With the rise of social media and an increasing number of events, the demand for skilled event photographers has grown significantly. So, if you’re considering entering this field, you might be wondering how to get started as an event photographer.

Understanding Event Photography

First, let’s define what event photography is. Essentially, it involves capturing high-quality images during important occasions, whether personal, corporate, or public. This could range from weddings and birthdays to corporate events, galas, and festivals.

There are several types of events, each with its own unique photography needs. For instance, at a corporate event, you may focus on guests and company logos, while at a wedding, your focus would be on the couple. The three main categories in event photography are:

• Corporate events (e.g., seminars, conferences, and business gatherings)
• Private events (e.g., weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries)
• Public events (e.g., concerts, festivals, and parties)

Each type of event requires a different approach, including varying deadlines for photo delivery. For example, weddings typically have a longer turnaround time, whereas corporate events often require quick, next-day delivery.

Improving Your Event Photography Skills

Like any photography niche, event photography requires specific skills. One of the most important is to know your camera gear inside and out—familiarize yourself with all the buttons, settings, and features, especially the ones you’ll use the most.

Understanding the basic principles of photography, like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, is crucial. These elements, often referred to as the exposure triangle, will help you control light and ensure sharp, well-exposed images. Don’t forget about the importance of flash, especially in poorly lit venues.

Event photography also requires patience, good timing, and the ability to navigate through crowds while remaining polite. These skills develop over time, so it’s important to keep practicing. Even after years of experience, I still learn new things regularly. The best way to improve is to read, watch tutorials, and, most importantly, get hands-on experience by shooting public events or attending smaller gatherings with friends.

The Right Equipment for Event Photography

While high-end gear can certainly help, it’s not essential to get started. My Nikon D850, for example, was top-of-the-line when I bought it, and while it’s not the newest model now, it still serves me well.

When selecting a camera, look for one with a sufficient megapixel count (around 25 megapixels is plenty) and good low-light performance. Having a variety of lenses will also make a big difference. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing expansive shots, while telephoto lenses are ideal for close-ups.

Here’s a look at what I typically carry in my camera bag for events:

• 16-35mm f4: For ultra-wide shots, such as in small rooms or large venues.
• 35mm f1.8: My go-to lens for networking and venue shots.
• 50mm f1.8: A versatile lens I use less often now but is perfect for general shooting.
• 60mm macro f2.8: Ideal for detail shots, like food photography.
• 85mm f1.8: Used for close-up shots, speeches, and candid moments.
• 70-200mm f2.8: Perfect for capturing distant subjects, such as speakers on larger stages.

These lenses are all fast (with wide apertures like f1.8 or f2.8), which helps in low-light situations. Flash is also a must-have—especially when the venue is poorly lit. I used to carry a flash “just in case,” but now it’s become an essential part of my setup.

Building Your Event Photography Portfolio

Getting started in event photography can be tricky—how do you gain experience if you don’t have any event photos to showcase? The key is to start small. Offer to shoot local parties or public events for free or at a low cost in exchange for photos you can add to your portfolio. You can also start by photographing events hosted by friends or family.

As you build your portfolio, it’s important to select only your best work—around 20-30 images that showcase your style and talent. Update your portfolio regularly with fresh work to keep it current.

Networking and Making Connections

Networking is a huge part of building your event photography business. Attend local events and meet people who might need a photographer. Smaller gatherings often have budgets for photographers, which gives you a chance to build your portfolio and make connections.

Another great way to learn and expand your network is by second-shooting for more experienced photographers. This offers you the opportunity to observe their process, improve your skills, and potentially get more gigs in the future.

In addition to networking in person, create an online presence to showcase your work. A website is essential, where you can display your portfolio and provide information about your services. Regularly updating your site with blog posts also helps with SEO. Don’t forget about social media—use it to promote your work and target potential clients, like event planners and corporate leaders.

Setting Your Rates as an Event Photographer

Once you’ve gained experience and built a portfolio, it’s time to start charging for your work. Setting your rates can be challenging, but there are a few ways to figure it out. Start by researching what other photographers in your area charge. If you’ve second-shot for others, you may also have an idea of what they charge.

Pricing is an ongoing process that may require adjustments. Start with a rate you feel comfortable with, and as you gain more experience, you can experiment with different pricing structures.

Marketing Yourself and Managing Client Relationships

To succeed as an event photographer, you must constantly market your services. Aside from a solid website and social media presence, attending networking events is a great way to get the word out about your work.

Once you’ve secured a client, it’s important to discuss the specifics of the event well in advance. Make sure you understand the schedule, what shots they expect, and when they need the photos delivered. If their expectations are unrealistic, it’s important to set boundaries early on.

Deliver your photos on time and in high quality, and always ask for feedback or testimonials afterward. A good review can go a long way in securing future clients.

Final Thoughts

Event photography can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a rewarding and enjoyable field to get into. With the right skills, equipment, and networking, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful event photographer.