Special events – fashion shows, fundraisers, and costumed parties – are a lot of fun and capturing it all is my secondary, but my favorite type of photography. Best are the costumed events, when guests put a lot of time and effort into the themed event and love having their photo taken.
Step and Repeat
A favorite of event commitees and party planners is the step and repeat featuring a large backdrop (usually 8 X 10). The backdrop can feature sponsor logos or fantasy scenes for costumed events. Backgrounds, provided by the planning organization, should be set-up prior to arrival 45 minutes before the event. For lighting for step and repeats, I set up 2 stands with strobes and soft boxes to give an evenly lit photo without on-camera flash hot spots.
Typical set-up is near the check in station, but the last few have opted to set up in a high traffic area where people are going between cocktail area, dinner and auction space. This offers the greatest opportunity for guests to get a photo done at their leisure and with other guests throughout the evening.
Along with the step and repeat, I will also shoot details of the set-up and decor, candids of participants, any presentations and dance floor activity. Depending on the event, I sometimes will hire a second shooter to assist with these photos.
Event photos are generally delivered within 3 days. Once delivered via Shootproof, clients need to download all and store to a drive where you will have access for sharing or future event promotional materials.
Most organizations will post photos on their Facebook event or organization page to create the highest level of post party buzz, but I often do a post about the event on my Facebook photography page with a random selection of photos to provide a link to the gallery for attendees to download their own copy.
