8 Tips to Take Event Photos Like a Professional
/in Corporate Events, Event Planning /by Courtney Coulombe8 Tips to Take Event Photos Like a Professional
Learn 8 expert tips from an Edmonton event planner to take professional-quality event photos. Perfect for weddings, corporate events, and more—capture stunning memories with ease!
8 Tips to Take Event Photos Like a Professional
Capturing stunning photos at your events doesn’t always require a professional photographer. Whether you’re organizing a corporate gathering, birthday party, wedding, or fundraiser, DIY event photography can be a cost-effective way to capture memories and key moments. With some preparation, basic gear, and a few techniques, you can achieve quality shots that truly capture the event’s atmosphere. Here are our top DIY tips to make your event photos shine.
1. Plan Your Shots Ahead of Time
- Make a Shot List: Before the event, outline the must-have shots. Think about key moments like speeches, special announcements, or group photos. Also, consider capturing close-ups, crowd reactions, candid interactions, and any special decor or design details.
- Scout the Location: Visit the venue in advance if possible, especially to check lighting conditions, backdrops, and potential spots for your key shots.
2. Work with Lighting, Not Against It
- Natural Light is Your Best Friend: Whenever possible, rely on natural light. Position your subjects near windows or open spaces to use soft, natural light that reduces harsh shadows.
- Avoid On-Camera Flash: Flash can create washed-out images, especially if used directly on your subject. Instead, if you need additional light, consider an external flash with a diffuser or bounce it off the ceiling for a softer effect.
- Bring Portable Lighting Options: Small LED lights or clip-on lighting can help, especially for darker indoor spaces or evening events.
3. Composition is Key
- Use the Rule of Thirds: Imagine a grid over your frame and place your subjects along the lines or at the intersections. This technique creates a balanced and visually pleasing composition.
- Get Close and Capture Details: Don’t hesitate to get close to your subjects for detail shots, like hands in action, decorative elements, or a plate of food. Details add a unique, personal touch to your photo collection.
- Capture Candids: Some of the best event photos come from natural, unscripted moments. Be ready to snap pictures of guests laughing, chatting, or interacting naturally with one another.
4. Pay Attention to Backgrounds
- Declutter the Frame: Be mindful of backgrounds and avoid cluttered or distracting elements. If possible, angle your shot to remove unnecessary items or crowds.
- Use the Environment Creatively: Make use of any scenic, well-lit areas, decorations, or branded event setups. For example, photographing attendees against a flower wall, photo booth, or well-designed space adds personality and style to your shots.
5. Focus on People First, Environment Second
- Get Portrait Shots: Capture a mix of solo portraits, group shots, and pairs. Zoom in for some close-up shots of faces and expressions, and step back for wider shots to get the full picture.
- Tell the Event Story: Think of yourself as a storyteller—capture the venue, setup, the crowd, the food, and any highlights to create a well-rounded album that represents the whole experience.
6. Make the Most of Editing Tools
- Use Mobile Editing Apps: Editing can make a big difference in the quality of your images. Simple adjustments in brightness, contrast, and colour can elevate a photo from good to great. Apps like Snapseed, VSCO, or Lightroom Mobile are easy to use and perfect for quick edits.
- Stick to a Consistent Style: When editing, try to keep the tone consistent for all images to create a cohesive look for the entire event album. Choose similar filters or colour balances for a polished effect.
7. Gear Up, But Don’t Overdo It
- Invest in a Good Camera or Smartphone: If you’re not ready to invest in a DSLR, high-end smartphones with good cameras are more than capable of producing excellent images. Consider purchasing a tripod or handheld stabilizer for sharper, steadier shots.
- Consider Accessories: Simple accessories like a portable ring light, external microphone, or clip-on lenses can enhance your photography without requiring complex equipment.
8. Practice and Be Patient
- DIY photography takes practice. Try to take photos regularly and experiment with new techniques or different lighting conditions. With time, you’ll improve your skills and become more comfortable capturing event moments effectively.
DIY event photography is an accessible, budget-friendly option that, with a bit of preparation, can yield impressive results. Remember, capturing memorable moments and telling the story of the event is the ultimate goal, not just taking perfect photos. So, relax, enjoy the event, and snap away!
If you’re looking for more event guidance or professional photography options, reach out to us at Planit Events Inc. We’re here to help your events shine, whether you’re capturing memories on your own or bringing in the pros.
Contact Us
780-993-6933