Whether it be weddings, corporate gatherings, or music festivals, event photography can be a dynamic and engaging field that requires the right gear to be able to capture the moments that encapsulate the spirit and emotion of the occasion.
Before running out and buying gear, it’s important to first understand what the role of an event photographer involves.
As an event photographer, you are responsible for not only for capturing key moments during an event, but also capturing and portraying the overall atmosphere, mood and story of the event.
In order to do that, event photographers have to navigate through crowds, work in various, (sometimes challenging) lighting conditions, and often, within a very limited time frame.
And as if that’s not enough, different event types will have different equipment requirements, so it’s important to have a general idea of the types of events you’re interested in shooting!
Essential Event Photography Gear
Cameras
The first step in building your event photography gear kit is to identify the gear that will eventually form the backbone of your toolset.
Choosing the right camera for you will largely depend on the type of events you’ll be covering and of course, your budget.
There are however, a few key features that every event photographer should look for in a camera.
Firstly, a high-performance autofocus system and In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) is crucial. Events are often dynamic with subjects that can and do move quickly, so using a camera with a fast and accurate autofocus system and IBIS will help ensure you don’t miss any important shots.
Secondly, low-light performance is another key factor. Concerts or weddings, often take place in low-light and other challenging lighting environments, so look for a camera with a high ISO range. Again, IBIS can play a key roll in low-light performance, adding additional f-stop compensation.
Pro Tip: A camera with a full-frame sensor is usually better able to handle low-light conditions and produce clearer and more noise-free images.
Thirdly, you’ll want to consider the camera’s durability and ergonomics. Events can be physically demanding, so you’ll want to look for a a camera that is both robust and more importantly, comfortable to use for extended periods.
Lastly, you might also want to consider a camera with fairly robust video capabilities as event photographers are more and more being required to capture video along with still images.
Here are a few cameras for you to consider:
- Canon EOS R5: The Canon EOS R5 features a 45-megapixel sensor, advanced autofocus system, and 8K video capabilities. It boasts excellent image quality, lighting fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance.
- Nikon Z7 II: The Nikon Z7 II features a 45.7-megapixel sensor, 493 on-sensor autofocus points, excellent dynamic range and a robust build quality.
- Sony Alpha a9 II: The Sony a9 II features a 24.2-megapixel sensor, advanced autofocus system, blackout-free shooting, and a high continuous shooting rate of up to 20 frames per second, offering exceptional speed and performance, making it perfect for sporting events.
Lenses
While having the right camera body is important, having the right lenses with you can often make a more significant difference in the final quality of your event photography.
It’s also important to note that different events will require different lens sets, so having a selection at your disposal can greatly enhance your versatility as an event photographer.
For instance, wedding, concert and corporate event photographers will probably want faster lenses, suitable for lower light conditions and/or wider angle lenses to capture more of the scene.
Sports and concert photographers however, might see more of a benefit using zoom lenses that will capture the close-up action from a distance.
Pro Tip: A great starting lens (especially if you are on a budget) is a standard zoom lens. These types of lenses have the benefit of covering a range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to mid-range telephoto allowing you to capture a variety of shots with a single lens.
Below are the different types of lenses and what types of shots they are best suited for.
Wide-Angle Lenses: Wide-angle lenses are extremely useful for capturing group shots, environmental portraits, and wide scenes of event venues. They also allow you to include more of the surroundings and create a sense of space in your photos.
Standard Zoom Lenses: A standard zoom lens, such as a 24-70mm or 24-105mm, offers a fairly versatile focal range from wide-angle to short zoom. They can be a great choice for general event coverage, capturing individual or small group portraits, and capturing candid moments with a slightly closer perspective.
Tip: Depending on the aperture of the lens, you may need a supplemental lighting source such as an on/off camera flash to compensate in low-light situations.
Telephoto Zoom Lenses: A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200mm is essential for capturing subjects from a distance when you aren’t able to get too close to the subject. This type of lens will also allow you to isolate specific subjects, capture facial expressions, and focus on details or performances that are far away.
Prime Lenses with a Wide Aperture: A prime lens with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or greater), such as a 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.4, is an excellent choice for the low-light situations typically encountered in event photography. It also allows you to achieve a shallow depth of field, isolate subjects from the background, and capture beautiful portraits with creamy bokeh.
Macro Lenses: This one is a bit of an outlier, and not essential for event photography, but having a macro lens in your event photography arsenal can be beneficial if you want to capture close-up details, such as intricate decorations, jewelry, or food.
Additional Gear for Event Photographers
Beyond cameras and lenses, there’s a lot of additional gear that can and will prove invaluable to you as an event photographer.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Event photography often involves long hours, and nothing could be more frustrating and potentially embarrassing than running out of power or storage in the middle of an event. Be sure to have lots of back-up on-hand when it comes to spare batteries and high-capacity memory cards!
Camera Bags and Stabilizers: Camera bags and cases are also important as they not only provide a means of transporting all the gear you will need, but also protect it from potential damage.
Tripods and monopods can also be invaluable as they provide extra stability, especially important if shooting with a camera or lens without stabilization in low-light situation or venues, allowing you to capture crisp, clean shots.
On and Off Camera Flash: Lighting is always going to be a challenge when shooting events, and often you will need a little extra help to capture well-lit and properly exposed images by using a flash system.
On-camera flashes attach to a camera and will provide you with the ability to light up the area immediately around you.
Most on-camera flash systems can also be used off camera and triggered remotely allowing you to place them in various locations to provide more light where it is needed the most.
Tips for Event Photography: Capturing the Best Shots
Now you know that having the right gear is crucial, but knowing how to use it effectively is what separates a good event photographer from a great one.
Here are a few basic tips for event photography to help you capture the best shots.
- Know your gear inside out: You should always familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings and capabilities, and practice using different lenses to understand how they might affect your images.
- Plan ahead: Always plan to visit the venue beforehand to see if you can identify the best shooting spots. It can also help you to understand how the event might flow and to be better able to anticipate key moments.
- Engage with your subjects: Whether it’s a candid shot or a posed one, try connecting with your subjects when appropriate as it can often result in more natural and emotive photos.
Remember, event photography can be challenging, but with the right gear and a good understanding of how to use it, you’ll be well prepared to capture memorable images that tell compelling stories.
Cover Image Credit: ZACHARY STAINES