Every photographer has their own way of doing things whether they are shooting a party, wedding or corporate photography. The following six points are what I consider to be standard for me and I am sure it is pretty relevant to most photographers as well.
1. Pack your gear in advance
This probably sounds obvious but it is probably the single most important thing for me as the last thing you want is to get to an event and have an equipment missing. Thus I always like to prepare a day ahead. After all, most of us like to keep things to the last minute. So, if I have a shoot on Monday, then all my gear is generally ready by Sunday evening including charging of all my equipment.
2. Dress for the occasion
You may be wondering why dress is important. But for me it is a key part of blending in and looking like you belong there. After all, you do not want to look out of place by dressing up like you are in the wrong place. In addition to that, it is important to look professional as image and presentation is just as important as your technical skills.
3. Get to the event early
It is always a good idea to get to the event early and make sure you know the agenda for the event so that you can plan the evening. Getting there early also gives you plenty of time to capture the room and setup prior to the arrival of the guests. The organisers will be thankful for the pictures as it can be very useful for them when selling the space in the future. I know this from personal experience having worked in the events industry for many years.
4. Don’t shoot anything in sight
The idea is to get enough shots so that you have enough to choose from. Thus it is always a good idea to shoot a lot but it is also important to know when to shoot and when not to. Networking, pre-dinner drinks, post-dinner drinks or after party is a great time to get some shots in. However, once dinner starts, it is a good time to put the camera down. Thus it is important to know the agenda for the event so that you can plan in advance. It is also a good idea to ask the organiser if there are any specific shots they would want.
5. Be flexible
Always be flexible and be prepared to go the extra mile as things do not always go according to plan. Corporate events generally follow a time schedule but social events, parties and weddings can easily run behind schedule or have a last minute changes. Additionally, things can also change depending on the situation such as weather related issues. So always be prepared for any last minute changes. However, make sure you are not being taken for granted and always communicate with the organiser where possible.
6. Enjoy what you do
Lastly, make sure you always enjoy what you are doing. Although money is important, it should not be the only factor and photography isn’t always as glamorous as it sounds. It may be a good idea to specialise in one thing rather than doing everything. I enjoy event photography because I also work in the events industry thus not only do I enjoy events but also love doing photos for them so it is like love of two things rolled into one.