suggestions for event newcomer

<p>I've been doing some portrait work here and there, just getting experience and building a portfolio, and I have recently had two people interested in me photographing their event. One is a formal anniversary party and the other a courthouse wedding. I'm doing both events at no charge, since I'm learning and would just like to do it for the experience. I've only done one small event before which was a senior graduation party that was more on the formal side. Just wondering if you had any specific suggestions that you may be learned the hard way lol or just any advice that can be useful. As far as technical aspects, i rented a 24-70 2.8, i have a 5d mk ii, a speedlite 430 ex ii (and a diffuser), extra memory & battery and a backup camera. Just any advice in general, I don't really have specific questions, but I'm sure there's some wisdom that can be shared with me :) Thank you!!</p>

<p>Check out the venues in advance, ask about use of flash, take some test shots and watch your backgrounds when shooting (no plants sticking out of peoples heads). Read the great advice here under the Wedding and Event categories. Also shoot RAW (assuming you know how to process in LR/PS) and do custom white balance. Good Luck!</p><div></div>

<p>Both events, as you describe them, are pretty formal and expectations will most likely be high. Are you sure you can deliver? Remember, event photography is COMPLETELY different from portraiture or studio photography and from, well, pretty much every other type of photography out there.</p>

<p>There are demands which never enter any other photography type considerations, such as perfect timing (which can NEVER be replicated), hugely imperfect lighting (which ALWAYS happens) and expectations which, by definition, cannot really be provided for. So I'll ask again: are you sure you can handle this?</p>

<p>If the answer is yes (and, just to be perfectly honest here, mine would have been NO), then you need more than what you have. You need a zoom lens (as you won't always be able to be close enough) and at least another flash (and of course, some way to command them). On camera flash is the recipe for utter disaster, pasty faces, dead white skins, etc, etc - think wax museums and you'll be there...</p>

<p>But most importantly you need to take a step back, work with an experienced event photographer at least once and learn all that you can learn...THEN you should go ahead and take on events...Because you see, it's not about you or your ability with a camera - it's about THEM and their special moments. Hand on heart, can you say you'll cover them adequately?</p>

<p>Even if you're not charging anything you should cover your arse and get a written agreement stating expectations and deliverables.</p>

<p>* Don't shoot multiple frames of the same image<br />* Prepare a shot list and follow it<br />*Recreate key image close-ups<br />*Practice in similar light/space conditions<br />*Be confident and in control<br>

If your skills and confidence are up to par, you should have minimal problems. Most common mistakes are a result of insecurity. Shooting multiple frames of essentially the same shot is futile as you will have many of the same image and the one you really like will be missed or underexposed because you didn't give your flash ample time to recycle. Without alot of exprience most event photographers get caught up in the moment and realize they took too many shots of the same thing and now are out of time or just plain forgot to get the other images. Using a shot list with someone to help you gather the people can really help - Give the list to the helper (someone who is a family member, MOH etc). is a great way to keep you on track without revealing your inexperience. You may even have some thumbnail image next to each series that can prompt you for the Portfolio Grade image you know they'll like. So just give them the list and ask "Ok can we get the next group?" Don't worry about getting the ring exchange close up or candle lighting kind of stuff, you can ask them to pose for the shot after the ceremony. Many people are too hung up on getting the image at the very moment when in reality events are moving very quickly and many venues aren't conducive to shooting from the front. If you don't have the experience shooting an actual event, create your own. Low light interiors or bright contrasty sun can be very challenging. Shoot lot's of practice shots in environments that closely match the venue. Make sure you are comfortable with how high you can bump your iso and how slow you can hand hold your shutter speed if in doubt it is better to deal with the noise of high iso vs. motion blur from the slow shutter. There is little equal to experience and confidence - if you know your equipment well, understand relative exposure and can produce high quality work you just need to control the situation and you'll be fine. If you find yourself questioning if the shot is going to work because of the contrasty light and you keep fumbling around with exposure settings you're in for a long day!<br>

Good Luck if you don't overthink it you'll be fine.</p>

<p>thank you so very much for the suggestions :) I really appreciated everyone's responses!</p>