In the world of high-stakes photography, there are no do-overs. The pressure is on for shooting weddings, corporate events, parties, sporting events, parades, and natural phenomena. If you miss the climactic photo opportunity, there's no way to ask participants for a redo. And when someone hires you as a photographer, they expect you'll capture high-quality photos of all the most important moments.
Business insurance for photographers provides peace of mind by protecting your finances against liability and property damage. Having the right policy in place before you shoot a challenging event will protect your livelihood against unexpected mishaps.
When the pressure is on, remember these five tips for handling high-stakes events.
You've packed your bag. You've planned your shots. You've dressed up. Now you're outside the door of the venue, rifling through your belongings for your credentials while the doorperson watches. How can photographers prevent a stressful and unprofessional occurrence like this from happening?
Double-check your credentials a few months before the event—then follow up a few weeks, days, and hours before. Some events, like concerts and private parties, require approved media passes for entry. Make sure you have what you need well in advance.
It's also imperative to bring the right gear: camera bodies, lenses, flashes, memory cards, and more. Make sure your devices are charged and in good working order. Before you leave for any event, double-check the contents of your camera bag against a list of equipment.
The wrong exposure can render results so subpar not event post-shoot editing can save your work. For example, overexposing a bride's white dress “turns it into a uniform mass of bright white with no detail.” But on the flip side, underexposing a white dress “makes it look grubby and grey.” Pro tip: Take a few test shots to find your ideal exposure.
One esteemed red-carpet photographer says that when he's in a hectic environment, he focuses on getting “bread and butter shots” first. The nature of these will depend on what type of event you're shooting, but the staple shots should be obvious. Capturing these right off the bat will free you up later to test out some more creative concepts. Plus, you can relax a little bit once you've captured the absolute essential shots—it's a good way to alleviate some pressure.
Now it's time for your artistic eye to take over. Shoot from unique angles and perspectives. Tell a story with your photography. Lower your camera for a few minutes and really look around. What did you miss in the first hectic hour that you can capture now? Focus on taking pictures that only youcould take. It's likely that your client will appreciate these interesting pictures in addition to the more classical shots. Plus, you never know if an idea will succeed or flop until you put your viewfinder to your eye and click!
You can't pack business insurance for photographers in your bag, but having a policy will boost your confidence throughout events. Explore your options for free with CoverHound.
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