Event Photography Tips and Resources
Below is a collection of event photography videos. I have produced these for aspiring event photographers, working event photographers, and my clients alike. Topics covered include: Los Angeles event photography jobs I’ve shot, event photography tips, gear I use, setting photography rates, and much more. I’ve included information about each of them, but you can find out more by following the links to my blog.
This is a continuously updated page, so be sure to check back in for more event photography content. For your convenience, new videos will now be posted at the top. If you find these resources helpful or have feedback for me, please get in touch!
If you’d like some additional help or just want to support the free resources I create for photographers, please consider checking out my Patreon page. I offer additional help to photographers with things like business coaching and portfolio reviews. A lot of work goes into creating these resources; Your support means the world to me and makes a difference.
The Event Photography Tier List
In this video I discuss some of the most important skills you’ll use as an event photographer. Enjoy the various footage of me photographing various events in Los Angeles!
How I Use Rules of Composition as a Los Angeles Event Photographer
In this video I discuss various rules of composition and demonstrate them in action using an event I photographed in Los Angeles.
Build an Event Photography Kit in 5 Simple Steps!
Building an event photography kit in 11 steps!
Get Your Flash Exposure Right Using TTL!
In this video, I explain and demonstrate how using TTL flash will sometimes give you inaccurate exposures. I then demonstrate how the use of exposure compensation can address this, giving you a perfect flash exposure.
FLASH VS AVAILABLE LIGHT | Low Light Event Photography Lightroom Editing
In this video I share some of my work and use it as an opportunity to discuss a few things: How I deal with low light photography, flash vs available light, how to cover a brand activation, and quite few other things.
In this video I discuss how the combination of event photography and an intense physical practice (jiu jitsu, walking, working out, etc.) eventually broke my body down to the point in which I was having a hard time walking. Here are a few changes I have made (and need to make) to recover.
BULLETPROOF your event photography coverage!
Watch this video for tips on how to bulletproof your event photography so that you can maximize your coverage, take pride in your work, and avoid criticism for missing something.
Event Photography: Creative or Not?
In this video I explore the topic of event photography and creativity. Is event photography creative? What's the difference between creating original works of art and doing something creatively for someone else? How do we balance producing creative work with making images clients can use? What my personal advice is for the creative pursuing event photography.
Event Photography Rules of Composition
In this video I discuss the rules of composition and how to use them as an event photographer to create images that are not only beautiful, but compelling and effective for your client. I discuss a lot of the rules of composition including: leading lines, explicit vs implicit direction, rule of thirds, framing, filling your frame, s curve, layering and more. But more importantly, I discuss what these rules accomplish, how they can be used to make more compelling and effective images, and even get into what unifies all these rules. Oh, and I do this all while sharing some of my work from an actual event I photographed.
Event Photography: What Event Photographers Should Focus On
In this video I discuss what your focus should be as an event photographer. First off, I need to stress that there is no "right way." We all have our different ways of doing things, often rooted in our values (and sometimes arbitrary habits we should question). But of course, there are certain things we should all be doing as event photographers, like telling a visual story. Personally, my focus has always been on capturing meaningful, emotion filled candids. I hope this video helps and I would love to hear what YOUR focus is on in event photography.
Learning from Other Photographers
A video on learning from other photographers.
Tips for Your First Event Photography Job | Best Practices and Words of Encouragement
In this video I give you some tips on what to do when you book your first event photography job.
Should Event Photographers Work for Free? | My Rule of Thumb
Is event photography right for you?
In this video I discuss who event photography is for. This is a difficult topic as your temperament and unique skill sets all come into play. So rather than discuss every attribute, mindset, and skillsets that have an impact on if event photography is right for you, I discuss what it is, exactly, that I love about event photography. My hope is that my thoughts are relatable and provide you with some insight into if event photography is right for you.
The Career Path of an Event Photographer | Early, Mid, and Late Career
In this video I discuss the career path of an event photographer. I wish someone had given me a general idea of what a photographer's career path would be, but unfortunately one just does not exist. Typically what happens is that you just kind of figure it out, photography job to photography job. But having a general idea of where you want to go with your career can be PROFOUNDLY helpful. So in this video I share my experience in figuring it all out, wit the hope that it will help you out on your own professional photography journey.
Event Photography: The Skills That Make You Great.
In this video I discuss some of the most important traits, attributes, and skills necessary to be a great event photographer.
Event Photography Gear | Always Be Prepared
In this event photograph video, I discuss some of the things that I keep in my car so that I'm prepared for any event photography job.
Event Photography: Being at the Right Place at the Right Time
So much of getting the best shots at an event come down to being at the right place at the right time. In this video, I discuss some of the hangups that keep new event photographers from doing so as well as give some practical tips on how to get over it.
Event Photography: How to Use Flash and Make it Look Natural!
In this video I discuss how to use flash at an event. I get into a lot here, including some more advanced flash techniques. But I also discuss when to use flash, when to use flash when you might not necessarily need it, how to make your flash seamlessly blend in with your available light, and so much more.
Flash Photography: TTL vs Manual Exposure. Which is Right for Event Photography?
In this video, I discuss the differences between TTL and manual exposure when using camera flash, and which one is right for event photography. In truth, shooting in manual will be impractical for most situations. I have heard arguments in favor of it - one such argument being that it gives you more control over your flash - but in reality it can severely limit your creative control on top of giving you inconsistent results as you adapt to the dynamic conditions of a live event.
Event Photography: Photographing a Sorority Event | POV Footage and Sample Photos
Videos like these are an excellent way to see what the actual job of photographing an event is like. Follow along as I photograph a sorority event and see the actual images that I make.
Event Photography: Editing an Event at a Low Light Temple
Yes, this is a long video. But if you are serious about learning event photography, I think this is a must watch video. I know its easy to watch top five videos and content of that nature, but this is the type of content that truly dives deep into event photography, including:
What you should be looking for as an event photographer.
What types of shots to use to cover an event.
What the actual job of being an event photographer entails.
my general thought process behind making images.
and so much more.
Editing My Black and White Event Photography LIVE (Roka Ceremony)
Watch along as I edit my black and white photography as I edit a Los Angeles event. Topics covered include:
How I select images for black and white.
What I am looking for when editing my black and white photography.
When I choose to provide black and white photography and not just color.
and much much more.
Doing Street Photography to Improve Your Event Photography
Street photography is a great way to sharpen your skills as an event photographer, explore new ways of making images, challenge your beliefs and so much more.
Event Photography: How to Move, Navigate Crowds, and More!
Another event photography video in which I hope to expand your mind in how you think about improving your skills as an event photographer- or really, a photographer in general.
The Pros and Cons of Being an Event Photographer | The Event Photography Lifestyle
In this video on event photography, I discuss some of the pros and cons of being a working event photographer by drawing on well over a decade of working as an event photographer in Los Angeles. I think it's important that if you're first getting into event photography that you have a good idea of what you're getting into, how it compares to other genres of photography, and what the lifestyle generally entails. I hope this one helps!
How I Set and Achieve My Photography Goals as a Los Angeles Event Photographer
In this video, I discuss in detail how I set and achieve my goals as a professional event photographer. Additionally, I talk about how I stay organized as a self employed freelance photographer.
How to Hire a Professional Event Photographer
If you’re a working or aspiring event photographer, I really recommend you do not dismiss this video; It can be a great way to get an idea of what a savvy client might be looking for when hiring an event photographer. It can also give you an idea of what to aspire to if you’re just starting out. If you’re working in a large city with a lot of corporate event photography like Los Angeles, you can expect your client to be pretty savvy about how they hire their event photographers.
Event Photography: What I Learned Working with Director, Baz Luhrmann
In this video I talk about what I learned, working with Baz Luhrmann photographing Adobe’s Max event at Staple Center in Los Angeles. I had mixed feelings when it came to what I thought of his work going into this job, but left incredibly impressed by him as a person and creator. Furthermore working with him was quite a meaningful experience as you will see.
MAXIMIZE Your Event Photography Coverage!
This video discusses what your objective is as an event photographer and how to maximize your coverage. Practical, logistical, technical, and philosophical tips are all discussed in detail. You will also get to see me shooting at a small charity event in Los Angeles.
The Event Photography Checklist
I created this checklist for photographers just starting out in order to ease their anxiety about photographing an event. The checklist covers the most essential things you need to do before, during, and after an event. You can see a printed version of the checklist on my blog, or you can get a printable version of The Event Photography Checklist by clicking here. Feel free to make it your own! Additionally, you will get to see some footage of me photographing an upscale event in Los Angeles.
45 professional event photography tips in 15 minutes
The title says it all: 45 event photography tips in 15 minutes. This is a great video if you just want to get as much info as possible in a 15 minute period. However, for more in depth discussions on these tips, I recommend continuing onto my other videos.
How to Photograph a Backyard Wedding
In this video I discuss how to photograph a small backyard wedding, here in Los Angeles. Protocols and specific challenges are discussed and sample images are included!
My Advanced Event Photography Tips and Tricks and How They All Come Together
I created this video as a follow up to my original advanced event photography tips because I felt like most tips on YouTube were a bit disconnected. In this video, I talk about how all my tips not only come together, but form a methodology of working. This is my new favorite video that I’ve produced on event photography. I really encourage people to consider what it takes, exactly, to be the best event photographer you can possibly be.
How I use an 85mm Portrait Lens at Events
Learn how I use an 85mm portrait lens at an event. In this video I share three event photography jobs from the month including a Bar Mitzvah, a private party, and the opening of Vanity Fair Hollywood Calling at The Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles. See some of my event photography work and hear some of my thought processes as I work with this remarkable little lens.
Photographing a Los Angeles Political Event with Adam Schiff
In this POV style video, follow along with me as I photograph a political event in Los Angeles. See how I move and cover an event as I discuss my objective as an event photographer, the types of shots I get, settings, and more. This is a great resource if you are unable to learn from a seasoned photographer in person. You will see exactly how I move about and cover an event.
The Definitive Event Photography Guide
My most complete guide on event photography to date. This event photography resource is perfect for someone just starting to think about getting into event photography, to experienced event photographers looking for a refresher course or a different perspective. This video begins by giving a run-down on what exactly event photography is, what the job entails, to booking your first job. Many people have reached out to tell me how much this video eased their anxiety going into their first job. This video is a definite must watch! View the entire guide.
Event Photography Tips and Tricks (6 Shot Types)
This is one of my favorite videos on event photography that I have produced. This video covers all of your basic shot types from establishing shots to different styles of candid photography. I even include specific examples of each shot from my own event photography work, here in Los Angeles. See the expanded version on my blog.
Event Photography Tips and Tricks (advanced)
Event Photography Tips and Tricks (advanced), is one of my most popular videos on Youtube to date. In it, I cover some of my most advanced techniques developed from over 10 years experience shooting as a professional event photographer in Los Angeles. Watch the video and see below for my tips, but be sure to see the expanded written version on my blog!
Event Photography tip #1 Pre select your focal point.
Event Photography tip #2 Photograph with both eyes.
Event Photography tip #3 Read the room. Follow the energy.
Event Photography tip #4. Predict Smiles.
Event Photography tip #5. Time your shot ahead of the peak of action.
Photographing Jamie Lee Curtis and Bernie Sanders at Events in Los Angeles With My Rolleiflex Film Camera
This video is about so much more than photographing Jamie Lee Curtis and Bernie Sanders with my Rolleiflex. It is about what keeps me going as an event photographer in Los Angeles. It’s about avoiding burn out, challenging yourself, and staying inspired. Since publishing this video, I have photographed three congresswomen on a single roll with my Rolleiflex and I can not wait to develop it! Watch the video then read about why I always bring a film camera to every job.
Canon EOS 1V Review: The Greatest Film Camera Ever Made
Although this is a review video of the Canon 1V, I also discuss the benefits of owning one as an event photographer. I prefer to make my portraits on medium format film, but when I need a camera that can perform similarly to my 5diii, I reach for my 1V. I can not stress it enough how incredible this camera is. If you enjoy shooting film and own professional grade lenses, this is a must own camera. Watch the video to find out why and read the blog for a more in depth written analysis.
Become a Professional Event Photographer in 5 Steps
Becoming a professional event photographer is no easy task. Furthermore there isn’t really a template out there for people just starting out. This video provides you with 5 simple steps to follow to get you on the right path. I’m putting the 5 steps below, but be sure to watch the video for more information and footage of me on the job!
Step 1 Ask yourself if you really love professional photography.
Often people are unaware of the difference between loving something passionately and loving the idea of something.
Step 2 Build your portfolio.
Bring your camera everywhere. Don’t wait til you have the right gear. Shoot like crazy- exercise your creative muscle. Absorb everything you can. At an event? Practice shooting it! Once you build your portfolio...
Step 3 Make an excel sheet of all the photographers you want to work with.
Be sure to include: Name Contact info Notes DO NOT EMAIL UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO CALL
STEP 4 Start upgrading your gear.
Start with your bread and butter lenses and a flash. Sexy purchases come later. I recommend a 24-70, 70-200, and a flash on top of whatever camera you decide to shoot with.
STEP 5 You're now ready to take on new gigs.
This is still a learning experience. Each job will build your confidence as a photographer.
How I Go Unnoticed as an Event Photographer in Los Angeles
In this video I discuss some of my tips and strategies for going unnoticed when shooting events in Los Angeles. I built my name on capturing emotion filled candids and interactions, so this subject is especially important to me. See the highlights of what I cover below, but check out my blog post for a more thorough discussion.
Avoiding Eye Contact, Using Your Peripheral Vision
Pre Visualizing Your Shots
How I Hold My Camera to React Quickly
How I Move as a Photographer
Do Photographers Need to Wear Black?
How to Dress as a Photographer. Can You Look Too Good?
Conclusion on How to Go Unnoticed and Capture Candids
Event Photography Tips on Buying Gear
This video focusses on tips for event photographers just starting out. It gives you a template to follow for investing in your equipment but also explicitly states which lenses and and other gear to buy first. I also go over my own personal philosophy in investing in and upgrading gear. My hopes are that I ease any anxiety you have about owning and purchasing gear and that I can save you some money. Read more on my blog.
Tips on Holding Your Camera from an Event Photographer
Although these tips are coming from my perspective as a Los Angeles event photographer and street photographer, they are beneficial to anyone that wants to learn how to more effectively hold your camera. In this video I focus on how to hold your camera for improved stability, to be more responsive, and to avoid fatigue.
Use Composition to Enhance your Candids (5 tips)
Use Composition to Enhance Your Candids, is another one of my favorite videos I have produced. Not limited to event photography, these tips discuss how you can use composition to enhance the candid feel of your photography.
I built my event photography studio on the mission of capturing emotion filled candid moments so I especially enjoy making videos like these for you all. I am once again listing the 5 tips below, but I strongly recommend watching the video and visiting my blog post for more detailed written information on enhancing your candid photography.
#1 Use a Dutch Angle.
#2 Shoot Through things to Frame Your Subject.
#3 Use a Tilt Shot to Shoot from Extreme High and Low Angles.
#4 Don’t Be so Clinical with Your Composition.
#5 Be Unconventional. Break the Rules.
Photographing Faze Rug’s Birthday Party Sponsored by G Fuel (Party Photography in Los Angeles)
I have to admit I didn’t really know what I was getting into with this one. I recommend just watching the video to see what I mean.
This is a great video for anyone looking for insight into what it is like to photograph parties. This one just happens to be at a 50 million dollar mansion. Being an event photographer in a city like Los Angeles is definitely interesting.
How to Use an External Camera Flash Part 1: Settings
This video covers the basic settings you need to know to get started using a flash at an event. If you just got your first external camera flash and don’t yet know how to use it, this is the video to watch. If you want the benefit of seeing the information in this video also written out, I suggest checking it out on my blog
How to Use an External Camera Flash Part Two: Modifying Your Light
This video is all about modifying your flash to improve the quality of your light. Examples are included for each type of modification discussed! Also, you can find more info on my blog.
How I Photograph Celebrities When Photographing Events
Los Angeles event photographers are bound to photograph celebrities. In this video I discuss how I handle it. Short version: they’re just people and should be as such. Still, I recommend watching the video to see how I do it.
How I Shoot Candids at an Event
This is one my earlier videos on shooting candids. I eventually made a more thorough video on how I go unnoticed at events, but I think it could be helpful to hear me speak off the cuff about shooting candids.
The Truth About Being a Professional Event Photographer and When to Go Pro
Nothing but the hard truth about becoming a professional event photographer. This is not an easy job; hopefully this will help prepare you for it.
Event Photography: How to Photograph a Step and Repeat / Red Carpet
Watch me photograph two different step and repeats as I discuss how I approach them from lighting set-ups to how I interact with people. Check the video over on my blog, where you can follow along with transcripts of all I discuss.
Event Photography LIVE: Red Carpet / Step and Repeat
If you’re new to event photography or still thinking about getting into it, I strongly suggest you shadow a seasoned pro. But until then, heres the next best thing: join me live as I photograph a red carpet / step and repeat at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
Photographing Jamie Lee Curtis at a Los Angeles Event
I’ve worked with Jamie Lee Curtis a few times now, but here’s the first. Join me as I discuss what it is like photographing an event in Los Angeles over some POV footage.
As you will see in this video, one of the main job of an event photographer is to document various interactions. However, if you follow my work, you know that I think every image needs to be about something. That can be an interaction, a reaction, an emotional moment…whatever. So long as it has value. A photographer should never raise their camera just to take a picture. They should be raising their camera because they see something they want to document. See me at work as I take this approach.
Event Photography LIVE. Photographing a Cocktail Hour in Low Light
See how I handle low light during cocktail hour at a small event in Los Angeles. It is not easy to produce videos like these but I think they really are valuable to photographers just starting out.
Event Photography Detail Shots with Vintage Macro and Telephoto Lenses
This was a fun one! Watch as I photograph a party for one of my oldest clients. I make images with a simple Canon m50 and vintage lenses showing you that you do not need state of the art gear to make meaningful images.
Building a Photography Kit - Advice for Noobs
You have already seen my advice on building an event photography kit, but here is more general advice on building a kit for anyone getting into photography, not just professional event photographers like myself.
How to Photograph a Speaker on Stage
In this video I discuss what your objective is when photographing speakers on stage, camera settings, gear, how I move, and more. If you’re just getting into event photography I strongly recommend getting a 70-200mm lens. It’s “reach” is indispensable when photographing speakers on stage. I like to also use a 135mm lens for this type of work, but I do so for its artistic merit, not so much a practicality.
When a Photography Job Goes Wrong
it’s inevitable that a photography job won’t go as planned. Professional photographers take a lot of pride in their work and when this happens it can be quite difficult. In this video I discuss how to cope with the feelings involved when results do not match expectations. I share what this experience was like for me when first starting out as professional photographer and discuss with how I deal with things now. When you choose to pursue professional photography as a career, you’re choosing more than a job, you’re choosing a lifestyle. Understanding the day to day challenges you’ll face is important.
Vanity Fair Hollywood Calling a The Annenberg Space for Photography
In this video I share some of my work from the premiere party of Vanity Fair Hollywood Calling a The Annenberg Space for Photography. I discuss how to photograph a step and repeat, share what it is like working with 10-15 photographers all yelling for your subjects attention, and how I work as a roaming event photographer. Lots of celebrities in this one!
If you’re in Los Angeles, or plan on visiting, I highly recommend checking out the show.
Canon 135mm f2 Review for Event Photography and Portraits
More of a user review than a product review, in this video I discuss how I use my 135mm f2 lens when photographing events and making portraits. In this video, I compare using it to my 70-200 f2.8 and 85mm 1.8 lenses, discuss specific cases in which I use it, and talk a bit about what makes this lens so special. But I want to be clear: This lens will be a want, not a need for most. You can read a complete review and watch the video on my event photography blog.
How to Improve Your Photography in the Midst of a Pandemic
I’m listing my tips below, but I strongly recommend watching this video. I go into detail with why you should ty these tips.
1. Dive into your metadata to see what your strengths and weaknesses are.
2. Keep a Journal while watching the work of master cinematographers.
3. Get into street photography.
4. Read a photography book.
5. Shoot a roll of film.
6. If you’re a professional, try surveying your clients.
7. Have your work critiqued.
How I Store My Photography Gear
Personally, It was always a struggle for me to find a place for all my gear and to stay organized. But I think I found a pretty solid solution, here. This has been a game changer for me. Enjoy!
Do Event Photographers Need Business Insurance?
Quick answer is yes. Insurance is sometimes required just to shoot at venues. And when your gear gets stolen, it will come in handy like it did for me. That said, I am mostly insured for peace of mind. Watch the video to hear about my experience.
Event Photography FAQ Answering Common Event Photography Questions
In this live streamed video, I answer frequently asked questions about event photography. I elaborate on my own FAQ resource on my website, as well as from other event photographers in Los Angeles. At the time of posting this, I am streaming live, five days a week. These videos are long, but dense with information. If you’re serious about learning event photography, I strongly recommend having a look at my event photography playlist on Youtube.
Photographing a Baptism with Available Light Event Photography
In this in-depth, live video, I go into the challenges and process of photographing a low-light church event. You will see most of the work I delivered to the client, which should give you a better idea of what covering an event is really like.
Low Light Event Photography Looking for Gems
If you find low light to be a challenge, this video is devoted to it! It was my first live stream and a lot of fun! Aspiring event photographers will learn a lot about low light work, but this should be fun for anyone interested in shooting in low light.
POV Footage of me Photographing an Event in Los Angeles
Los Angeles event photographers often get the chance to document exciting events such as this one. At this event I was given the opportunity to capture heroes honor heroes as LAPD and LAFD arrived in full force to honor and cheer on frontline healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente Panorama City.
Los Angeles Event Photographers Tips on Being a Second Photographer
This video covers a bit of everything for someone interested in becoming a second photographer. In it, I discuss how to become a second photographer, the job description of a second photographer, and my own personal journey of starting out as a second shooter at weddings before going out on my own and ultimately becoming an event photographer in Los Angeles. I also just talk about what it takes to be a good second shooter.
I wrote up a large blog post on the subject, so if you’re interested in second shooting, I highly recommend checking it out.
Can You Photograph an Event with Just Prime Lenses?
The short answer is yes, but in this video I explore the pros and cons of doing so and some of the limitations you may face in not having a zoom lens.
How I Use the Canon EF 17-40mm F/4L USM for Event Photography
There are endless reviews on this lens; this is not one of them. In this video I go into detail on how I actually use this lens for event photography.
Professional Photography Job Review: Low Lighting Party in Los Angeles
In this video I review a recent event photography job and talk about how I approach dealing with low lighting situations.
Event Photography Jobs
As part of a series in which I answer commonly asked questions about event photography, I answer this commonly searched phrase in google: event photography jobs.
Starting a Photography Business Today in 2021
In this video, I discuss what I would do differently if I started a photography business in 2021. A lot has changed since I started my own photography business, and when I started it, I didn't really have a template to follow or a mentor. I hope that by exploring my journey with you, I am able to offer you not only some tips, but some guidance on starting your business.
Event Photography with a 50mm Lens
In this video, I answer the commonly googled phrase: “event photography with a 50mm lens.” My guess, is that most people googling that just want to know if it is doable- of course it is. More thoughts in my blog post and the video below!
How to Price Event Photography
Forget what you’ve heard; this is how to price your event photography.
How I Pick and Prepare My Photography Gear for a Job
In this video I discuss the process I go through in picking out what gear to bring to a photography job. I cover what bags I bring and why, how I decide which lenses to bring, and more. I hope this helps you working photographers out there!