gigs for past 3 years. But I want to take my skill next level and do it more consistently. I have an anniversary party I’m shooting this Saturday and I’m gonna take some of your tips and put them to use!
@@mzjonez7 Goodluck! Let me know how it goes. I hope these tips do help.
Excellent! Thank you... I am an amateur photographer who has been asked to take some shots at a local agricultural show (first time experience), one of the biggest events of it's kind in our state of South Australia. This has given me some tips on the types of shots I should include... :-)
Good luck on your gig! You've got this. Let me know how it goes. Also, I recommend checking out my event photography playlist to help you prepare.
@@MikMilman Will do... I like your style of presentation mate. Down to earth and helpful. I've subscribed to your channel...
Glad to have you.
Really appreciate this content
Thanks, Daniel.
Very useful tips. Thanks a lot
Glad it was helpful!
Great tips thanks
Thanks for your subscription!
Powerful
I expected this to only give me confidence, but this was actually helpful
Did you just shoot an event?
@@MikMilman Yeah it went great, thanks
Thank you :)
I have an event tomorrow, Big helps!
Great tips! Shooting a small event this Sunday!
Good luck! Let me know how it goes. If you're new to events I have a playlist of essential videos you can check out. I would especially consider watching my event Photography checklist to make sure you don't miss anything at your event.
Not the same day, but I'm also shooting a small event on Sunday😂
Great video, thanks for sharing =)
Thanks, Michael! Lots more in the works.
Thank you!!
You got it.
my first event is coming up in 5 days. A Hooters Pageant. im watching all your vids!! 😂
Thanks!
You're very welcome.
Great lighting 👍
Trying new things!
changed it up again in my last vid.
I have to photograph an event in 5hrs and i am so nervous. I haven't done an event 5years and i am nervous. not to mention i get shy around people. but your video helped me a lot and i feel a bit better. thank you!!
I know this is easier said than done, believe me: you're as prepared as you're going to get with 5 hours to go. Nerves will only hinder you. Stay calm and believe in yourself as it will maximize the use of the knowledge you currently have.
:) Good luck
I had photo cte classes for four years in highschool and tommorow i have my first gig. Here I am refreahing my mind
Hope it went well!
Just bought me a new camera and never used one before. As a course i took in college photography. Got a job for an event but only have a kit lense. Wish me luck guys
Well, how did it go?
@@MikMilman it got cancelled due to the pandemic worsening in my country. Anyway it was fun! Thank you.
Did your quest to the misty mountain get cancelled too?
@@MikMilman Sadly i died many2 moons ago
Very helpful video. Thanks. I have a 50th wedding anniversary party to shoot this weekend.
How did it go?
@@MikMilman it actually went pretty well. Thanks.
Great content and very topical for me as I have my first event in two weeks to photograph
What sort of event?
@@MikMilman corporate gig, foreign company visiting my area for distributors....should be interesting
@@davidgibsonphotography let me know how it goes.
Mik Milman well my first event turned out to be a non event. The client and I agreed terms via mail and they were going to get back to me one week before the event.....nothing...would not return my calls or mails.....complete waste of my time......this ever happened to you?
@@davidgibsonphotography it does happen. Not so much with corporations though. Do you have a contract?
thanks for the video.
at 0:54 if you are up, you will miss the activity down; What should I do?
I got that shot early career as a second shooter.
Hi Mik, I had a question. When shooting at a larger event with high ceilings, how can I evenly light the whole room when I can't bounce the flash and I only have a medium Speedlite. Do I really need to invest in a bigger flash setup like an AD200?
You do not need to invest in a bigger flash. Just increase your ISO to something reasonably high and balance your ambient light with that of your flash by increasing the length of your shutter. Too high and your subject(s) being lit by your flash will look like they're in a black hole. Too long and you can get ghosting of your subjects. Hope that was clear and helpful!
Lol im a 6ft5 black man. I never go unnoticed anywhere. Especially when taking photos
These are great and succinct tips! I’m not a photographer, but someone asked me last minute to take pictures because their photographer canceled on them 🙄
I hope they help!
I’m sure they will! They gave me a Cannon EOS 80D to shoot with😅
Well at this point all you can do is the best you can do with what you were given. I've got a whole event photography playlist if you have the time to watch more.
I just did a thousand like.. cool..
I just saw that. Crazy.
When you say you often bring a film camera with you. (during the part with Jamie Lee) What does that mean. You have a different camera for those other than the one you are using for an event.?
Yeah, I'll shoot digital for the work and a roll of film in a separate film camera for fun.
I have an event tomorrow, I have the sigma 24-70mm f2.8, it’s an indoor event, 21st birthday, wondering if this lens will be enough? Or should I bring a 55mm f1.8 and a 135mm f1.8 also?
It's likely enough, though you may need a flash. A lot of lenses I bring is just to give me some variety to the work; they're not necessarily needed.
@@MikMilman thanks so much for the reply, I do have a flash which I’m bringing also as I thought it might be needed haha.
Hello Sir, I've Nikon D5600, with kit lens 18-55, 70-300 f/4.5-6.3G and one 35mm prime lens, don't have anything else not even flash, and I just started as professional part time event photographer, want to know will I able to shoot with just these lenses nd entry level gear..and if so how to switch the lenses in between event if you know some tricks..and if possible what advice you would like to give me, I'm Doctor from India, following your guidance since past week🤗 more powers to you!
I'm currently working on a video about how to maximize your event photography coverage; Among other things, it will discuss how to quickly change your lenses so that you do not miss shots. Unless you're only photographing outdoor events, eventually you will need a flash. I would look into a third party option- no need to go with Nikon's offering.
Regarding gear, of course you can shoot with what you have, but eventually I would assume you will want to upgrade- especially your lenses. Event photography often requires the ability to shoot in low light and having a faster aperture will help. But in the meanwhile, focus on your skills, make due with what you have, and upgrade when you're able. My first few years, I was putting a lot of what I made into purchasing gear and it took years until I had a fully fleshed out kit. Hope my thoughts help!
Hello again. What metering mode would you suggest when shooting an event? Pleas Please and thank you
Evaluative, overall.
Pls which lens am I to use in taking a wide range
And a close up shot
Personally I use a 17-40 for my wide shots and a 70-200 or 135 for my close ups.