Hi Deswitch...
I think its quite an industry practise by events professionals that there are certain things that they do and not disclose to others. These may just be some practises that they do in favour of others and that is why customer keep going back to them.
There are in fact, many logical steps to follow before you start shooting.
1. Be very early to see your venue.
You need to picture the potential photographing spots especially in indoors such as the stages, backstages, background prop etc. Outdoors will be scenery, shades, vegetations etc.
2. Know the events by heart.
Take D&D for eg, you need to know what is the programme like, what time does each individual programme starts and ends. How many lenses, films, CF you need. Flash using bounce, direct etc. Either outdoor or indoor, different time of the day (for the former) and program on the list (for the latter) will affect the lighting conditions. You need to know and to decide what lens you need to mount and what film to load. For digital, you need to set the ISO before you start shooting.
3. Know the show crews.
Buy kopi to the Emcees. The Emcees or the host will be the one to control the events. If the event have unexpected outcome, the Emcees or the host will have to do something to bring the program back on track. Also there might be last min changes to programme content and that is why you have to be notified also. If you are not informed and gotten the wrong message or miss out something, you will lose your readiness timing as well as precious "moment of the year" shots. This is important especially if you are taking your orders later. Got the idea? The more precious moments you captured, the more people are going to order the copies from you.
I recall once an Emcee hosted his stuff too quickly and because it was still too early for a finale dance...think it was 9+ only, he hum-tan sabo me last min by banging the floor to come on stage to post for some photo sessions. The full strength of the company is a few hundred and without any notice, he announce the photographer (i.e me) will snap all of them and squeeze them onto the stage and expect me to snap everyone inside a frame!
Now the tricky part of business is this - to get a group shot especially at that kind of strength and well taken, requires a lot of careful consideration. In indoors, you need to consider lighting. We don't have Gary fong's lightsphere and a ETTL II flash at that time so using a high speed film with no IS lenses, handheld is the only way.
Outdoor you need to consider harsh down pours of sunlight or low cloudy skies. When using fill flash and over a hundred of them, what flash allows you to fill up every individual eye sockets with soft, warm lighting? What about the background, you have lots to choose outdoor. Which look best?
Also, bear in mind that the greatest headache had just started, ... not everyone will be looking at you at the same time and their standing order will usually let you vomit blood. To conclude the worst, usually you only have 1 chance to get everyone looking good!
From a commercial point of view, if you produce an ant size face on that photo and get it printed on a 4R (that's usually the one people will want it printed) no one can see anyone clearly and hence that shot will most likely be the least ordered.
Any pros will also know that a gathering shot is the most precious shot and usually will get ordered most of the time. Sometimes people ordered blow-ups for their publications or in their notice board etc. That is a good source of income!
Going back to the Sabo Emcee, luckily I pocketed a wide angle in my vest if not I will have to run to my bag to get one which just shows people how unprepared you can be. So be careful. Always be ready and grab any opportunities that you are given. Remember luck is always when opportunity + preparation.
4. Network.
If you want repeated business, buy a cuppa for the events organiser. Know the HR and finance guys. Trust me they will approve your invoices faster. If you are into leisure, you can skip this
Good life for you...
5. Etiquette and respect :thumbsup:
As a backup photog, you have to be careful about etiquette and be respectful to the main photographer. Because he will be paid big sum for his works and only when things gotten off, your works will then be appreciated. He is answerable for his output so these poor guys are always under a lot of stress. The main guy will often do whatever he can to make all of you look redundant.
I was a backup in a convocation before, the main guy basically disregards any of us by blocking us (there are 4 of us) in anyway to get his best shots ignoring the presence of us leaving no space or time for us to snap!
What I usually do for this type of situation is to avoid direct confrontation and look for other interesting happenings. He shoot on stage, I shoot off stage i.e when the graduands and VIP walks do the aisle towards their seats or out of the hall.
Also while most main photogs goes after the big guys - CEOs, Directors, Chancellor, Deans etc, you can go to the more cohensive groups like aunties chatting, girlfriends giggling, buddy buddy oggling etc. They are energy reflections of the life of the events and are usually very interesting to snap on.
However if you are the working pro, you need to constantly go around to the snap the payees of the assignment i.e the bosses, organiser, finance and accounts people etc. Whether your works are good or not is secondary. They will start feedbacking and evaluate you the next day when they go back to the office!
