Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Improve Your Wedding And Event Photography Skills

By Katherine Wong

Professional event photography is a lucrative career. Those who cover events like weddings, conferences, sports events, award functions etc. are known as event photographers.

It is widely believed that event photography is a simple job, wherein all a person has to do is arrive at the event and keep clicking photographs every now and then. But, the truth is actually the contrary. Many professional courses are devoted to prepare people to become an event photographer and as with any other highly skilled career, an event photographer must have some important qualities to excel at his job.

From the outside you may think that as the photographer runs around just clicking that there is no method in their photography. At an event there is an objective in place that must be met. Getting a large spread of great top quality photos takes skill and an extraordinary eye. Being quick off the mark is a must to snap all those unexpected shots.

Having an imaginative trait is elementary for an event photographer and he must be able to familiarize with the tone of the occasion. As an example, the approach for wedding photography has to be completely different from corporate photography. Thus, the photographer must have the capability to creatively project the mood of an event through his images.

Remember at an event you are there to take the photographs and not actually be part of the picture. By that what is meant is that you should be able to do your work without upsetting the course of the event. No one really should know you are there. When people do not think you are there, not only do you gain the best candid real shots you also do not disturb the event.

Event photography also calls for appropriate handling of several issues that a photographer might have to confront during the event. If you are slack and casual then this career is definitely not meant for you. It demands that the photographer be ready with his camera and other essential equipment well before the beginning of the occasion. A habit of lazing around or doing things in a hurry will not help you a lot in this job.

It is obvious that an event photographer must be fully acquainted with his trade. Familiarity with the technical features of photography gadgets affects the outcome. Light is an important element in photography and hence a photographer should have the skill to use the available light to the optimum.

Offering an event photography service also implies that you are in business. You're no longer an amateur snapping a few photos for friends you are a professional. Because you are in business you will need to enhance your non-photography skills such as your people and communicating skills. Take the time to do communication and people management training courses because they will pay dividends for you especially if this is a weak spot for you. If your communication skills are low your business growth will be weak. Being able to be effective with people is a number 1 skill in this industry and field of photography. Books like 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' are also a must to read. Grow your personal communication skills today and observe your business grow tomorrow.

Summing up, an event photographer requires serious dedication towards the profession along with the eagerness to absorb different features of this art. To ensure that you do well in this profession, the attributes of being always alert and flexible in your approach are critical.

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