Documenting and capturing special moments is a universal part of the human experience. With the popularity of social media and digital photography, it’s no wonder that the demand for event photography services is on the rise. For aspiring event photographers looking to establish a strong and comprehensive portfolio, there are a number of best practices that can be followed to not only capture beautiful images but to also attract future clients. This article will explore some of the best practices for building a portfolio as an event photographer, including how to create and showcase an effective portfolio and how to leverage the digital sharing platforms to enhance visibility.
Create a Focus on Specific Genres
An effective and robust portfolio will cover a broad range of genres to showcase your talents as an event photographer. However, when first starting out it can be beneficial to specialize in a specific category of event photography to capture niche types of photographs and create a unique brand for your work. You have to decide what genre you find the most captivating and make your portfolio reflect that. For example, you might specialize in capturing weddings and other romantic moments, sports events, banquets, corporate events, birthday parties, family reunions and even Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.
Use a Range of Equipment
The digital age has brought numerous advances when it comes to event photography equipment. However, as a photographer looking to build a strong portfolio, it’s important to be versatile in the camera equipment you use. Choosing the right camera, lens, and lighting can significantly impact the quality of the final product. Some of the most popular and reliable cameras for event photography include the Canon Mark III and Mark IV, the Nikon D810, and the Sony A7R. Additionally, photographers should include a variety of lenses such as telephoto, wide angle, and macro lenses in their portfolio to demonstrate their range of capabilities.
Capture Candid Moments
Candid moments are a powerful way to communicate the emotion behind an event. When building a portfolio, it’s important to invest time in capturing candid moments that express the spirit and personality of a specific event. Photographers should be mindful of framing and composition when capturing candid moments in order to help give a sense of the emotion and energy of the space.
Showcase Your Work Online
Once you have a collection of images that communicate your skills, the next step is to showcase your work and promote it online. In the digital age, there are countless platforms photographers can use to share their work including social media, personal blogs, and online galleries. Popular sites photographers can use to showcase their event portfolio include Facebook, Instagram, 500px, SmugMug, and Flickr. It’s important to carefully choose the platform that best suits your brand and style. Additionally, when showcasing your portfolio online you should make sure to include metadata, keywords, and descriptions of your work to enhance search engine visibility and attract potential clients.
Engage with Potential Clients
Finally, the best way to build a strong event photography portfolio is to actively engage with potential clients. Whether it’s through email, phone calls, social media, or networking events photographers should actively seek out opportunities to connect with potential clients and showcase their work. Engaging with clients is not only a great way to showcase your work but can also help with gaining valuable feedback that can be used to improve your portfolio and attract future clients.
Building a strong portfolio is essential for event photographers looking to attract and retain clients. By focusing on a specific genre, using a variety of camera equipment and capturing candid moments photographers can help create a strong portfolio that stands out. Additionally, sharing on digital platforms and engaging with clients can further enhance your visibility and showcase your work among the competition. By following these best practices event photographers can build an effective portfolio that will attract clients and help further their careers in the industry.