Light is the photographers paint brush. When we are photographing an event we must strive to either overcome the existing light, provide light where there is none, or work to combine the existing light with our professional photography equipment .

 

Providing the correct light for event photography requires having the correct equipment. Whether your event is a wedding or a class reunion we want to make sure that we have brought the kind of equipment required to do the job. This means that we not only bring right equipment for the job but we bring equipment for the unplanned problems that often occur at an event.

 

We're often taking photographs where there is no power. We not only bring the battery pack that we'd need for the photographs but we bring in extra battery pack should we need it. We also pack 200 feet of extension cords, just in case.

 

If you're talking to photographers about what kind of equipment they have to cover your event here are some of the common components that you should expect them to have with them for your event photography needs.

 

• Monolights or multi-head light systems - Monolights are self contained flash units. They have the advantage of working independently of each other and as a result if one fails you have not lost the entire lighting system. Multi head lights systems have a central power packe and multiple heads that provide the light.
  
  
• Umbrellas or softboxes - These tools are used to broaden, soften, or direct the light. While lighting a large groups, such as in reunion class photography, is what we do the most of we are sometimes asked to provide a very directional light for a person on a stage. Tools such as these put us in control of where the light goes and the quality of the light.
  Pictured to the left is a softbox. Another common lighting tool is an umbrella. Each has their advantages. We have used both in our group photography and have found that either took can light groups well. Our preference is to use softboxes. The reason is that umbrellas seem to cause us to have to use higher flash output settings which means that if we are using battery packs we do not have the ability to shoot as quickly.
  
  
• Light stands - While this may seem like a no-brainer there is a difference in light stands. We use Avenger light stands which are heavy duty and have a small foot print. This latter features helps reduce the risk of your event guests tripping over a light stand.

Here are some of the photography equipment questions that we are often asked by event coordinators:

 

• What is the largest group you have photographed?
• Was this group inside or outside?
• Do you have enough equipment to photograph a large group outside at night?
• Do you have back-up camera and lighting equipment?
• Our reunion committee wants to do the group photography later in the evening. Is that a problem with lighting?
• Can your lighting run on batteries?
• How many years of digital photography experience do you have?
• Is your camera a full size image sensor?
• If you are unable to print orders will you mail at no additional cost?

We hope that you have found some of this information useful. If you have additional questions please Contact Us.

 

Article provided by Art's Photography.