What are the tricks to take good event photo.

[BlindSpot]

I notice at event, especially at those dark places with disco or funny lighting. It will be hard to take good photo as the light intensity is different from place to place.

I know usually to catch the picture closest to the moment, flash should not be use. So what are the trick to catch those moment?

Is there trick to reduce time needing to adjust the settings, like aperture, ISO and shutter speed. I realised that most of the time the moment is lost while adjusting these settings or other wise is that your subject get impatient while waiting for you to get the settings right.

So anyone with experience or know a trick or two, please help.

Thanks bros.

 

[Dream Merchant]

To be absolutely honest, there is no 'trick' involved, only an understanding (and respect) of light, technicalities and practiced skills.

 

[ungku]

To add on to what dream merchant has advised, to catch those moments, you have to adjust your settings to what kind of moments you wish to capture. Learn to anticipate and prepare your settings in advance.

 

[OldFlower]

... as someone said, no tricks involved.
However, sweaty palms are definitely involved.
Preparedness, anticipation, & knowing the ambient lighting of location beforehand, are what you need.
Producing good flash photographs in such indoor events, that one, must be left to your research...

 

[yanyewkay]

well versed in your equipment and lots of practice.

 

[BlindSpot]

Thanks, will try to learn more about my cam. Need more practical then I guess. Also will practice on anticipation.

 

[expro]

Thanks, will try to learn more about my cam. Need more practical then I guess. Also will practice on anticipation.

1. Use a wide angle lens around 28 to 35 mm (good dept of field).
2. Use high ISO
3. preset focus (3-4 ft), off the auto focus.
4. preset your flash (set to manual at 3-4 ft)

So when you shoot, you know that any thing between the set distance will be in focus and correctly expose.

hope this help.

 

[calebk]

...
I know usually to catch the picture closest to the moment, flash should not be use...

Where did you get this info?

 

[hacknet]

1. Use a wide angle lens around 28 to 35 mm (good dept of field).
2. Use high ISO
3. preset focus (3-4 ft), off the auto focus.
4. preset your flash (set to manual at 3-4 ft)

So when you shoot, you know that any thing between the set distance will be in focus and correctly expose.

hope this help.

man, i dont think its such a good idea to be manual focusing especially if you are in the dark. i shoot events mostly with a 20mm and that doesnt even give me enough dof to do that.

i recommend to use a flash and its AF assist beam, thats probably the only way to get accurate focus in such conditions.

 

[expro]

man, i dont think its such a good idea to be manual focusing especially if you are in the dark. i shoot events mostly with a 20mm and that doesnt even give me enough dof to do that.

i recommend to use a flash and its AF assist beam, thats probably the only way to get accurate focus in such conditions.

I have use this method for event shoot on film for more then 10 year, No problem.
"AF assist beam" too slow. You don't "manual focus", You "fixed the focus", if you understand what I mean, :sweat:

 

[werbium]

No tricks. Just TREATS. Just treat yourself to more trail and error and hopefully learn a thing or 2.

 

[ST1100]

Is there trick to reduce time needing to adjust the settings, like aperture, ISO and shutter speed.

The Canon 5D has a "C" setting which memorizes a set of parameters (shooting mode, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc). i use it for 'formals/flash' during events, while the camera is set for ambient shooting otherwise. This function saves a lot of 'fumbling time' when i'm fishing for candids and someone jumps me for a posed formal. Of course, i still have to remember to turn the flash on.

 

[zaxh81]

before every event, on my nikon system i will press up, up, down, down, left, right, ISO, WB.

 

[sloth]

Timing and footwork.

Know how the programme will unfold and be in your shooting location ahead of time. Get the programme, keep it in back pocket. They never stick to the programme but it sure beats being left in the dark

For general events, let's say functions, speeches, presentations, dinners, drinking expeditions, I virtually never carry a telephoto zoom (say, 70-200 for example). I find that as long as I am in position, the long end of my standard zoom (24-105) is more than enough. I only have to shoot across the room when I get caught short.

Of course this excludes sporting events or other events where you simply cannot get close at all. But 98% of the time footwork is enough zoom.

Be gracious, go in, get your shot fast and accurate (one shot one kill if you can) and get out of the way of your guests. The guests acknowledge you are the 'designated photographer' and will make way for you, but it is also nice to return the favor once you are done.

Know your flash and how it will work under various circumstances. Only experience will teach you this. Learn to think in terms of how the flash LIGHT works. Do not be fooled that by buying the biggest, fanciest, or most chim looking diffuser that you can lay your hands on (or worse, ALL the big, fancy, chim diffusers) that your lighting will be magically perfect in all situations.

The diffusers DO work: but the catch is knowing WHEN they will work for you. Some work better than others. Sometimes, even direct flash will work better.. amazing, isn't it I have to control my flash as much as my camera at events.

All the best with your events!

 

[charlesleong]

before every event, on my nikon system i will press up, up, down, down, left, right, ISO, WB.

:bsmilie::bsmilie::bsmilie:

is there a similar 'cheat code' for canon systems :sweat:

 

[calebk]

:bsmilie::bsmilie::bsmilie:

is there a similar 'cheat code' for canon systems :sweat:

Have, only on cameras with rear dial (but not applicable to 1-series).

While the camera is off, turn the rear dial 4 clicks left, main dial 3 clicks right, switch on the camera, press display, then delete, then turn rear rial 1 click right. Press set.

BTW please don't follow the instructions k? You'll delete everything on your card. :bsmilie: