Photography Tips for Non-Professionals at Corporate Events
Covered in this post—
Mastering Composition and Lighting
Capturing Candid Moments
Maximizing Technology
Practice and Professional Insight
Whether you're attending a corporate event as a participant, a planner, or just someone who loves capturing moments, photography can be an exciting way to engage. And it certainly helps to understand the basics! We’ve compiled the best photography tips for non-professionals at corporate events - read on.
When the stakes are high and every moment counts, this is where the true value of hiring a professional corporate photographer or videographer, like those at Mark Campbell Productions, becomes evident.
Understanding the Event's Ambiance
ItCapturing the essence of an event goes beyond getting good shots of speakers and performances. As a photographer, you need to understand and portray the entire ambiance.
Know the Light
Lighting isn't just key in photography – it's the essence. In corporate events, you'll often find a blend of natural and artificial light sources. Each light source casts its own color and intensity, which can profoundly affect the mood of your photos. Take the time to understand these sources.
If you're in a dimly lit room, a higher ISO setting can be invaluable. However, this may lead to grainy images. To counteract this, try finding spots where light converges, giving you a brighter subject without cranking up the ISO too much. And remember, the golden hour – just after sunrise or before sunset – is your best friend for outdoor events, offering a soft, diffused light that can make any scene look magical.
Capture the Mood
Think of your photos as visual storytellers. At a formal event, aim for photographs that exude sophistication and elegance. This might mean capturing the meticulous details of the décor or the solemnity of award recipients. At more casual events, let your photos breathe with the event’s relaxed atmosphere. Capture laughter, spontaneous dances, and the informal interactions that paint the true picture of the event’s spirit.
Composition is King
When it comes to event photography, thoughtful composition makes ordinary shots extraordinary.
The Rule of Thirds
This rule isn't just about balance; it's about creating interest and interaction within your frame. Place subjects off-center to create a sense of movement or tension. When photographing people, try positioning their eyes along these lines – it brings life and energy to your portraits. At events, you can use this rule to balance your subject with the surrounding environment, whether it’s a bustling conference hall or a serene outdoor setting.
Look for Angles
Your perspective can dramatically change the story you’re telling. A high angle can make your subject look smaller, emphasizing the environment around them – perfect for capturing the scale of an event. A low angle, on the other hand, can make your subject dominate the frame, ideal for powerful, impactful shots. Don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional angles – sometimes, the best shot is the one you least expect.
Getting Candid
Say “cheese!” Candid shots make for great memories.
Capturing Natural Moments
The key to great candid photography is anticipation. Keep an eye out for the build-up to those spontaneous moments – the laughter about to burst, the congratulatory handshake, the contemplative gaze. These moments are ephemeral, so staying alert and ready is crucial. Remember, candid shots often require patience and a bit of luck, but when captured, they're priceless.
Respect the Space
Always be considerate and unobtrusive. If someone signals discomfort at being photographed, simply smile, lower your camera, and move on. Discretion is key in candid photography – the aim is to capture the essence of the moment without altering it.
Technology is Your Friend
Don’t make it complicated – your phone is all you need!
Use Your Camera’s Features
Your camera or smartphone is a treasure trove of untapped potential. Explore features like burst mode for capturing action, macro for detailed close-ups, or even time-lapse for dynamic event sequences. Each feature has the power to add a unique dimension to your event photography.
For Apple users, dive into Portrait mode, which artistically blurs backgrounds to make people pop. Try the pano setting for sweeping venue shots. Use Slo-Mo and Timelapse videos to showcase dances or activities unfolding. And don't forget Live Photos - they also capture moments of movement and sound.
If you have an Android, experiment with pro settings like manual focus, white balance, ISO, and shutter speed to gain more photographic control. Make use of built-in effects like double exposure or colored lenses for artsy photos with flair. Switch to wide-angle if you want to fit more into every frame. And for Androids and iPhones alike, take advantage of night shot or light painting modes to really get creative with long exposure in low light.
Every phone camera comes loaded with handy tools. Knowing them inside out lets you leverage features tailored to different event moments. So whether a quick burst or a cinematic timelapse, your photos will better convey the unique personalities of corporate events.
Editing Apps
Post-processing is where good photos become great. With a multitude of apps available, you can fine-tune your images with ease. Adjusting exposure, playing with filters, or even converting images to black and white can add a whole new level of professionalism to your photos. Vignette and grain filters add style, while the healing brush and spot removal tools allow you to touch up photos and remove any distracting elements.
When editing event photos, focus on making the attendees, décor details, or key moments the star. Crop images for impact, boost color and vibrancy, and bump up the contrast to ensure faces and expressions are crisp and clear. Perfectly post-processed photos will capture the essence of the event with energy and visual flair. Don't brush over this step – take the time to bring out every image's full potential.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Your dog, the trees outside, the ducks at the pond – everything is fair game for photography practice.
Before the Event
Familiarize yourself with various photography techniques and settings in different lighting conditions. Practice capturing fast-moving subjects if you're attending a dynamic event, or work on your portrait skills for more formal gatherings.
During the Event
Embrace the digital age's greatest gift: the ability to take countless photos and corporate event highlight videos. Experiment with different compositions, perspectives, and settings. The more you shoot, the better you'll understand what works best in various scenarios.
Capturing Memories at Corporate Events
Remember, photography at events is about capturing the essence of the moment. It's not just about getting a technically perfect shot. It’s about the story, the people, and the atmosphere. With these tips in hand, you’ll not only add to your skill set but also enhance your overall event experience.
Now, go out there and start snapping. Who knows? You might just capture that one magical moment that becomes the highlight of the event. And if you're looking for professional guidance or services for your next corporate event, remember, Mark Campbell Productions is always here to help. Get your custom quote today.