Event Photography

Event planning involves an overwhelming list of decisions- from selecting the venue to deciding on the menu. One decision that often arises is whether to hire a professional event photographer. In the age where everyone carries a smart phone in their pocket- many will wonder whether a professional photographer really worth the expense. Let’s talk about the benefits of hiring an event photographer and why it might be worth the investment.  Eye for Detail Events are often once-in-a-lifetime occasions, such as weddings, milestone birthdays, or anniversaries. Once these moments have passed, you can’t simply redo them. Therefore it’s important that the memories of these cherished events are captured perfectly.  Just like any skill, photography requires technical expertise and experience to master. They understand how to compose a shot with using the right lighting and camera settings that is perfect for that moment. A professional event photographer knows how to capture the important moments of an event, from candid moments to posed shots, ensuring that every aspect is beautifully documented. High Quality Equipment While smartphone cameras have come a long way, they will never quite match the quality that a professional camera provides. Event photography requires high-quality equipment, with many photographers using several camera bodies and lenses of varying focal lengths to capture different perspectives of an event. The larger sensors on a professional camera will be better for low light photography such as in indoor events, as smartphones often causing a grainy or blurry image.  Almost all event photographers will carry a telephoto lens of at least 70mm (I use a 100-400mm). These are crucial for isolating specific moments in an event amongst a crowd. Phone cameras simply can’t zoom in at this level without creating distortion or pixellation while professional lenses can capture needle sharp images.  A professional photographer’s set-up can cost over $15,000 which is why they may also charge a justifiably higher price.    Low Light Situations Professional event photographers utilise flash, which is essential for indoor photography or any event that is in a low light situation. You may have noticed that indoor iPhone photos have a yellow tinge to them, causing them to appear dull. This is because of the tungsten ceiling lights have a yellow caste to them. Tungsten down lights also can create unflattering shadows on people’s faces.  Professional photographers use flash photography, as well as white balancing techniques to create a much more flattering alternative. On-camera flash photography is a highly skilled technique that requires years of practise to master. It requires special equipment and skill that even a point and shoot flash can’t quite match. If your event is indoors or in any low light situation, I would always recommend a professional photographer.  Professional Flash Photography vs Amateur Photography Guest Experience When guests are asked to take photos throughout an event on their phone, it can drastically detract from their experience. Hiring a professional photographer allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the event, without the distraction of having to capture every moment on their phones. Also, imagine receiving photos back from the event to find everyone with a phone on their hand, rather than simply enjoying the event. If you’re already spending thousands of dollars on an event, let these moments be filled with authenticity and joy, where guests can enjoy themselves phone-free!  Marketing and Promotion In the age of social media, high quality photos are more important than ever at marketing an event. According to Gareth McCray, an MC who runs Sydney’s Anzac Day event each year: ‘On various occasions the organisers have used an in-house photographer or someone on the cheap and they have lacked insight into highlighting and capturing the emotions of each of these events and as such- to communicate the importance of helping others in great need. Often, the photos are blurry or poorly framed and unable to be used for promoting next year’s event.  On the positive side when I have been asked to recommend a professional photographer the end result is a photographic story that has touched the heart of the wider community and as a consequence has led to an increase in donations to the dedicated charity, as well as an increase in attendance the following year. A professional photographer has the gift of being able to share the story of the charity and can highlight the emotions and individuals involved. This has been especially true when I have used a professional Photographer with the Anzac Day Services.’ From one of Australia’s leading event MC’s who has attended many corporate and charity event, we see the effect and power of professional photography has had a noticeable impact on event attendance. While a professional photographer may seem like a significant investment, the return can easily outweigh the costs.    Gareth McCray, MC of Anzac Day Sydney Read More Is It Worth Hiring an Event Photographer? admin • March 6, 2024 • Event Photography • No Comments Event planning involves an overwhelming list of decisions- from selecting the venue to deciding on the menu. One decision that often arises … The History of Architectural Photography admin • March 5, 2024 • Architectural Photography • No Comments Architectural photography has an intriguing history, ever-evolving alongside technology.  The roots of architectural photography stem from the humble pencil and paper. 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