You have been asked to take business event photos because you share photos on your Instagram/Facebook account. Therefore, you must know what you are doing!
Argh, the pressure - it's all up to you to record the event and make it look really engaging and enticing. Little do they know, you just lift the phone, tap the button and the amazing technology does the rest.
This article will provide tips on what to photograph and how to capture the moments. I have broken the tips into three categories:
Before the Business Event
Smartphone specific tips
1. Use the rear camera
Yes, for those who take daily selfies – there is a much better quality camera on the back of the phone!
2. Turn off the flash by tapping the flash icon then Off
The flash is limited to a short distance and can be quite distracting to someone participating in the event
3. Turn on the grid lines
The two vertical and horizontal lines help you capture a straight image and place a person off-centre to also capture the context of the scene
4. iPhone specific tip: Turn on Live Photos
You can now edit a Live Photo and select the still frame within the quick little video to capture the exact moment and avoid those eye closed images. Alternatively, hold the shutter button to capture a burst of images.
5. HDR on auto
An acronym for High Dynamic Range, not high definition resolution! In real-time, your phone captures and blends multiple images to capture a higher range of light and dark in the scene.
6. Tap the subject on the screen to focus
This tells the automatic smartphone camera where you want it to focus and make the subject detailed. It also prioritises how the camera will balance light and dark to create a nicely lit photo.
7. Panoramic
The Pano mode on your phone is amazing. Remember movement in the photo can produce ghosting of people.
Event photography planning tips
Planning for your event photos will reduce your stress and allow you to get the most out of the planned and impromptu photo opportunities.
11. Visit the venue
If practical, visit the venue before the event at the same time of day. The provides an insight into the lighting to expect and the environment.
12. Look for a large naturally lit window
If you are taking posed photos/video; such as testimonials – face the posed group toward the large naturally lit window. It is much more flattering than overhead lighting – we have all seen those bathroom selfies!
13. Get a hold of the business event schedule
Identify where and when the activities are going to occur. You don't want to miss the essential shots. This is why you are getting paid a huge fee (or not!)
14. Identify the best angles
Anticipate where you can capture a clear photo of the speakers without a blocked view – are there locations where you can achieve some height?
15. Create a shot list
Consider your audience and/or branding to determine what you should be capturing and communicating in your images.
Now that you have planned – you should be feeling super excited and ready!
Don't stress yourself out over all these responsibilities that have been thrust upon you. You've got this – have fun.
16. Your demeanour
Be relaxed and move around slowly. Don't rush and be stressed because it will reflect in your photos.
17. Capture logos in the posed photos
Event organisers and sponsors can be a little precious about getting exposure for all the time and money invested!
18. Minimise the distractions in the photo
Clear table tops of tall wine bottles and move around to include a less busy, cluttered background. The people are the story in the image.
19. Avoid eating photos
No one wants to see that!
20. Add energy to the photos
If there isn't any energy at the event (we have all been to those) add some to your photos by intentionally tilting your phone to capture an angled photo.
21. Capture photos where people are mingling
Avoid the photos of one or two people standing on their own. Whenever you capture a group – take at least three photos to avoid someone having their eyes closed!
22. Capture a variety of photos
Take lots of photos, including the presenters, attendees, candid personal exchanges, distant, side and wide. Even capture closes up of catering and any promotional material.
23. Take multiple photos of speakers
Select a photo without the mid-word gaping wide mouth and skewed eyes!
24. Look like you belong
Blend in with the audience in your attire and behaviour. This reflects professionalism, respect to the event organiser and enables you to connect with attendees.
25. Communicate the Company brand
An outdoor activity Company would avoid indoor posed photos. They would prefer dynamic images of healthy living - full of energy and vibrant colour.
26. Capture candid photos
Did you know you can take a photo using the volume minus button on the side of the phone? You do not need to hold the phone up in front of your face.
27. Creative blur in your photos
Capture photos with a foreground and background at a distance to create some interesting depth and blur the background. Some smartphones have a portrait mode that blurs the background. You can also achieve a blurred background using After Focus app.
28. Capture tables from a lower angle
Shooting a lower angle across the table fills the frame with people instead of the messy distracting table contents.
29. Don't forget the video
Hold the phone horizontal! When moving left and right, lock in your arms and move with your hips.
To summarise the main learnings covered:
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