First gig of 2023: stepping outside of my comfort zone

[Deleted Member 5003]

For a first time outing Chris don't be hard on yourself your images are good, and you seem to have picked up on the learning points for the future.

Take the opportunty to shoot a first time short notice event as a positive, be prepared to integrate the learning points you have clearly picked up on
into the next outing...and maybe seek another similar or alternate opportuntiy to build your portfolio...maybe not from your director and maybe a paid outing next time........

 

[Gaz]

No photography experience but I have event experience…. my technology fails me when I least expect it. This, my only thoughts are to:
A) takes spare fully charged batteries and freshly formatted and tested memory cards.
B) charge your iPhone in case something goes wrong with the camera body.
C) practice using that flash and or any new gear you’re intending to use.
D) have fun!

 

[Loren]

Out of the blue I had my director at work ask me to take pictures at our first annual department award ceremony next week. Not sure how she heard I like photography, but I couldn't turn her down! Here's where it departs from my comfort zone: the auditorium where the event will be held is dim, though I believe the stage is appropriately lit. Until now, all my amateur event photography has been outdoors in available light. I believe I am going to need to use a flash for group shots off stage. I also have an led panel as an alternative to the flash.

Most of my gear is in my signature, but here's what I was thinking to use:
A6400 (have no budget to rent something better, and no time to familiarize myself with a different camera body)
Tamron 17-70mm f2.8
Sony 35mm f1.8
Flash: Godox TT350s
Tripod: I'll bring the Peak Design tripod and a wireless remote in case they want a full department group photo (cause I need to be in the shot too lol)

Anyone do this kind of event photography and have any tips?

Take a lot of photos of the same thing at different exposures and pray. If your taking shots with nothing moving take bracketed shots 3-5 shots at 2.0 EV (the middle shot is the same as a normal exposure but you've got some insurance)