Event Photography Tips and Tricks (advanced)
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- Опубліковано 28 сер 2024
- mikmilman.com/
Below are 5 of my most advanced event photography tips.
#1 Pre-select your focal point for a faster shooting experience at events.
Use your focus point controller to pre-select where your point of focus will be prior to the viewfinder reaching your eye. Keep in mind that this will require you to first develop the ability to first pre-visualize your composition prior to looking through your viewfinder. With practice this becomes intuitive. I learned this tips through repetition, after shooting hundreds of events in Los Angeles. With time, you will find yourself automatically adjusting your focus point while lifting the camera to your eye.
Although Prime lenses can be seen as less versatile for event photography, their set field of view actually makes pre-visualizing your composition easier. In time, prime lenses can be used nearly as effectively as zoom lenses. With practice you will intuitively know how many steps forward or backward you need to take in order to match the pre-visualized image in your head, all while having their own unique benefits such as reduced weight, faster apertures, and of course that guaranteed field of view already discussed.
Update:
New technology seen in mirrorless cameras may outdate this method of shooting. As face and eye detect technology improve, setting your focus point may in part become a thing of the past.
#2 Shoot with both eyes for maximum event photography coverage.
While one eye frames your shot, use your other eye to monitor the action.Doing so improves your timing as you’re no longer viewing what’s in front of you through the tunnel of your viewfinder. Additionally you are able to monitor the space for other potential images. This will help maximize your coverage of an event. Remember, when it comes to event photography, your goal should always be to provide more coverage, not more images for the sake of more images.
Update:
Again, this is another way of shooting that may be upended by mirrorless cameras: at this time my experience with shooting on a mirrorless camera at events is not thorough enough to make a conclusion, but I am personally concerned with how seeing reality with one eye and a digital screen with the other may make for a disjointed shooting experience.
#3 Read the room to capture more moments.
Follow the energy. This is not hocus-pocus, woo woo stuff. Do not overthink it. Follow the energy for more interesting candids.
You will find that when you are truly present: when all your senses are in tune with the chorus of noise, movement, and things we are never even conscious of, that you will find yourself moving toward where the action at an event really is… sometimes seemingly before it even happens.
A note:
When photographing an event, following the energy, and focussing on the moments, you will find that you may naturally end up with more photographs of some people than others. This is normal; some people are just the life of the party. However, it is a good idea to balance this out by trying to “even out” your coverage by doing a once over of a location here and there and just try to get a shot of every individual you may have missed.
#4 Predict smiles
Have you learned to follow the energy? Good. Now it's time to predict a smile. Following the energy will get you where you need to go, but as an event photographer, you need to be able to capture the emotional highs and defining moments of an event. One way I do this is by predicting smiles.
When someone is about to smile, you can first see it in their eyes. At events, people are usually too busy talking to smile, but in between sentences they will smile to connect with the person they are talking to. This is the moment I am waiting for and I know it’s coming by watching my subjects eyes.
#5 Time your shot ahead of the peak of action.
Your motor skills has a delay. Your camera has a delay from the moment you press the shutter button and the moment it makes an image, albeit small. Experiment with timing your image just before the peak of action to counteract that delay. I have found that with practice that I only need one shot to do this. Shooting in continuous can in theory guarantee you capture a moment, but I have found it has made me less in tune with moment at hand and when I stay focussed and time my shot perfectly, I am able to guarantee I capture the moment better than holding onto my shutter and hoping for the best. Also, I really don’t like the process of editing down my event photography coverage when I have overshot. It is more time consuming and delivering files quickly has become increasingly important when it comes to event photography.
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I listened to this video while driving to an important event two days ago, and was like, huh, shooting with both eyes? Gave it a shot at the event and it was just a total gamechanger! So excited to have this be my new shooting style, thanks as always for the excellent advice Mik!
Arrive early if you cant do a location scout which is always better so you dont have to carry unnecessary gear. the are lighting could be different for the event. Arriving early to check exposure is helpful so you can be consistent in what you deliver. No time to really mess much with settings or you can miss the shot. Dont use the event to test the new camera or lens or flash. If needed keep an electronic version of the owners manual or guide on your phone or make a physical print out if you need to remember certain steps. Use the cameras memory function to recall pre set settings. Format all cards before event and triple check your cameras main settings nothing like using a battery grip and forgetting to turn it off and wondering why your camera is not focusing or last time you used spot meter but did not reset it to the advanced meter. If you use flash remember to keep flash sync correct.
Thanks for the video Mik. I actually used to be left eye dominant and had to train myself to be right eye dominant so I could do what you describe. If you're left eye dominant and you're shooting verticals, the camera gets in the way of your right eye. So now I just always shoot with my right eye and I'm golden.
Wow. How long did that take? Do you feel / ever feel you can train yourself to truly be right eye dominant. #righteyeprivelege is apparently a thing!
I've been shooting professionally for over 20 years, and just in the last maybe 5 years, I've noticed I can shoot with either eye, but have slowly given preference to my right eye.
I thought I was the only one who shot with both eyes, and was able to predict a smile. Thank you for sharing these tips!
I'd like to do a video devoted to predicting smiles. Maybe soon. I think it's one of the mostly unteachable skills of a photographer. Yes, it can be learned, but to an empath it will always come naturally.
Any other things you do? One more thing I do is when I can see someone is aware of the camera and I want a candid, I point it at someone else and do not make eye contact so that they will resume doing whatever they were doing.
me too shot with both eyes😁
@@MikMilman to a pisces photographer like me empath comes naturally.
@@MikMilman not only two eyes but use your third eye also including your ears to monitor the sounds around you.
Hey Mik, I wanted to let you know- watching videos has given me the confidence to jump into event photography a few months ago. Now, I've decided to create my own UA-cam channel. I appreciate you for sharing your passion.
That warms my heart, John, to know I've been able to have such an impact.
Yes!.. I follow the sequence of events within the event.., keeping in mind energy & attendance peaks.. During the lows I get B-Roll shots. I keep in-mind the clients goals and my creative goals.. ultimately I get material to create a curated deliverable.. Great point in selecting your aperture’s beforehand. So your transitions are not hectic.
“Balance, Harmony, & Unity”
“Sequence, Energy & Attendance Peaks & Lows.. “. This Works for me!
I found your tips very personal and sensible i dont think any guy would have the guts to talk about their photography in this way. I would say there is probably more to see in a picture that is not only shot with your eyes but also with your heart and your gut. Props man
Thank you! Why do you think it is that people would not have the guts to talk this way? I don't think I am doing anything special.
I posted a video not long ago that I think you should check out. Its on the unspoken things of improving your photography.
ua-cam.com/video/-fvx1Lxmofw/v-deo.html
Please let me know what you think about my video I posted today!
-Mik
I shoot exactly as you describe, particularly with using the off-eye to monitor (and anticipate) action in the environment while actively shooting my primary subject. Just came as a habit from a long military career of training to not get lost in a scope. Great video!
Exactly. The way I shoot was developed over time, intuitively, rather than through brainstorming on how to be more effective.
I've been taking pictures since I was a teenager. And I agree with everything you said. I don't only use my eyes but also my emotions to feel the situation. I capture emotions with verbs. Very good tutorial. Thank you for sharing us your thoughts.
It's my pleasure to do so! When I made this video and more and more lately, I'm wondering how many of these skills will be outdated with new technology. But for now, I'm glad people are finding it helpful.
@@MikMilman it's a good refresher even for old farts. hahahaha
ha. Well, I hope you enjoy my other videos as well.
The eye thing is not only you, I do it and I know of others. Did a vid on that because it is trying to get the benefit of a rangefinder view finder. With a Leica for example you see more around the image than the frame this gives you the edge on prediction. Just a thought.
Alex.,
Wow using both eyes really works as you describe it. Thanks
Glad to hear that helps! Any additional insight from trying that? I'm looking forward to posting another tips video soon. Feedback always appreciated!
Using both eyes is fundamentally important, and would have been more important in the days of film and manual focus, when we didn't depend so much on our equipment's high tech, high speed and auto-everything. Great video!
Thanks, Milton! I made a follow up video to this that goes into much more detail and discusses how these tips all come together.
Thank you for sharing these tips - they seem so obvious and simple, yet no one thinks of them and only studies the technical bit of photography (or anything else)! Cheers!
It means a lot to me to know these are working for and resonating with people. I'll be sure to post a follow up video soon. I'm thinking I'll do one on candidate, but I'm open to other ideas too, if you have any.
Just posted a video with candid photography tips. Let me know if you find it helpful!
I’m going to be a photographer at a small event this morning and this is REALLY new to me. omg huhuhu
I really recommend you watch my entire guide If that's the case. It should somewhat set you at ease.
I totally agree about shooting with both eyes. I do that all the time and all my friends and teachers sais it is weird or "not professional". I didn't really gave a shit and I finally hear someone talking about that.
Thank you, great video (I came from fstoppers website) and I subscribed!
Cheers from Portugal.
Lol unprofessional?! That needs an explanation.
@@MikMilman Yup. I don't agree with them. Let them be ignorant. I tried to explain but it's useless.
@@diogopedro1991 I'd be really interested in hearing their rationale. Rigid belief systems are never good. I also wonder if the people telling you this are any good.
@@MikMilman They arent good at all. They just shoot people with thirds rule and their crop is really bad. Some quit using a camera with the "my phone is better" thing, so I dont really listen to them anyway.
I'm so glad I found your video! I've taken photos at countless events for 4 years and I agree completely with what you say. I did most of what you suggested, and I'm glad you're sharing the knowledge with others.
Thanks! Are you still shooting events?
@@MikMilman I am, I've just moved to a new area so I'm still getting my name out there.
@@danieldevilliers3868 6 months later, how's it going? Thought I'd check in.
@@MikMilman Very well thanks! The first few times getting a booking was tough but as I shot more events and could share photos on my social media I gained momentum and I am happy with the events I shot 😊
That's great! I never focussed on social but glad it works.
I really love your content. Yes I know that it was created in 18. I think that shows you are creating a timeless content in that it stands the test of time. I appreciate it. I appreciate you. I hope my comment somehow translates to good things for you.
Thank you, Jonathan. I appreciate it very much.
I shoot with both eyes open looking at things with them. I haven't ever heard a lot of people really talk about it or seen a lot of people do it. There are few youtubers that talk about photography completely the way I feel at my best. With your videos I'm getting so much validation in my own thoughts as well as really causing me to think further. Thanks for making these videos, being so genuine and sharing as much as you can. Not many people understand that to be the best at something means you need to help someone else become the best. A rising tide lifts all boats, really glad I found your channel.
A lot to try out, thanks for the ideas!
#3 ALL DAY
;)
Thank you so much! Very helpful. Just getting started in event photography and am shooting my first Mitzvah in a few days. Watched a few other videos of yours as well all very helpful. I am very nervous but love kids and families so fingers crossed it goes well. Predicting smiles is what I need to figure out! Love that!
You'll find that the more technical you get, the more you are able to actually focus on what matters.
Did you check out my A-Z guide yet? It's long but covers just about everything. A few people have reached out and told me it helped to ease their anxiety going into their first event.
Anyway, I should be getting ready for my first event of the week. I should be posting a video on it, so check back in!
@@MikMilman I agree I don't get technical but I still follow the principles of photography like in the rule of thirds and composition and sometimes I join in the fun and shoot interactively.
This is awesome. Definitely have not heard some of these tips. Much more philosophical than most.
Thanks, Jenna. I try to bring real value to people.
I only just recently learned I’m actually _left_ eye dominant, which explains why I shoot with my left eye closed. (Leaving it open would result in never seeing anything in the viewfinder.)
Because cameras are designed for normal people, I have to rely more on observing without the camera in my face. What I need practice with is committing to an AF point and then not forgetting to frame up the shot in order to actually USE it.
What I fear is losing out on the unknown in such a case. That’s what prevents me from trying it. The predictability thing ... I can’t detect it well. But where I know I can improve is something like, “OK I’m going to photograph that person and have their face in this 3rd of the frame and so, choose an AF point near it and move the camera so that spot is on their face or eye.”
To some extent that needs to be practiced with focus-and-recompose, right? I want the AF selection method to also work with my Elans ... one has 5 and the other only 3 AF points.
In a few years we’ll be grinning at these quaint methods, after having switched to models with good eye-AF. “Remember when you had to pay close attention to where the camera focused? Haha.”
I do the same exact thing when framing!
First event tonight! Thanks for the very helpful tips :-)
Good luck and let me know how it goes. You probably don't have time before your job tonight but be sure to check out more of my event photography videos!
@@MikMilman Thanks a lot! I've seen many of your videos, really helpful.. I am delivering the work tomorrow to the client, I hope he likes it. I was wondering if you could give me your opinion if I share with you a link to the gallery? :-) This would be amazing
@@henrifyl9341 sure. Info@mikmilman.com
How did your first event go? I have my first event coming up in a few weeks. I'm getting ready!
Great channel,great video,thanks for share.
Thanks for watching. I appreciate the comment.
Hello Mik, Thanks a lot for the nice explanation and the quite informative tips! Very much appreciated. God bless you man!
I totally agree and do similar things. Great video
This is super useful. I'm going more for event videography, but most of these apply anyway. I'm right at the "it's an industry that is increadibly hard to get into" step. Little by litte. Thanks for the advice
Glad to hear it! I hope my other videos are as helpful. I think my shot types and tips on composition would definitely translate over to video as well.
I've recently started using both eyes when using the viewfinder because I tend to frame and shoot on the rear LCD which makes it easier to monitor the environment but then I find issues between quickly changing focus from the LCD to distant due to my glasses! Enjoyed your wisdom from experience.
I’ll be going to take pictures at an event in two hours time. This got me ready, 😊.
Check out my updated version that puts all these tips together into a methodology. I think it will help a lot. Good luck at your event!
Also, when you have more time, I have a whole page devoted to event photography tips n' such on my website:
mikmilman.com/los-angeles-event-photographers
How did it go?
@@MikMilman I've got an event coming up and i plan to implement these tips. Thanks for it. We can connect on Instagram and Twitter to keep in touch if you wouldn't mind.
Not at all @retrograding @mikmilman
This is trully great tips!! Something new for me!!
I'm glad!
Keep both eyes open is a definite plus. Eyes open is a must in sports photography. Scanning the audience for reactions, and what is going on around you is a bonus.
You're not wrong saying that smiles start in the eyes but usually the first place he can pick them up as with your ears!
Yes, which is why I really recommend people get present and engage with all their senses.
Awesome advice, this guyis the Wayne Gretzky of event photography.
Ha I don't know about that but funny story, that's what they used to call me at hockey camp
Great advice and very useful. Only one thing bothered me.... why the music in the background...??? Was driving me crazy...!!
No music in the next one. Just for you :)
@@MikMilman Ah, gosh... thanks...! No but seriously, I know a lot of people listen to music in the background all the time and since nobody mentioned it, I'm probably the only person it bothered..., but hey, I'm a silence loving person... what can I say...! Again, great and useful info !
Happy birthday to this video
Good eye! This was one of my first videos I ever made for this channel.
@@MikMilman It really helped me for my photoshoot today. thanks
@@shanejohnson6855 I'm grateful to hear that. You should check out my event photography playlist for more resources.
@@MikMilman will do
Love your videos!
Thank you. I haven't been good about publishing new content lately and it's starting to get to me! Glad you're enjoying them.
New one posted. Hope you enjoy it!
Be sure to check out my latest video. It's a complete guide on event photography. If you like this one, I think you'll enjoy it.
Awesome tips man !
Thanks, Neha. I really hope they help. Let me know!
Fantastic points mate 👌
Thank you! Are you an event photographer too?
Mik Milman yes I do quite a bit of event work - your tips are very practical. Glad it wasn’t the same stuff about what lenses to use! 😂
@@miladk249 well that might have something to do with me actually being an event photographer with 10 years of experience, not a youtube photographer just regurgitating what they saw on youtube.
I shoot Salsa events, I shoot with both eyes, one on the subject, one for other action and not to bump into other things/people / dancing couples.
Excellent! Are you shooting on a dslr or mirrorless? I'm wondering if a mirrorless camera would be disorienting using this method.
This is very useful. Thank you!
Thank you. Glad to have you as a subscriber. I have a follow up video to this one, by the way.
How do you put the settings on you're cámara if I want to use manual but I don't know what to put
Are you asking what settings to use if you don't know how to shoot in manual?
Great tips!!!
Thanks Heather. I hope to record a follow up video this week. Any thoughts on what you'd like to see covered?
I posted a new video with even more tips. I think you might like it.
@@MikMilman awesome im checking it out. Do u have a facebook or something I can follow also??
I have a page on facebook
facebook.com/mikmilman/?notif_id=1537307230175810¬if_t=page_fan
by the way, how do I tag you in a reply? haha
when im shooting especially sports, i use both eyes.
Are you using a DSLR?
@@MikMilman its a bridge camera. Nikon p900
AWESOME TIPS
Thank you!
Its really handy to leave both eyes open when Shooting spots. It takes practice though.
I'm thinking you mean, in part, because of the difference in field of view you get when shooting with a telephoto. It can be disorienting for sure- something you can get better at with practice.
Hey man! Great tips. I've been struggling particularly with taking group shots in indoor settings with low light, and with colored walls that make it hard to bounce flash on anything but perhaps the ceiling (if anything). I find myself with no choice but to bump up the ISO in these situations, but this leads to more noise, since I can't shoot group shots wide open (f/2 on my 23mm). How do you advise dealing with these kind of environments and still coming out with usable photos? Appreciate it!
This was Really Helpful Thank You! I'm new here I just recently saw your Other videos, Do you Have Flash/Speedlite Tutorial? I think Flash also Freezes moment than Just using High Shutterspeed. Btw I Really love how you give us Your time just to Help us with your Tips thank youuuu!💖
Yes I do. I have one in which I talk about the basics of using a flash and then I have a few long-form videos on photographing low light events. And yes, you can use flash to freeze action even when shooting with slower shutter speeds. Thanks for watching!
@@MikMilman yes!!! I'll definitely Watch that Tomorrow maybe or Later, Thanks!!! I already told some of my Friends that your Videos are amazing, Keep on uploading God Bless You
Thank you. That's the best way to get the word out! I really appreciate that.
See my work: mikmilman.com
From my blog:
My event photography tips conclusion
Connecting the dots, you can see how all of these tips are used in unison:
By staying present, reading the room, and following the energy, I am able to gravitate toward areas of an event in which lots of action is going to happen. By reading people’s eyes, I am able to predict who is about to smile and pre visualize my shot as I move into position, all while pre selecting my autofocus point before the camera hits my eye. By shooting with two eyes open, I am able to time my shot and already know where my next shot is going to be… then I repeat.
I spend a lot of time thinking about how I can improve my event photography. It is important to me to always stay engaged with my craft and never settle. This has allowed me to constantly improve at event photography and I hope my tips help you on your own journey.
I just posted a pretty thorough guide on getting into event photography on my site. Check it out and let me know if it helps!
I have lots more event photography content coming. If you enjoyed this video please subscribe and click the bell so you will be notified when new content comes!
I created an event photography playlist just for you event photographers. Click the link below to check it out.
ua-cam.com/play/PL7juywq2ZoCzzIutxWlDNTtz2bylOM3o9.html
😊👍
Which mode is best to shoot at events
I think a lot of this comes down to preference and skill level. I shoot in manual 95% of the time or more. The rest of the time I am in aperture priority. But this is a preference. Its simply what I am used to and I do not think its necessarily superior. I like the control manual gives me and I am able to make adjustments on the fly without even consciously doing it do to my experience level. Also, I like its consistency. When shooting in aperture priority, you can have variation from shot to shot even when nothing changes. Not using spot metering would probably help in preventing this though.
I typically only switch to aperture priority when I will have more than 2-3 stops of light difference from shot to shot. A two to three stop difference in exposure equates to 6 or more clicks on my shutter or aperture dial and could lead to missed shots. I hope my thoughts help!
Just remembered I made a video on this topic recently. Check for the video on me "questioning my beliefs"
@@MikMilman thank you so much sir
@@rajendraprasadparimi5332 thank you
Actually I just posted a video answering this very question.
Hey Mik, I just set up my camera, Canon T7i, for back button focus. I’m just getting the hang of it, and was advised this is the way to go for portrait photography as I can adjust my composition after focusing. Is this something you do or advise? I have to get quicker at it as I’m missing the moments think8ng about setting up the focus. I guess I need more practice.
So much of this is about practice. Just like basketball, guitar, you name it, you need to practice to improve. Somewhere on my channel I talk about my philosophy when it comes to this.
Yes I exclusively use back button focus. Short version of why is that it eliminates the middle man of having to hold my shutter halfway down. But there is more to it.
Did the person that advised you to use it mention disabling the shutter button's autofocus function as well or did they just recommend you use the backbutton focus button.
Yes, the autofocus on the shutter button is disabled and he did tell me to shoot this way. I see the benefit I just have to get use to it.
In the summer I shoot my daughter playing soccer, so I’m hoping I can incorporate the back button focus to sports.
Thanks again! I’m doing some binge watching now on your past videos...lol.
Bro! Show some of your party picture! that's important to see your skills. everyone can talk!
Theres a link to my work in the description of every video. I agree that its important to show your work.
mikmilman.com/
Also, more upcoming videos will show my work.
What if you are left eye dominant? Can you change it?
Are you asking if you can retrain yourself to be right eye dominant or are you asking me if the technique would still work?
@@MikMilman, Yes, I am left handed/left eye dominant but, I can clearly see the advantage of using the right eye. Wondering if I can train myself to use the right eye?
I have no expertise in this, but I'm happy to share some thoughts. I do think that you can adapt to shooting with your right eye, but doubt you would ever be as natural at it. Periodically I train my body to try new things, like brushing my teeth with my left hand or skating normal. I skate mongo which is a weird way to skate. I have had some success in changing this up, but in the end I do make it work for me. I can't help but wonder if a better use of your time is to embrace what you're good at / lean into it.
I question if the effort would be worth the advantage you might have from shooting this way. Also, I am questioning how valid my double eye techniques are when it comes to mirrorless cameras. Making it easier for your subject to connect with you, etc, does hold up, but in my experimentation so far, I find that shooting with two eyes open with a mirrorless camera can be disorienting. So in other words, do you want to invest in a technique that may not work for you should you switch to mirrorless?
Hope these thoughts help.
From my understanding it is extremely difficult for one to change. I am also left eye dominant and right handed. This is why even firearms shooters generally do not try to change their dominant eye. For the occasions where one does it, it could be due to aging and the dominant eye is now weaker and so it's possible to train for the other eye to 'take over'...
This is not regurgitated information. Did the ones in the last row hear that?
?
I mean, a lot of the content we find here is from people looking for views and not always know what they are talking about. Not your case.
Ah, thanks. Yeah, there's a cycle of repetitive, inauthentic information. This happens because UA-cam photographed sources are typically UA-cam videos.
The number one mistake I do all the time is forgetting to change the ISO when changing angle or location when shooting full manual.
That happens. Try seeing if theres a more intuitive way of controlling your iso than what you're doing now. If its easier on your hands, it will be more engrained in your flow.