Conference photography can be very fulfilling as a career, but there are plenty of steps to master in order to become the best conference photographer you can be! To ensure you overcome any common conference photographer challenges, read on for our 10 essential tips for conference photographer success:
10 Essential Tips for a Conference Photographer
1. Connect with the guests first
When the guests arrive at the conference, try to subtly build a rapport with them. You should build a connection by smiling and greeting the conference attendees so that they feel comfortable in your presence when you come to take photos of them. If you have a hot wall near the entrance for arriving delegates, this can be a great opportunity to interact with them on a brief, personal level. It also allows them to get to know you a little as well, and help them become used to you being there with a camera.
2. Do not distract the guests
The previous point being said, ensure that you are not interrupting the conference attendees while taking their photos during the conference itself. Your role as a conference photographer should not be intrusive in any means.
3. Pay attention to the lighting
Due to the indoor setting of most conferences, the lighting can often be quite unpredictable. As a conference photography tip for when there is low light, remember to adjust your camera settings so that you have a wide aperture, as well as increasing the ISO setting on your camera for greater light sensitivity.
4. Composition is key
As a conference photographer, you must not forget the value of composition in your photos. The rule of thirds is a particularly important composition technique. For instance, if there is a speaker at the front of the conference venue then you are going to want them to be the main focal point.
5. Choose your camera settings wisely
To be a successful conference photographer you must know your camera settings. It is assumed that you will be using a DSLR camera – on these cameras, the burst mode and continuous focus are good conference photography camera settings to use in manual mode. This helps you to capture a large number of photos at once, meaning you are less likely to miss the crucial moments of the conference.
When you are trying to navigate your camera settings for indoor conference photography, we also recommend keeping your shutter speed to 1/100 or higher in apprehension of the conference guests moving.
6. Take photos of the venue
Capture the conference venue before the guests arrive. This helps your photos to tell a story as there will be a before, during and after arc to the conference photography collection you send your clients.
7. Check out the background
Avoid capturing extraneous objects in the back of your photos that will distract from the conference environment.
8. Experiment with different angles
Especially if there is a large crowd, move around the crowd to capture the guests from different angles.
9. Make sure you have the right equipment
It is important that you have the right equipment to capture your conference photography to the best of your ability. We recommend a full-frame DSLR (as mentioned) with at least a mid-range zoom. It is a good idea to also have a spare camera and camera parts so that you are not stumped if your technology does not cooperate!
10. Choose your best images
After the conference, look through all your photos and select the best ones to digitally retouch and send to your clients.
We hope that our guide on how to be a successful conference photographer is helpful to you.
If you are in need of a conference photographer for your own conference, Splento offers a cost-effective conference photography package in which you can expect to receive your fully edited photos in just 24 hours (or even same day).
Contact us today to see what we can do for you and your conference!
FAQ
1. What equipment is essential for conference photography?
For conference photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile zoom lens, such as a 24-70mm f/2.8, is essential for flexibility in framing shots. Additionally, a fast prime lens can be invaluable in low light conditions. Don’t forget spare batteries, memory cards, and a reliable flash with diffuser for even lighting in darker spaces.
2. How do you manage lighting challenges at conferences?
Conference venues often have mixed lighting conditions. Use a flash with a diffuser to soften shadows, and adjust your camera’s white balance to match the ambient light. In settings where flash photography is disruptive, increase your ISO and open your aperture to capture well-exposed images without additional lighting.
3. What are the key moments to capture during a conference?
Focus on capturing keynote speeches, audience reactions, panel discussions, networking events, and any interactive sessions. Candid shots of attendees engaging with each other, as well as any unique decorative or branding elements of the conference, are also valuable for conveying the event’s atmosphere and energy.
4. How can you ensure respectful and unobtrusive photography at a conference?
Always be mindful of the event’s flow and the attendees’ experiences. Use a telephoto lens to capture close-ups from a distance, minimizing disruption. Avoid blocking attendees’ views or distracting speakers. When moving around, do so quietly and respectfully, especially during presentations or discussions.
5. What post-processing tips can enhance conference photos?
Post-processing is crucial for achieving consistent, professional-looking images. Adjust exposure, contrast, and white balance to ensure photos are bright and clear. Apply noise reduction for images taken at high ISOs. Cropping can help to improve composition, and batch processing can save time when working with a large number of images.
