Tips for Event Photography
If you are thinking of a career in event photography, then these event photography tips may come in handy.
The term "event photography" refers to a wide array of events ranging from - well, anything that could be called an event. Think baptisms, bar mitzvahs, weddings, funerals, concerts, parades, baseball games, graduations, art exhibits and any other occasion where people gather for a specific purpose.
Event photography offers an interesting and eclectic variety of work to the professional photographer. However, it can pose challenges to those who are not adequately prepared to deal with anything and everything.
The following tips for event photography may increase your versatility as well as your abilities to make money from photography.
Be Flexible
Always keep in mind that each event will be unique. Even if you photograph only retirement parties, for example, you will find that each retirement party is different from the next.
Each event you cover will require you to bring cameras and other equipment. Whenever possible, it is wise to select your equipment for each shoot, rather than routinely carrying everything you own. When purchasing your cameras and accessories, look for generalized equipment that can handle a range of conditions rather than choosing highly specific items.
As time passes, your skill level will increase and you will find yourself concentrating on certain genres ahead of others. At that time, put some of your profits back into your business and purchase the more specialized equipment. In addition to being specialized, these cameras and accessories usually come with a higher price tag.
The Specific Skills an Event Photographer Needs
As mentioned earlier, certain events require specific techniques and skills. They may also require specific equipment.
Many professional event photographers recommend that you volunteer your services when photographing a specific genre for the first time. The experience you gain will be critical, and you may save yourself a black mark on your professional reputation.
If you are opposed to performing a volunteer gig, at the very least, offer a sizable reduction in fees. You will find that many potential clients are open to such an offer. This approach will also help you expand your portfolio - always a good thing.
Opportunities for Cross-Selling
When you photograph an event, try to think of it as a huge networking opportunity. Carry business cards and discretely make them available. One word of caution here: take care that you don't market yourself too aggressively. Your client is paying for you to be there and your photography tasks should take up the lion's share of your time. Also, other guests may be uncomfortable and complain if they perceive you as being a persistent salesperson.
That being said, if anyone inquires about your photographic services or asks where they can see your work, be sure to hand them your business card containing your web address.
Your web site should serve a double purpose. In addition to being your online portfolio and showcasing your full range of professional abilities, it should also be a digital business brochure where potential customers can find out more about your services, experience, rates and contact information.
Post Processing
The job of an event photographer is to produce quality, usable images. To this end, you would be wise to perform a small amount of photo editing manipulation before delivering the product. You client may opt to do more manipulation if they choose.
Let's take an example. Suppose you contracted to take photographs of a musical performance. You produce a number of good pictures, but the lighting is poor in all of them. If you have a software application like the industry standard Adobe Photoshop CSx, you can manipulate the photos to adjust the lighting.
Professional illustrators and photographers consider the Photoshop family to be gold standard. It is an extremely powerful package and comes with both a steep price tag and a steep learning curve. You may be wise to take a training course in Photoshop if you plan on going into photography as a profession.
If you are on a strict budget to start out, you may want to check out a free image manipulation package called GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program).
More Tips for Photography Businesses
Many people going into the photography business benefit from some training around the business end of things. The training resource Profitable Photography is one example of a course offering photography business training.
This is just one money making suggestion. Check the article list for more ways to make money with digital photography.
Thank You!
June Campbell
P.S. New to digital photography? Find out how you can take spectacular photographs with your digital camera in thirty minutes or less. Visit StartMyDigitalPhotography.com. If you want to move your photograhyto the next level, try Digigal Photography: Beyond the Basics.
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