Tips when it comes to event photography?

upncmnhistori

Hi I am an amateur photographer. A DJ friend wanted me to do a gig with him recently which I did but I found it quiet challenging were people didn't want to be photographed and eventually the birthday person wanted everyone to be photographed. That job eventually got done but I find people are fairly 'tense' when it comes to photograph's is there any professional event photographers out there that know a few tips of how to approach people properly without them being tense or not minding or does a photographer at a birtday have to wait until they are 'all drunk' although that sounds unprofessional.

sebphoto

Did they know that there will be a photographer taking pictures?
If someone don't want to be photographed then I wouldn't take a picture of this person.
It's better to ask first and then take a picture.

upncmnhistori

Yes they (birthday person) wanted to photo's people refused but I was dragged around by one of the birthday person's friend to take pictures of people but they were more relaxed then the people who refused first.

SteveBabyface

If you want to be a photographer, personality and good people skills are vital especially if you plan to cover social events. You have about ten seconds to engage and connect with your subjects and in order to do this you have to be out going and friendly.

Generally it is a good idea to allow for some 'Soakage' eg drink. So if a party starts at 8, don't arrive until at least 9. It is very hard to motivate a group of people who have just walked in the door.

As long as you are polite and smiling, most people won't mind turning for a photograph. You could try joking with the people and getting them to laugh. Not everyone will go for it and if that is the case, make a joke of it and tell them that you will get them later.

I hope that this helps

b318isp

...and show them some of the shots you have just taken...this usually gets a laugh, let's them know they are not being singled out or helps break down the barrier between you and them.

If you remember that some people do not like pictures being taken of them because they think:

- I don't look good in photo's
- Who is is this creep wandering around taking photos and why would he want to photograph me?
- P**s off, leave me alone and mind your own business

Timing can be everything - let people get use to you, balance formal with impromptu shots, balance group with individual shots, be friendly (smile!) and let people have a laugh.

upncmnhistori

We'll one good thing was I showed people the shots and they actually liked them 'thak you Cannon Camera'. When I was 'dragged' around by one of the birthday persons friends to the familes they seemed easier going. So I wonder does familiar faces relax people. It may be an extra income gig for now while money is tight in this era.