So I have this big birthday party next week that I’ve been looking forward to. Last I heard, the confirmed guest count was 500 people, which will make it officially the biggest party I’ve ever attended. A little overwhelming, but also exciting…
And today, I was asked if I’d be willing to be the photographer for the event. They have seen my event photographs in the past and were highly pleased with what I’ve done, and were wondering if I’d be willing to cover the party. If I’d rather just attend as a guest, that was perfectly fine, but she just thought she’d ask.
And of course, I said yes. I mean, one of my future aspirations is to be a professional photographer, and event photography has been one of the things I’ve enjoyed most in the past. And, considering both the size and “importance” of the people who are going to be here, I couldn’t see turning down an opportunity to have my first paying gig be a major event.
So am I crazy? Photographing events in the past has never hampered my ability to have fun - as a matter of fact, it often helps me beyond my shyness because I can just walk up to people and point at the camera, which serves as a great ice breaker. And, best of all, I’ll be paid to hang out at a party. How bad could that be?
Bonus question: would it be rude to ask if I could bring along my photo printer and sell low-priced photos at the event? I’m not quite sure what I think of that idea (aside from the possibility of it being a decent way to earn a few extra bucks). Tacky to ask, or not?
Working the party was a judgment call and you made your choice. I have nothing to add on that part.
I would, however, avoid doing the bit with the on-the-spot printing. If you were just a party guest and wanted to add something fun, sure go ahead and print whatever pics you take for the immediate enjoyment of the crowd. But you want to be working there “professionally”, so I think doing so in that circumstance would cheapen your image. The “important” folks in attendance would either think you are desperate for cash or nothing more than a street peddler.
You are are being paid to shoot the event, work something out with those in charge to supply photos or photo books upon request (and payment). If such a deal and production capability is beyond your means, give your “employer” what they ask for but make certain to keep a number of extra good shots (either real pics or in digital format to burn to disc) for a portfolio.
The more I think about it, the more inclined I am to agree with you. Thanks for the input; I’m so new at this I really don’t know what’s “done” and what isn’t it.
I’d say it’s tacky to sell photos at the event, unless it’s a service the host wants to offer, I wouldn’t bring it up. I’d also think it would be difficult to do that as well as take the candid shots you’re being paid for, you’d need two people.
Assuming you’re being paid a fair wage for being a photographer, you should be very professional about that task. Have fun, but you are the photographer, not a guest who’s taking some snapshots. The host will be understandably and rightly upset if the photography is low grade because you were more focused on having fun. Once you decide to take money for the job, be a pro. Make darn sure you have enough storage available.
Considering they are only giving a weeks notice to be the photographer, I’d imagine that it is not the most pressing concern of theirs. However, if you’re interested in this as a future income producing job, take this opportunity to give it a professional go and see how you like it, with perhaps a bit less pressure than a typical gig. If you play it as a guest taking snapshots, the host could be disappointed, you won’t get the portfolio of work Gorgon Heap mentioned, and you won’t get a taste of professional experience.
I work in PR and do a lot of event organising, and I’ve hired plenty of photographers. Here is my (very quick cos I’m at an event!) tuppence worth…
If you are being paid be someone to be the photographer, then I think you should look at it as a job, rather than being paid to hang out at a party. (I don’t mean this to sound harsh, and I wouldn’t say that if you weren’t being paid.) I had complete disaster last year when the photographer I hired (who was a friend) turned up, got piss blind drunk, had a fantastic night…and then only took pictures of people he liked/when he remembered - and they were awful, and it was a horrible situation. I’d do the job first - then party!
I would not think it was tacky at all to offer photos at the event - I’m sure lots of guests would like a souvenier. I do think you may not have time to do it on the night, so maybe take orders and/or payment and then post the pics to them.
As this is your first event (and they’ve said there will be ‘important’ people there, may I suggest you chat to the organisers about any specific people/speeches they want pictures of (and what they look like!) With 500 people milling around (with no bleedin name badges) it can get confusing.
Depending on how formal this event is, you may want to break the night down into ‘sections’ i.e. ‘guests arriving’ ‘pre-dinner cocktails’ ‘birthday girl/boy’ ‘hosts pictures’ ‘dancefloor’ etc - it’ll just help you to know that you’ve got all your shots covered.
Don’t be afraid to be a little bit bossy/in charge (I imagine people will be drinking? Take a little stool/step with you so you can pop up over head height.
I have 3 1-gig CF cards, so I’m thinking that should cover me… I may stow my laptop though in case I need to start clearing off cards for some reason.
One good thing is I’m not a drinker. I might have a drink or two to settle my nerves, but I don’t see much chance of me having more that. But yes, comments noted: I will definitely act completely professional while enjoying the atmosphere.
The recommendation to establish up front any particular moments they might want to have captured is a very good one, and possibly one I would not have thought of on my own. You also raise a good point: with 500 people, there’s no way I’m going to remember “who is who”. Is there a good, professional way of finding out who I’m taking photos of (I have this fear of saying, “Oh, and what’s your name?” and getting… “Er, Tony Blair [exaggeration, the people won’t be THAT important]” as a response.) and keeping track of it?
Meet up beforehand with whoever’s hiring you and ask them who/what they really really want pictures of, and if they can either show you a pic, or, if they’re relatively well known, give you names so you can google image them. Or (and this is MUCH easier) talk to the organisers about this (they’ll be pleased you’re thinking ahead), and ask one of them to be your ‘important photo person guide’ - get them to take you round the party for an hour pointing out the people they want and who they are. Then you’ve got all the important shots ‘in the bag’, they can get back to the party, and (quite importantly) you’ve made a concerted effort to take the pics they want - and if they miss anyone then it’s their fault not yours!
For recording my photographer uses a little mic recorder on his camera, and after he’s got the shot he shows the subject their pic (digital cam) and records their name and a pic reference number. (Pehaps a dictaphone type thingy?) He also passes on a business card in case they’d like a copy of the pic. Be smiley and charming and you’ll be perceived as professional.
You can finesse that by saying “Let’s make sure I’m spelling your name right…” as you have your notebook and pen out. If her name is Mary Smith, you might get a funny look, but people are very used to spelling their surnames under all kinds of circumstances.
This could work, but it will depend on how much stuff you’re already carrying, and how easy (or safe) it will be to put that down while you take a name.
You could take someone with you with a notepad and pen to take names etc for you?
It has helped a lot