Canon® EOS 5D Digital Field Guide

Chapter 6. Event Photography

In This Chapter

• Overview and trends

• Inspiration and creative resources

• Packing your gear bag

• Shooting events

• A compendium of practical advice

The area of event photography is as much a challenge as any when it comes to gaining mastery over demanding subjects and exposures. And with mastery comes rewards of one-of-a-kind images and the promise of continuing creative challenge—not to mention creating a good source of income with print sales or ongoing assignments.

Overview and Trends

With proper marketing or representation, the field of event photography is wide open—whether you're shooting on assignment for a company meeting, photographing a party or gala for a magazine or a Web site, or shooting recitals, sports events, or graduations. For local events, in particular, photographers who can take advantage of Web posting and printing services can begin generating revenue the day of the event or soon thereafter.

Many freelance event photographers find a niche that suits their personal interests and follow it throughout the season or the year. For example, some photographers follow the BMX racing circuit through the season, traveling and working from RVs most of the year. Riders become familiar with the photographers, and the familiarity with the photographer increases sales. Many photographers supplement event image sales by shooting portraits of riders before or after the event. The travel also affords the opportunity for side work in nature, landscape and stock ...