Handling photography in-house can be enticing. However, taking on the task of event photography without professional expertise will undoubtedly compromise the visual storytelling of your event

Event coordinators considering a DIY approach to event photography should be aware of these common mistakes to avoid.

1. Underestimating the Importance of Planning:

‍One of the most prevalent mistakes in DIY event photography is underestimating the importance of thorough planning. Without a well-thought-out plan, key moments may be overlooked, especially if you are juggling event coordination at the same time. You should create a shot list, establish key photography areas, and consider the event schedule to ensure comprehensive coverage.

2. Neglecting Lighting Considerations:

‍Lighting plays a pivotal role in photography, and neglecting lighting considerations is a common rookie error. Inadequate lighting can result in blurry, grainy or poorly exposed images. Mixed lighting sources can result in images that are challenging to fix in post-production. Event coordinators should assess the venue's lighting conditions, plan for additional lighting if necessary, and be mindful of the impact different lighting sources can have on the overall quality of event photos.

3. Overlooking Branding Integration:

‍Event photography provides a unique opportunity to reinforce brand identity, and overlooking branding integration is a common oversight. DIY event photographers should pay attention to showcasing branded elements strategically, including logos, signage, and any sponsored materials. This ensures a cohesive visual representation of the event aligned with the brand.

4. Missing Candid Moments:

‍While posed shots are most often considered essential, overlooking candid moments is a frequent mistake made by amateur photographers. Candid shots capture genuine emotions and interactions, contributing to a more authentic and engaging event narrative. Missing out on these spontaneous moments means saying goodbye to what could otherwise be the most valuable photographic content for future event or brand marketing.

5. Ignoring Post-Production:

Inexperienced photographers often underestimate the importance of post-production work. Neglecting editing and retouching can result in images that lack professionalism and lack cohesion with your brand. If you plan to do it yourself, you should allocate a good amount of time and resources for post-production to enhance the overall quality of event photos before sharing them with attendees or stakeholders.

6. Disregarding Privacy and Consent:

‍Respecting privacy and obtaining consent for photography is a critical aspect of event coordination. Failing to adhere to GDPR and disregarding privacy considerations can lead to discomfort among attendees as well as potential legal issues. As the event organiser, you should communicate clearly about photography at the event as well its intended use alongside a consent form.

7. Failing to Capture Event Details:

‍Event details, such as decorations, styling, and custom elements contribute to the overall ambiance and wow factor. Failing to capture these details is a common mistake. DIY event photographers should pay attention to the small details of the event, ensuring that the visual story encompasses the event's distinctive features.

While DIY event photography can be a cost-effective solution, unless you are an experienced event photographer, these 7 mistakes are all too common. You'll get the best results by bringing in a professional for the day.

Ready to take your events to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about our professional event photography services and how we can help you unlock the full potential of your brand.

‍