Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of an Event Photographer

Event photography is all about being in the right place at the right time, without getting in the way. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and often involves thinking on your feet to capture the moments that matter.

Back in 2021, ahead of the British Grand Prix, I was brought in by Wings for Life, a Red Bull-affiliated charity, to cover their Clay Day fundraising event. It was a shooting competition for sponsors and donors, packed with action, VIPs, and a whole lot of moving parts.

Navigating the Event: Logistics Over Mechanics

Technically speaking, photographing an event like this is straightforward - camera settings aren’t the challenge. The real skill comes down to logistics: knowing where to be, how to move efficiently, and ensuring every key moment is captured without disrupting the flow of the event.

With multiple groups competing for awards like Best Shot, my priority was making sure as many attendees as possible were photographed while also ensuring VIPs were captured interacting with guests. It’s a fine balance between getting great shots and staying invisible.

Blending In - The Key to Authentic Event Photography

If there’s one golden rule for event photography, it’s this: blend in. I'm not there to direct the event or ask people to pose every five minutes. The best shots come when people are relaxed and immersed in what’s happening.

I think of myself as a fly on the wall - observing, anticipating, and capturing real emotion and natural interactions. If I'm constantly stopping people for staged shots, I’ll lose the authenticity that makes great event photography stand out.

The Right Gear for the Job

Events are fast-moving, and the last thing I want is to be weighed down by a bulky camera bag. My go-to solution? A belt system.

I use the Think Tank Pro Speed Belt with the Modular Essential Set V3.0 pouches. It lets me carry and swap gear on the fly without fumbling with a backpack or wasting time walking back to a gear stash. If you’re still carrying a big camera bag around an event, trust me—ditch it for a belt system, and you’ll never look back.

What’s in My Event Kit?

Here’s what I keep on my belt for fast access:

70-200mm lens - Perfect for stage shots, shooting through crowds, or capturing tight portraits of people mid-conversation.
24-70mm & 16-35mm lenses - My go-to for dynamic wide shots and versatile coverage.
Flash gun - Because event lighting is unpredictable. Be prepared, or be prepared to miss key moments.
Spare batteries & storage - You don’t want to run out of power or storage mid-event.
Chamois leather - Works as a lens cloth and, since it’s water-resistant, can be thrown over gear in case of rain.

Final Thoughts

Event photography is all about anticipating moments, staying mobile, and working seamlessly in the background. If I can blend in, move efficiently, and stay prepared for anything, I’ll walk away with a strong set of images, without disrupting the event itself.

If you're looking for an event photographer, simply get in touch today to see how I can help.