Photography and videography are major considerations when it comes to event planning. Whether it be weddings, birthdays, or any other special occasion, people want the best photos and videos to help them immortalize cherished moments in time.
According to photographer Dan Doyle Queens photographer and videographer, having a technique is key when it comes to shooting great photos and videos. Some people have an eye for visual media, but those who develop their skills learn the basic techniques initially. If you are a photographer or a videographer, or just someone who wants to take better pictures for your own event, you may want to follow these simple yet effective strategies to take amazing photos and videos during your event.
Prepare a storyline
To create great clips and photoset, you need to have a storyline first. The storyline is how you want to chronologically shoot your video clips or make your photos and videos. For example, you may want to shoot a wedding. You can discuss with the client some elements they would want to include from the wedding preparations, ceremony, and the reception. This storyline can be created like a comic strip or done through a list. The storyline will guide you on what types of photos to take and videos to shoot as well.
Prepare the right gear
Aside from knowing the storyline, you also need to know specific details of the event in order to prepare the right shooting gear. According to Dan Doyle Queens, you don’t need much fancy equipment when it comes to shooting events. The basics would be having a high-resolution DSLR with an externally powered flash, a mid-range zoom lens, spare batteries, and memory cards. As for videos, you may need a team of two or three to capture several angles simultaneously as the event commences. It is also helpful to consider if the event will be held indoors or outdoors, or if it’s during the daytime or nighttime. Having this prior knowledge can help you remember modifications with your settings or changes in your gear.
Remember the rule of thirds
Photography composition is still important in event photography. The “rule of thirds” is considered one of the golden principles to make outstanding photographs aside from adding the element of depth and color balance. When taking video clips and photos, imagine that there is a grid that divides the photo by three horizontally and vertically. If you place the points of interest along these imaginary lines, the result will be a well-composed photo or video clip. Common points of interest during an event would mostly be people, party elements, food, and the venue as well.
Set up your camera for action shots
Although people would be willing to post for photos during an event, action shots are far more interesting and require more skill to take. To do this, you must be quick to turn your DSLR into a high-speed mode to prevent blurs. Taking multiple photos of within a short amount of time will also help you to sort out unflattering images made from action shots. Video clips can be sorted by those which you are shooting candidly, and those which are acted out as a part of the storyline.
Know when to use proper lighting
Photography and videography are also mostly about lighting. When you have a source of natural light, it can be best to skip flash to avoid an unnatural look. Photographers and videographers can also make use of reflectors and lighting sets for indoor events or night shooting.
Unlike studio photography and scripted videos, covering events require skills and a sense of urgency to take the best shots. As you consider these tips, you are one step to succeeding in shooting events.
