The Essential Event Photography Guide Part 1: Event Types & Shot List Template

Events celebrate special occasions in our lives. In a business environment, they not only mark significant moments but also provide opportunities for collaboration. The job of event photographers is to document the experiences throughout an event, offering those who did not attend a glimpse into what they missed. With a wide range of corporate, social, and fashion events, we have put together an essential guide for event photographers.

Types Of Event Photography

Each type of event requires a unique approach to capturing the experiences of attendees. It is crucial for event photographers to plan their shots around the purpose and needs of each event.

Corporate Event Photography:

Corporate events, given their high-value nature, are lucrative occasions where large organisations bring together various business representatives to celebrate or explore new opportunities. This can range from conferences and trade shows to office or team celebration parties. Corporate event photographers should focus on capturing interactions between key speakers and the audience.

Concerts & Music Event Photography:

Events featuring performing artists present a creative challenge and opportunity for event photographers to capture not only the crowd but also the performers. Concert and music photographers should aim to capture not only the artist's performance but also the reactions of the audience.

Sports Event Photography:

Sports event photography is a niche specialised area that requires specific equipment and camera settings to capture the athletes' performances. The number one priority in sports photography is capturing the athletes in action, with special attention to their technique. Naturally, some focus is also given to capturing crowd celebrations.

Wedding Event Photography:

Weddings celebrate the union of not just two individuals but also two families coming together. These events are usually filled with beautiful decorations and activities to capture. Given the nature of weddings, wedding photographers create separate agendas filled with a planned shot list.

Event Photography Shot List

Regardless of the type of event, it is usually best practice to plan a shot list with the organiser. When planning the shot list, it is important to consider the overall agenda, key performers, speakers, audience reactions, ensuring a variety of candid and posed shots

Download our Event Photography Shot List Template.

Template

Equipment & Camera Settings

We will explore this further in Part 2, but for now, to get started, we recommend an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera from major brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, or FujiFilm. Brand new cameras often come with a kit lens, but to improve image quality, it is important to have a variety of prime lenses with focal lengths of 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm.

For events with low light, it is crucial to have a flash. Remember to shoot in RAW format for the best image quality and use the optimal shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings for each scenario.

Part 2 Coming Soon

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