Events Photography

[munkey]

Hi peeps

Not sure about you guys, the lao jiaos but when say you're tasked to cover a certain "event" and everyone around you are strangers, I think I would find it immensely difficult to lift my camera to take pictures of these big-wigs, easily 2 times my age or more. Its very much different as compared to shooting your close friends who are more spontaneous in that sense, hence I find myself keeping my camera to myself on most occasions. Any similar stories/solutions?

 

[catchlights]

remember if you are paid or assign to shoot, you have to shoot, like it or not, you still have to deliver the pictures. personal feeling or thoughts are irrelevant here.

else just go and shoot your friends for fun.

 

[geraldkhoo]

If you've been tasked to shoot for an event, then ka ka cheong!

When I started out doing events photography, I was a bit shy and dare not go too close, but then I realized that if I want to get the shot, I've got to at times go forward, block some people, and get the shot... so through time, I learnt to be more bold.

Just ignore the other people who intimidate you... and go for the shot! At the end of the day, its about the pictures that you take... :thumbsup:

 

[wildstallion]

I remember the first event I shot at. Luckily I was just an assistant, but I remember being really shy and $hit scared! (First event was infront of 200+!) Hardly took any photos at all. But after a few events you get over it. Now its no big deal at all, can happily go take photos, have a chat with random people at the event etc. My suggestion, start off assisting, you wont be required to get any shots, so no pressure, and then just practice practice practice, and let go!

 

[conquer500]

Hi peeps

Not sure about you guys, the lao jiaos but when say you're tasked to cover a certain "event" and everyone around you are strangers, I think I would find it immensely difficult to lift my camera to take pictures of these big-wigs, easily 2 times my age or more. Its very much different as compared to shooting your close friends who are more spontaneous in that sense, hence I find myself keeping my camera to myself on most occasions. Any similar stories/solutions?

just shoot, its your job

 

[allstar]

No pain, no gain. if you are shy, i just suggest you stay at home and rot. why volunteer to shoot or get paid to shoot if you ain't gonna shoot properly at all.

 

[heroneo99]

Same same for me. after some time u will be more bold one. Initially was like scared of blocking ppl. But after sometime dun care too much liao. ha. the more u scare this scare that the more unnatural u will feel and look. So must gan gan lai. I still not bold enough now , still picking up the "thick skin" skill, ha.

 

[miketre]

No pain, no gain. if you are shy, i just suggest you stay at home and rot. why volunteer to shoot or get paid to shoot if you ain't gonna shoot properly at all.

Why bother to post a strongly worded comment if you have nothing constructive to say?

to TS: Try to think of the fact that you are the one behind the lens and have less reasons to be fearful than the ones in front. If you are unable to put personal thoughts aside, then tell yourself that it is your responsibility to deliver and that you do not want to fail.

Covering events requires quite a bit of soft skills as well. You will have to interact with the ppl sometimes, especially if you are taking group shots. ability to make the ppl smile, being able to anticipate things, etc.. all add up to being a good event photog.

Try to get the itenerary of the event, and keep your mind busy with planning and anticipating the shots. You will then have lesser time to think of negative and non constructive thoughts.

additionally, u can try to grab a beer or glass of wine if it is available :sweatsm:

 

[Snoweagle]

Hi peeps

Not sure about you guys, the lao jiaos but when say you're tasked to cover a certain "event" and everyone around you are strangers, I think I would find it immensely difficult to lift my camera to take pictures of these big-wigs, easily 2 times my age or more. Its very much different as compared to shooting your close friends who are more spontaneous in that sense, hence I find myself keeping my camera to myself on most occasions. Any similar stories/solutions?

I've done event shoots numerous times and even on my first assignment, there's nothing to be afraid of. I just shoot just becos it's my job and for the passion of photography.

 

[jkuean]

sorry for hijacking, but i'm into events photography too.. any tips or advice to offer ?

 

[Snoweagle]

sorry for hijacking, but i'm into events photography too.. any tips or advice to offer ?

Find some lobangs in the form of friends or associates.

 

[jkuean]

huh? wad kind of lobangs ?

 

[Snoweagle]

huh? wad kind of lobangs ?

Simply put this, anyone whom u know who's into this business.

 

[munkey]

No pain, no gain. if you are shy, i just suggest you stay at home and rot. why volunteer to shoot or get paid to shoot if you ain't gonna shoot properly at all.

Dude justin,

I'm not sure which part of my statement suggested that i was shy/introverted/demented/vegetated? Please highlight as I may have missed your insidious remark. After all not everyone is born an ALLSTAR like yourself, we can't rock out with our cocks out, so we gots to do it the tough way by nuturing ourselves.

Thanks for the attempt at flame tho.

NEXT.

 

[munkey]

remember if you are paid or assign to shoot, you have to shoot, like it or not, you still have to deliver the pictures. personal feeling or thoughts are irrelevant here.

else just go and shoot your friends for fun.

Thanks boss,

Well my first one was at the Fashion Festival, with all the gorgeous models walking around so that probably took my eye off the job for a while. In any case the step forward is always one of humility. Good concise words of advice .. will look into it.

 

[stupidbloke]

the best way i found is to learn quick pr skills. make friends with random people. start by taking a photo of them, show to them and from there strike conversation lar. and remember practise makes perfect. doing club photography, a big smile always helps. do be shy to pry and ask them who they are where they come from or whatever.

worse come to worse, i find that an effective way to PR-ing is after a beer or two. hahaha. this is of course totally up to you and your boss (if u have one). most events i shot have free booze being distributed. i know im going to get flak for this but, i dont think a little alchohol is gonna mess up ones pictures. just enough to remove barriers. haha

 

[wildstallion]

the best way i found is to learn quick pr skills. make friends with random people. start by taking a photo of them, show to them and from there strike conversation lar. and remember practise makes perfect. doing club photography, a big smile always helps. do be shy to pry and ask them who they are where they come from or whatever.

worse come to worse, i find that an effective way to PR-ing is after a beer or two. hahaha. this is of course totally up to you and your boss (if u have one). most events i shot have free booze being distributed. i know im going to get flak for this but, i dont think a little alchohol is gonna mess up ones pictures. just enough to remove barriers. haha

I think thats a very poor statement. If you cant do it without drinking then you shouldnt be doing events at all. Never drink on the job, its just bad form! :thumbsd:

 

[miketre]

I think thats a very poor statement. If you cant do it without drinking then you shouldnt be doing events at all. Never drink on the job, its just bad form! :thumbsd:

You have a point.
However, if its an event where that you are not getting paid for, I'd see it as a volunteer service instead of a job. ;p

My first event (FOC) was to cover a farewell event for my parent's company CEO. I heard them complementing the wine, and was also offered a glass. However, I declined & I told myself that I'll help myself when everybody has left. When that moment came, the wine bottle was empty :bheart:

I think it really depends, as everybody has a different thresholds of alcohol, even greater definitions of what is 'a little alcohol'.

Personally, I wouldn't mind if a (paid) photographer covering my wedding has a glass of wine, as long as the shots don't turn out bad.

 

[munkey]

A smoke break wont hurt at all

 

[wildstallion]

You have a point.
However, if its an event where that you are not getting paid for, I'd see it as a volunteer service instead of a job. ;p

My first event (FOC) was to cover a farewell event for my parent's company CEO. I heard them complementing the wine, and was also offered a glass. However, I declined & I told myself that I'll help myself when everybody has left. When that moment came, the wine bottle was empty :bheart:

I think it really depends, as everybody has a different thresholds of alcohol, even greater definitions of what is 'a little alcohol'.

Personally, I wouldn't mind if a (paid) photographer covering my wedding has a glass of wine, as long as the shots don't turn out bad.

Most people wouldnt mind, but its just not a professional attitude. By all means have a glass or two when your finished shooting, but during is just a no (from a professional stand point)