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Event Photographer | Overshooting is Better than Undershooting
As a Las Vegas event photographer, you should know that it is very likely that you are going to shoot a lot of pictures. This is mostly to pick the very best among all those pictures.
If you are just starting up, of course, the question you would want to ask is how wise it is to overshoot whenever you have been booked for an event.
Overshooting is very beneficial and the benefits are numerous. The Las Vegas Event Photographer explains some of the benefits of overshooting in an event. Overshooting is advantageous to both the photographer and the client. How?
PHOTOGRAPHER: Overshooting can give you a wonderful perspective on how best to shoot for next time. For example, if you have shot many pictures of the same group of people. When you are choosing the best ones from the piles, you will be able to appreciate the best ones and the exact reasons why you think they are the best.
It is wonderful really. The chance to see the best ones and the ones that are not so good will help you to know how to snap pictures the next time you are at an event. You will be able to look at all the angles of the good ones and the not-so-good ones.
Did the bad ones look a little blurry? Did it fail to bring out the best in the subjects in the picture? Did it fail to capture every member of the group? Was one of the subjects not posing very well?
All these questions are what will make you know how best to take the next pictures. Through that, you become better, and then you may not even need to overshoot next time.
CLIENT: There is a saying that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. You never can tell if the client would want the pictures you believe are not so good.
When you overshoot, the clients themselves would be able to pick the ones they think look beautiful, and then you won’t have to choose yourself.
The Las Vegas Event Photographer would want you to know that overshooting can seem troublesome and challenging especially since you also have to edit them.
It will be a pain in the ass while you are editing, but in the end, you will be thankful if you have more than enough photos you can use as opposed to being woefully underprepared to turn in your photos.
As time goes on, you will certainly learn how to find a happy medium for the number of shots you take. However, if you are just starting, you should take as many photos as you think you will need.
The Las Vegas Event Photographer wants you to see it as being an optometrist whereby you will cycle through multiple photos until you pick the one that looks best.
You are a professional and your job as paid is to snap the best shots. Therefore, don’t be afraid to overshoot. The benefits are heartwarming.
The Importance of Event Photography
Event photography is a special niche that requires a unique set of skills. As an event photographer, your job is to capture those precious moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or a live concert, your role is to freeze those fleeting moments in time.
What are Overshooting and Undershooting in Event Photography?
In event photography, overshooting refers to taking more photos than you need. It’s about being proactive and capturing every possible moment, even if it means taking multiple shots of the same scene. On the other hand, undershooting is the opposite – it’s taking fewer shots and potentially missing out on important moments.
The Drawbacks of Undershooting
Undershooting in event photography can have several drawbacks. Firstly, you risk missing out on capturing key moments that could be significant to your client or the event itself. These missed shots can’t be recreated, and you may not have another chance to capture those genuine emotions or candid interactions.
Secondly, undershooting limits your creative possibilities. By not exploring different angles, perspectives, and compositions, you may end up with a series of similar-looking photos that lack diversity and visual interest. This can make your final collection feel repetitive and uninspiring.
Lastly, undershooting can lead to missed opportunities for growth and improvement. By limiting yourself to a conservative number of shots, you may not push yourself to experiment and learn from different techniques. It’s through trial and error that you can discover new ways to capture those extraordinary moments.
The Benefits of Overshooting
While overshooting may seem counterintuitive, it offers numerous benefits for event photographers. Firstly, it allows you to explore different angles, perspectives, and compositions. By taking multiple shots, you increase your chances of capturing the perfect moment from a variety of perspectives. This gives you the freedom to experiment and push your creative boundaries, resulting in more unique and visually captivating images.
Secondly, overshooting ensures you don’t miss any important moments. Events are dynamic, and things can change in an instant. By being proactive and capturing everything, you increase the likelihood of capturing those fleeting moments that can’t be recreated. These shots often turn out to be the most memorable and cherished by your clients.
Lastly, overshooting gives you a wider selection of images to choose from during the post-processing stage. This allows you to curate a collection that truly represents the essence of the event. You can select the best shots that tell a remarkable story and evoke emotions while discarding any duplicates or subpar photos.
Tips for Effectively Overshooting Events
While overshooting can be beneficial, it’s important to do it effectively to avoid overwhelming yourself with an excessive number of photos. Here are some tips to help you manage and optimize your overshooting:
Familiarize yourself with the event schedule: Understand the flow of the event and anticipate key moments. This will help you plan your shots and ensure you don’t miss any important milestones.
Use burst mode: Burst mode allows you to capture a rapid sequence of shots with a single press of the shutter button. This is particularly useful for fast-paced events where moments unfold quickly.
Vary your compositions: Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and compositions. Don’t be afraid to get low, high, or close to your subjects. This will add visual interest and diversity to your final collection.
Pay attention to details: In addition to capturing the overall atmosphere, focus on capturing the small details that make the event unique. These details can often enhance the storytelling aspect of your photos.
Be mindful of your surroundings: Keep an eye out for unexpected moments and interactions. Events are full of surprises, and being aware of your surroundings will help you capture those spontaneous and genuine moments.
How to Manage and Organize a Large Volume of Photos
When you overshoot an event, you’re bound to end up with a large volume of photos. Managing and organizing these photos is crucial to ensure an efficient post-processing workflow. Here are some tips to help you stay organized:
Create a folder structure: Organize your photos into folders based on the event and date. Within each event folder, create subfolders for different segments or moments of the event.
Use descriptive file names: Rename your photos with descriptive file names that reflect the content or context of the image. This will make it easier to search for specific photos during the post-processing stage.
Use metadata and keywords: Take advantage of metadata and keywords to add relevant information to your photos. This will help you search and sort through your collection based on specific criteria.
Use a backup system: Implement a robust backup system to ensure the safety of your photos. Make multiple copies of your files and store them in different locations to protect against data loss.
The Role of Post-Processing in Event Photography
Post-processing plays a crucial role in event photography, especially when you’ve captured a large number of photos. It’s during this stage that you refine and enhance your images to bring out their full potential. Here are some key considerations for post-processing event photos:
Culling: Start by selecting the best shots from your collection. Remove any duplicates, out-of-focus images, or shots that didn’t turn out as expected. This will help streamline your workflow and save time in the editing process.
Color correction and exposure adjustments: Ensure consistent color and exposure across your photos. This will create a cohesive look and feel throughout your collection.
Retouching: Depending on the event and your client’s preferences, you may need to retouch certain photos. This can include removing blemishes, adjusting skin tones, or enhancing details.
Batch editing: Utilize batch editing techniques to speed up the editing process. Apply similar adjustments to a group of photos that share similar lighting conditions or settings.
Maintain a consistent style: Develop a signature editing style that aligns with your brand and the event’s atmosphere. This will help create a cohesive and recognizable body of work.
Finding the Right Balance Between Overshooting and Undershooting
While overshooting is generally better than undershooting, finding the right balance is essential. Overshooting without purpose can lead to a massive number of photos to sort through and can overwhelm both you and your clients. Here are some tips to help you find the right balance:
Understand your client’s expectations: Communicate with your client to understand their preferences and the type of shots they’re looking for. This will help you focus your efforts and avoid overshooting in areas that are less important to them.
Plan ahead: Familiarize yourself with the event’s schedule and anticipate key moments. This will help you plan your shots and ensure you capture the most significant moments without excessive overshooting.
Be selective during post-processing: Cull your collection rigorously and focus on selecting the best shots that tell a compelling story. Avoid including similar shots that don’t add value to the overall narrative.
Quality over quantity: Remember that it’s better to have a smaller collection of remarkable shots than a larger collection of mediocre ones. Focus on capturing moments that truly stand out and evoke emotions.
Case Studies: Successful Event Photographers and Their Approach to Overshooting
To gain further insights into the benefits of overshooting, let’s take a look at some successful event photographers and their approach to this technique.
Emily Thompson: Emily is known for her candid and emotionally charged wedding photography. She believes in overshooting to capture those genuine moments that can’t be staged or recreated. Emily embraces the unpredictability of weddings and uses overshooting as a way to preserve the raw emotions of the day.
John Patel: John specializes in concert photography, where timing is crucial. He overshoots during concerts to ensure he captures the energy and passion of the performers. By taking multiple shots of each song, John increases the chances of capturing that perfect moment when the artist is fully immersed in their craft.
Sarah Collins: Sarah is a corporate event photographer who believes in overshooting to capture the essence of the event. She focuses on capturing interactions, networking moments, and the overall atmosphere. By overshooting, Sarah ensures she doesn’t miss any important connections or memorable interactions.
In each case, these photographers understand the value of overshooting and how it enhances their work. It allows them to capture the essence of the event and tell a compelling story through their photographs.
Why Overshooting is Better than Undershooting in Event Photography
As an event photographer, your goal is to capture those precious moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. In the fast-paced world of event photography, overshooting is often better than undershooting. By being proactive and capturing every possible moment, you increase your chances of capturing those hidden gems that exceed all expectations.
Overshooting allows you to explore different angles, perspectives, and compositions, pushing your creative boundaries. While not every shot will make the final cut, having a larger selection gives you the freedom to curate a collection that truly represents the essence of the event.
So, the next time you’re out on an assignment, remember that overshooting is better than undershooting. Embrace the thrill of capturing every possible moment and let your artistry shine through. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and you want each one to tell a remarkable story.
Call or text 702-530-4384 to book your next Las Vegas photography session or email us at info@christianpurdie.com for more information.