Event Photography: Creative or Not? 

I've shared a few of these ideas in other videos, but wanted to put them all together as I answer the question of if event photography is creative; if so, how much?

hey i just discovered your channel. ive been an event photographer in nyc for over a decade and i dont think i ever thought to search on youtube for event photography stuff. just watched a few of your videos and you are ON POINT with everything ive heard so far. im like you, i compartmentalize my event photography as strictly documentary and fly-on-the-wall and i get my creative quota filled through street photography. one thing i will mention, is when you do get that one or two shots of creative genius at a corporate shoot, it is a different feeling than finding a creative shot outside of event photography. its akin to finding a $100 bill in your coat pocket that you hadnt worn since last year. and i find my clients always appreciate a couple shots that are more artsy than normal. granted, you HAVE to nail the important stuff, for them to like the creative stuff, and not be annoyed by them. great stuff, im looking forward to catching up and watching all your vids.

I can say I see it both ways... it is not a creative endeavour as the photographer does not get to use their creativity to create the scenarios BUT the photographer is able to find creative ways to capture the experience - that is always my goal in an effort to stand-out in the industry... this can be done not only by finding creative angles and such but also by using interaction creatively to elicit different photo opportunities as well as knowing when and how to be 'unseen' to capture significant genuine moments... so maybe the creativity is not so much in the image creation but in the customer experience - both during the event and when viewing the resulting images... just thinking out loud but that is my general approach to keep event shoots fun and successful...

This actually liberated me from my constant concern of, “What should I be doing here creatively?”

Your videos have been tremendously helpful to me. Last week I did my first professional-level gig: a six day national church synod with a head table, speakers at podiums and microphones, table groups, distinguished international visitors, singers and musicians, worship, Indigenous ceremonies and dancing, casual meetings at break times, and a formal closing banquet. Often they needed to have specific pictures available immediately for social media posts. Talk about diving into the deep end! I was fortunate enough to be working with an experienced, well-organized communications team that had clear expectations of what they wanted from me. Even under those constraints, I was able to get some pictures that I consider to be creative, which I will use for my portfolio. Your guidance about things like establishing shots, detailed shots, candids, and posed shots really helped me plan and organize my work, and made my pictures better.

I love event photography for the events

I always say the corporate projects we get help us get the funding we need for more creative or passion projects.

As a photographer I feel my main objective is to be "present". Be it along with the others at an event or alone. Presenting whatever and whoever as "accurately" as possible, with premise. The objective is to capture the "actual" moment as well as I can, myself aside from the image. Specific uncommon knowledge of said event or location that aids in the photograph is always a plus, to greet the viewer with a specific image with my photos (myself or others), images both actuate to the occasion, and perhaps (hopefully) moments shared with others. Researching shots before hand as well as possible, from both physical camera angles to background information to better paint the picture. To capture that very moment is my goal, because that's why I'm there, to capture moments accurately with my camera. That's my creative take on events mostly, but the same application also applies to a canvas print of a autumn leaf in water, as far inward creativity. This seems to be a good flexible take on photography for me and hasn't changed in 27 years and helps improve my photography!

Saving this immediately I cannot wait to watch this. I’m a noob that just started and shoot charity events for fun, your tips have helped me more than you can imagine.

I have shot a recurring event many times where I was just one of 4 photographers. All of us “know what we are doing” and have essentially the same task, but I always find it interesting how different the event can look from the 4 perspectives. Some of it is just style or available equipment, but most, I believe, is each photographer’s own creative vision.

My artistic style is mainly in the camera. I tend to make sure I have the safe shots then I have my push limits shots. I started that habit back in my Pulitzer INC days. That way the client gets what they want and need but also they get more than they ask for. A win, win, yes?

When I do events I find I can do a combination. I get what the client wants but can incorporate/infuse my style into the extra photos that I take specifically for my creative purposes.

Your approach makes a lot of sense! Always glad to hear your thoughts.

I used event photography (specifically night clubs) to really hone my skill set. I find that when I’m in the moment, I tend to capture the moment better. It’s has almost been a tool to measure my ability to become present.

My take: I position myself as an artist. I want people to hire me to get *my* take on their event. I want people to hire me because they are seduced by my artistry. I know this is not an effective method for getting the "boring" jobs that you're referencing. The market I am chasing is artistic events put on by artistic people. Dancers, drag artists, musicians, kink performers, and people exhibiting their work. These kinds of event producers want me to capture the event in my way. They trust my creativity and want me to bring it to the table. This is the work I want to do. I do not want to photograph boring things. Unfortunately, financially it means I'm going to have a very difficult life as a photographer. There is not much money in arts events until you reach the higher tiers.