How to become an event photographer

How to become an Event Photographer

Event photography does not have strict educational requirements in terms of formal degrees or certifications. However, obtaining a solid foundation in photography through education and training can significantly enhance your skills and prospects in the field. Here are some steps you can take to become an event photographer:

High School Education or Equivalent
Begin with a high school diploma or equivalent. Courses in art, photography, visual arts, and computer skills can provide a solid foundation.

Acquire Photography Equipment
Purchase a good quality digital camera and lenses, including a quality zoom lens. Once you become more certain that a photography career is for you, invest in a tripod, lighting equipment (if you plan to work in a studio), external flash, memory cards, and a sturdy camera bag for equipment transport and protection.

Event photographers use both DSLRs (digital single-lens reflex camera) and mirrorless cameras.
While both can take photos at very fast shutter speeds, a mirrorless camera's simpler internal mechanics enable it to shoot faster than most DSLRs, particularly when it comes to a series or burst of images. The frame rate on the most recent mirrorless cameras is remarkable.

In addition, with no mirror to flip up when you press the shutter, mirrorless cameras can take photos without making a sound. This is a huge advantage in event scenarios where you need to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Self-Study and Practice
Self-study is a crucial aspect of a photographer's education. Familiarize yourself with your gear. Experiment with your camera. Practise different lighting setups (natural light, artificial light, low light), capturing candid moments, posing subjects, and adapting to different environments.

Study the work of experienced event photographers to understand their styles and techniques. Analyze what makes their photos exceptional.

Online Photography Courses and Tutorials
Take advantage of online platforms offering photography courses and tutorials. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in various types of photography, lighting techniques, composition, and more.

College Courses in Photography or Fine Arts
Consider enrolling in a college or university offering photography programs or degrees. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in photography, fine arts, or a related field can provide a broader understanding of visual storytelling, as well as comprehensive artistic and technical skills. Look for coursework that covers composition, lighting, portrait and other techniques, and image editing / post-processing. Some courses may focus specifically on event photography.

Photography Workshops, Seminars, and Immersive Experiences
Attend workshops, seminars, or short-term courses, as well as immersive experiences like photo tours or photography retreats. All of these provide hands-on learning, exposure to various techniques, and insights and mentorship from established professionals.

Join online photography forums, groups, and social media communities dedicated to different kinds of photography. Engage with other photographers and participate in discussions to expand your knowledge and network. PhotographyTalk and Digital Photography Review, also known as DPReview, have dedicated sections for event photography discussions.

Portfolio Development and Online Presence
Develop a diverse portfolio showcasing your best event photography work. Start by photographing friends’ and family’s events or volunteering to cover events for non-profit organizations. Include a variety of styles, subjects, and techniques to demonstrate your range and expertise. Build a professional website or utilize social media platforms to share your portfolio, connect with a wider audience, gain exposure in the industry, and market your services.

Choose Your Niche
Decide on the type or types of events you want to specialize in. Consider weddings, corporate events, parties, concerts, sports, or other areas based on your interests and market demand.

Internships and Assistantships
Seek internships or assistant positions with professional event photographers. Learning from experienced photographers in real-world settings is invaluable in understanding the practical and business aspects of the job, including client communication, pricing, and contracts that clearly outline terms and deliverables. Time spent as an intern or assistant will also expose you to copyright laws and licensing to protect your work and establish guidelines for its use.

Continuing Education and Certifications
Stay updated with photography trends, new techniques, and industry advancements. Consider obtaining certifications to enhance your skills and credibility. The following are some of the voluntary certifications and professional organizations supporting event photographers:

• International Live Events Association (ILEA) – ILEA offers memberships and educational resources for event professionals, including photographers. Joining ILEA can provide networking opportunities and access to industry knowledge.
• Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) – To earn this certification, offered by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), you need to pass a written exam on photography principles and techniques, submit a portfolio, and adhere to a code of ethics.
• Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) Qualifications – SWPP offers various qualifications, including Licentiate, Associate, and Fellowship levels, where photographers can showcase their photography skills and expertise.
• Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) – WPPI offers the Wedding and Portrait Photographer Certification. While it primarily focuses on wedding and portrait photography, it can be relevant for event photographers who specialize in these areas.
• American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) – The ASMP offers professional memberships, resources, educational opportunities, and advocacy for photographers working in various commercial fields, including event photography.
• National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) – While primarily focused on photojournalism, NPPA can also be valuable for event photographers who work in editorial and documentary photography. It provides education, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
• American Photographic Artists (APA) – APA is a photography organization that serves photographers in various fields. It offers networking events, business support, and educational resources.
• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) – While not specific to event photography, becoming an Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom can enhance your post-processing skills, which are essential for event photographers.
• National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) – For photographers who specialize in post-processing and image editing, NAPP offers memberships and resources related to Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
• Nikon School Certification – The Nikon School offers a certification program for photographers who want to enhance their technical and creative skills using Nikon cameras and equipment.
• Canon Professional Services (CPS) – While not a certification, Canon Professional Services (CPS) is a service and support structure designed to provide working photo and video professionals with a wide range of benefits and services, including hotline support, loaner equipment during service episodes, rental equipment, free or subsidized shipping, service discounts, and online access to the CPS member service page.