The Power of Hiring an Event Photographer

"The world is but a canvas to the imagination."

-Henry David Thoreau

Aunt Carol meant well.

Have you ever attended a special event where your Aunt Carol was in charge of capturing the images, only to discover later that she unintentionally turned your event into headless snapshots?

We've all been there. A professional event photographer would have made the difference between awkwardly cropped photos and a beautifully documented story.

But Aunt Carol isn't the only reason you should consider hiring a professional photographer for your upcoming event. Let me share some other compelling reasons, but before I do, let's clarify what an event photographer is and, more importantly, what sets them apart.

What is an event photographer?

My definition of an event photographer is someone who specializes in capturing memorable moments at special events or functions. 

Your event photographer should constantly be moving and blending in while photographing your event from various angles, heights, and distances. 

I firmly believe a good event photographer pays attention, but a great event photographer anticipates and evokes emotion through stunning imagery. 

Your photographer should also be comfortable interacting in crowds and not be afraid to interrupt to get a group shot. He or she should also have spatial awareness and know when and when not to be intrusive. Sometimes I have to channel my inner "Captain Hatcher" to get my subjects to follow directions.

Lastly it's about the details, did your photographer capture the hard work the caterer, event planner and staff did to prepare your event? I always arrive early to get the lay of the land and document the environment before it's touched by guests.

Expertise Beyond a Button

When you hire a professional event photographer, you're not merely getting a person with a camera; you're contracting the expertise, experience, and passion that the photographer brings with them. Unlike amateurs, professional event photographers understand how to navigate challenging lighting conditions, organize large groups of people, and compose images that resonate.

A few years ago I had the privilege of documenting my cousin's first communion in a dimly lit Catholic church in Brooklyn, New York. I was granted permission to photograph the ceremony, under one condition – no flash photography. As I stood discreetly to the side of the pews, armed with my ridiculously expensive zoom lens, someone's Grandfather, unaware of the restrictions, suddenly started triggering flashes left and right.

The entire congregation turned to look directly at me.

I was mortified, because I didn't even have a flash on my pro camera.

I quickly approached the gentleman and whispered that flash photography wasn't allowed, but he had no clue how to turn it off. When a DSLR camera is placed on auto, the built in flash will pop up automatically unless disabled.

I politely asked him if I could adjust his camera to manual mode, and put a setting suited for low lighting from his vantage point. As long as he didn't move he'd be okay, and at a minimum it would keep me out of trouble!

Your professional photographer understands how to work effectively even in challenging conditions.

Liability Matters

The next time you contemplate enlisting your Aunt for event photography, the venue may request proof of liability insurance. A professional event photographer typically carries general liability insurance, covering any potential accidents involving property or people while working at an event.

It's an expense I choose not to overlook, especially since many event venues require photographers to provide a copy of their insurance certificate before they're allowed to walk in. Some venues even insist that their business name be printed on the photographer's insurance certificate - this ensures the coverage is current.

Equipment Envy

Sure the next iteration of cell phone cameras are pretty impressive, but there are just some shots you can't get from a cell phone. Depending on what your event is, hiring a pro typically means they are bringing professional gear. If they don't own it, they have the means to rent the right equipment. 

In this shot I was authorized to be on the Army-Navy field but I didn't have the credentials to be in the inner circle for the coin toss. Luckily I had rented a 600mm lens and could observe from afar.

The next time Aunt Carol volunteers to capture your event, encourage her to enjoy it instead, a professional event photographer is a wise investment and will ensure the event is captured from every vantage point.  I go the extra mile to ensure everyone and everything is documented so you can see the story unfold. 

You can't be everywhere during the event, and let's face it, you look better with your head in the pictures.