Watching the King’s coronation over the weekend reminded me of the occasions I’ve photographed the Royal Family and especially of my time as one of the official photographers shooting the Queen’s Jubilee. I’ve shot many huge events, from large concerts, to Super Bowls and enormous corporate gigs. Shooting major events such as these is fun, exciting, rewarding, and a big challenge.
In this blog post, I wanted to share some of the best ways to photograph big events.
Plan ahead
The first and most important step in photographing a big event is to plan ahead. Research the event beforehand, know the venue, the schedule, and the expected crowd. This will help you decide on the gear you need to carry, the lenses to use, and the shots you want to capture. Also, envision the shots you want to capture. Know what you want to capture, and do the research and pre-production work to make it happen.
Arrive early
Arriving early to the event will give you a chance to get your bearings, explore the venue, and find the best vantage points. It will also allow you to capture shots of the crowd, the setup, and the general atmosphere of the event. All of this helps to tell a story.
Use a fast lens
In big events, lighting conditions can vary widely, and you need a lens that can handle low-light situations. A fast lens with a wide aperture like f/2.8 or wider will allow you to shoot in low light while maintaining a fast shutter speed.
Shoot in RAW
This may seem obvious, but when photographing big events, it's important to shoot in RAW format. RAW files contain more data and allow for greater flexibility in post-processing, especially when it comes to correcting exposure, white balance, and color temperature.
Look for interesting angles
Perspective, perspective, perspective. Don't just shoot from eye level. Experiment with different angles to create unique and interesting shots. Shoot from above, below, or get down on the ground for a unique perspective. This is how your shots will stand out from the crowd.
Capture candid moments
Big events are full of candid moments that capture the true essence and emotion of the event. Look for people's reactions, emotions, and interactions. These candid shots often tell a story that staged shots can't.
Pay attention to the details
Big events are full of details that can often be overlooked. Look for the small details that make the event unique, such as decorations, signs, and food. These details add depth to your photos and help to tell the story of the event.
Photographing big events can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Planning ahead, arriving early, using a fast lens, shooting in RAW, looking for interesting angles, capturing candid moments, and paying attention to details are some of the best ways to capture great shots. Remember to have fun, enjoy the experience and don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.