Carmen
Bring a Digital Camera
Spring is right around the corner, and when it arrives there will be a lot more outdoor events. No matter what your age, outdoor gatherings and events are a load of fun for everyone involved. Bringing a camera is only natural, and today most people are carrying digital cameras. It’s an easy way to capture the adventure, whether it be a Native American pow-wow, Civil War reenactment a medieval festival or any number of other happenings.
Event Photography Basics.
Get to the event early so you have a choice of spots, but don’t expect to get into the press areas. They have press passes and unless you are shooting for a publication, you won’t get one.
With the right lens though, you can get great digital photos shooting from a sidewalk or from the bleachers. If you’re shooting from a sidewalk, stake your claim early. If you’re shooting from bleachers, get up a couple of rows higher than street level. This helps prevent distracting backgrounds as you are shooting down.
Check the location of the sun, and ensure that it is behind you or on your side, but not front on, because all of your shots will come out dark. The only way to get around that is to use a flash.
Deciding on which digital camera and accessories to use.
If you are using a compact digital camera with a zoom range of 38-110 or greater, you should be fine, provided you can get close enough to the action. If you are shooting a DSLR, carry a couple of zoom lenses that cover at least a 28-300mm focal range, in addition to an accessory flash.
Bringing a fill flash will also prevent those annoying dark areas in the face, especially when you photograph folks wearing baseball caps or other types of hats to keep their faces shaded. Knowing your flash ranges is also very important to get the best shots possible.
ISO 200 sensor speed should be used on sunny days while you should use ISO 800 on days that are overcast. With the higher ISO settings, it will allow more shutter speeds so that you can capture the range of movements.
Better to Ask Permission With Small Groups or Individuals.
Large groups and parades can be safely photographed without asking permission, because taking photographs is assumed. On the other hand, when you are photographing individuals or small groups of people, ask permission prior to shooting them. If they say no, respect their wishes and find someone else to photograph. The best way to get an affirmative response is to develop some kind of rapport prior to asking people is you can take a picture of them. You will also come away with better semi-posed shots.
Aside from the entertainment value, photographing these events gives you an opportunity to develop your people digital photography skills. Even if you are a shy photographer, soon you will be caught up in the moment and snapping away.
Using these digital photography techniques and tips is a wonderful way to get lots of event photos, and you do it one time, you’ll be hooked forever.
A Digital Camera is a must!
