When it comes to event photography, an event shot list is essential to capture the best moments of your event. From posed group shots to candid crowd shots, there are a variety of photos you must have in order to tell the story of your event. In this blog post, we will discuss the 23 must-have shots for event photography. Keep reading to learn more!
There are many types of events that you could be photographing when it comes to event photography. From weddings and birthdays to corporate functions or concerts, there are hundreds of variations on the theme of “a group of people gathered together for some purpose.” No matter what type of gathering, a photographer must always seek out those key moments that make up an experience and capture them on camera.
Event photography is all about capturing the excitement, emotion and energy of a particular event. It’s not just about taking pictures of people; you need to be able to convey those feelings through your images as well. That means getting close enough so viewers can see faces clearly while also capturing the overall scene.
What Is an Event Shot List?
A shot list is a list of photos you want to capture on a particular day. It’s an essential part of planning for any photographer, but especially event photographers who have to deal with so many moving parts and people at once! The best way to ensure that nothing gets missed out on during the shoot is by having one person responsible for documenting everything from start to finish.
Why Have an Event Shot List?
There are many reasons why having an event shot list is so important. The most obvious reason is that it provides a way to keep track of all the photos you want to take. You don’t have time at a wedding or company party for example, where people are constantly moving around and posing spontaneously in front of the camera! It also allows photographers to be more efficient with their time by focusing on only what matters most instead of wasting precious minutes trying to figure out where everyone is supposed to stand next.
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Our Event Photography Shot List
The 23 essential shots for event photography, whether it be a corporate event or a private party, comprise of:
1. The Greeting/Welcome
This is your chance to capture everyone in attendance as they arrive. Get a shot of the guests coming through the door, or have them seated and ready for your first picture.
2. The Crowd
This photo captures the full scope of an event, from start to finish! It’s perfect for showing the size of the crowd and how everyone is enjoying themselves.
3. The Individual Shots
These are essential for capturing the emotions of an event. Get close up shots of people laughing, crying or celebrating!
4. All the Details
Don’t forget to capture the small details that make an event unique. A great way to do this is to use a macro lens to get close-ups of table settings, centerpieces, decorations or favors.
5. Decorations
Again, don’t forget about any decorations that may be on display at the event. Get close-ups or wide angle images depending on what works best for the shot!
6. Banners & Signs
You can also get some great shots of banners and signs that will help to promote the event. These are always a good addition if you have them available!
7. The Before and After Shots
These are perfect for showing the transformation of a space from start to finish. Document how the room is set up before the event starts and then take another shot once everything is in full swing!
8. The Food and Drinks
No event is complete without good food and drink! Document all the deliciousness by taking photos of each dish or cocktail served throughout the night.
9. The Speeches and Performances
These are some of the most memorable moments of an event, so make sure to capture them on camera! Get shots of the guests’ reactions as well as close-ups of the speaker or performer.
10. The Activities
If there are any games, dancing or other entertainment at an event, make sure to document these moments too! You can even get creative with your shots by capturing people playing different instruments in a band or singing karaoke together.
11. The Group Shots
These are always important, so make sure someone gets them for you. Have the guests gather together and take their picture with your camera or have an assistant do it while you focus on capturing other moments from the event!
12. Atmosphere Shots
Of course, there will always be people in your photos when they’re taken at events but don’t forget to capture the atmosphere as well. Get shots of the decorations, the guests having fun and anything else that will help transport your viewers into that moment!
13. Venue Shots
Don’t forget to capture some shots of the venue as well. Be sure to capture venue photos and wide angle shots of the event space, including close-ups of interesting features.
14. Sponsor Shots
If you have any sponsors for the event, be sure to get some shots of them as well. This is a great opportunity to show off their gift bags, product, or logo in an interesting setting!
15. Special Guests / VIP’s
If you have any special guests or VIP’s at the event (such as celebrities), be sure to get a shot of them with their fans. This is always a great moment that many people would like to see!
16. Award Winner
If there are awards given out at the event, make sure you capture them as well. Get a shot of the winner holding up their prize and then get another one with them smiling for all their fans!
17. The Exit Shot
Finally, this is your chance to get a final shot of everyone in attendance as they leave the event. Capture their expressions and say goodbye with a great parting image!
Wedding Shot List Ideas
These next shots on the list are specifically for weddings:
18. The Getting Ready Shot
This is a great opportunity to capture the bride and groom getting dressed before they walk down the aisle. Get close-up shots of their faces while also capturing what’s going on around them – all with one lens!
19. The First Kiss Shot
There are plenty of ways you can take this shot, but it’s always a classic. Make sure to have someone ready to capture the kiss as it happens!
20. The Rings Shot
This is another must-have for weddings. Get close-ups of the rings as they are being exchanged or just after the ceremony when they are on display.
21. The Bouquet/Garter Toss Shot
This is a fun one that always results in some great pictures. Be sure to have someone ready to capture the action when the bouquet or garter is tossed into the crowd!
22. The Cake Cutting Shot
This is another special moment during a wedding, so be sure to have your camera ready. Get a close-up of the couple cutting into the cake and then get shots as they feed each other pieces of it.
23. The First Dance Shot
This is a classic shot that you always want to capture at weddings, so make sure someone has their camera ready when the newlyweds take their first dance together!
As you can see, there are many different shots that you need to capture at an event. By having a list like this, you can make sure that you don’t miss any of the key moments. So, make sure you have your camera ready and be prepared to capture all the excitement and emotion of the event!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a shot list for an event?
As a professional photographer, working with clients and event planners, creating a shot list is a crucial step when planning an event. It helps ensure that you capture all the important moments that will make the event memorable.
To create a shot list, you need to first understand the purpose of the event and what shots are necessary to capture that purpose. Collaborate with the event planner and identify the key moments, create a timeline, and consider logistics such as lighting, location, and equipment. Remember to be flexible and adaptable as events can be unpredictable, and you may need to adjust your shot list on the fly to capture unexpected moments.
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How many pictures are you expected to take at an event?
When it comes to event photography, the number of shots you’ll need to take depends on a few factors such as the type of event, its duration, and the purpose of the photos. For instance, a wedding photographer may snap anywhere from 500 to 1500 shots during an eight-hour event, while a corporate event photographer may take fewer shots depending on the event’s scale.
Regardless of the event, capturing all the essential moments and extra details is crucial to creating a memorable experience. With hundreds of shots to choose from, you can always edit them down later to meet the client’s needs or the event’s purpose. Ultimately, the number of shots you take should align with the event’s goals and client expectations.
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Last Updated on January 27, 2024