Comments on: How to Shoot Events

By: bob

bob — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:16:00 +0000

nice list — the one that resonates with me is the the “giant phallus” around one’s neck. I just don’t get it – why draw attention to yourself when you can work in stealth mode with the right equipment – translation: you don’t need a long lens when you’re up close – and having unobtrusive gear will get you CLOSER – security guys don’t worry so much when you don’t LOOK like the obnoxious photographer — Mary Ellen Mark is the queen in this area — she goes light – moves in – gets her images — gives a thankful wave and smile – then on her way…

By: Ashley Morgan

Ashley Morgan — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:13:30 +0000

“Musicians are easy – theyâ€™re constantly mugging”. Hands up, its true!

By: Modifoo

Modifoo — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 08:44:53 +0000

Great list, and works for video as well (replace “flash” with on-camera light). They ruin the light mood, anyway.

By: Wojtek

Wojtek — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:06:48 +0000

Very interesting stuff indeed. Kudos :)

By: Allen

Allen — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:19:35 +0000

Love it…it is one thing to do these things, but another when someone has put them down in an organized list.

By: Caroline

Caroline — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:51:38 +0000

Another good title for this entry would be ‘Social engineering for photographers’ :o)

By: Al Abut

Al Abut — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:12:17 +0000

Oooo, pretty indented pictures!

Sorry, off topic. But very nice, much like a widget on a nytimes article page with related multimedia rather than just links elsewhere.

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:13:31 +0000

Great tips – I totally agree, they work! Along the same lines of being fast – be fast when you’re trying to capture an “action shot” of a group of people talking to each other. Most events I work are some kind of VIP/Charity event and people are well trained that when a camera is pointed at them that means to stop and smile. I’ll take the posed shot if necessary, but sometimes I just smile and wave my hand a little bit, “Don’t mind me!” and they go back to their conversation.

By: Caroline

Caroline — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 09:38:38 +0000

Here’s a tip for shooting gigs. Know your subject. If you haven’t seen the band before, look up pictures online and find out whether the singer is lefthanded or righthanded (which influences mic-holding and guitar-holding), so you know which side of the stage to pick.

In other words, research before you shoot.

Oh… and always bring your 50mm/1.8 or 1.4 if you have one. It’ll save your ass in places where the light is bad. I prefer that to using flash.

By: Will

Will — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 09:18:04 +0000

Nice list. Indeed credentials do make a difference, even though mine are real, I’ve done my fair share of whipping up some fake ones to get access or ease the subjects mind about the dude with the giant camera in front of them.

When I do have to use a flash at events, depending on the size, larger events I’m less cautious, but I do so in spurts, doing a set of strobed pictures then going back to ambient light, so that way I am not a constant distraction. Most of the time a flash can be a very powerful tool especially when mixed with the ambient light setup of a stage. It’s all about caution though.

If you feel slowed down by lugging gear though, I highly suggest a belt. Plus everyone thinks you’re a pro when you have one on.

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