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Photographing banquets: how to avoid the 10 most common mistakes

Photographing banquets is one of the more difficult tasks for event photographers. Not only do you have to capture important moments and important guests, but you also have to do it in an elegant and discreet way. In this article, we will outline the most common mistakes photographers make when shooting banquets and how to avoid them.

Corporate event with dinner at the bristol hotel in warsaw

1. focus only on important visitors

The first common mistake made when photographing banquets is to focus only on the important guests or key people associated with the event. This seems obvious, but often photographers focus on capturing only the important moments and neglect other aspects of the event.

To avoid this mistake, it is important that the photographer also captures the atmosphere and details of the event, such as decorations, food and music. These elements create a complete picture of the event and help capture its atmosphere. Therefore, it is important for the photographer to have sharpened senses and be able to take photos that show not only the important people, but also the entire atmosphere of the event.

Live music during a corporate event

2. lack of deployment during the event

The second common mistake made when photographing banquets is not positioning yourself sufficiently during the event. Many things are happening at the banquet at the same time and the photographer should be where the most important things are happening.

Moving around the room is key to capturing different moments and perspectives. By doing so, you can get a richer and more interesting set of photos that reflect the atmosphere and diversity of the event. Instead of standing in one place at all times, the photographer should be flexible and ready to adapt to what’s happening around him.

Girl nails turtle with man in red jacket

3. lack of preparation for the event

The third inadequate action is the lack of adequate preparation for photographing a banquet. To ensure the best pictures, photographers should not only study the event plan, but also seek information about possible attractions and surprises that may take place during the banquet. This will ensure that they are ready for any situation and capture all important moments fully prepared.

A man with a statue speaks on stage

4. lack of flexibility

The fourth common mistake is a lack of flexibility and openness to change. Surprises and unplanned situations can arise during a banquet, so photographers should be prepared and ready to adjust their schedule. Knowledge and experience are important, but flexibility is equally important to be able to capture all the important moments and create a complete picture of the event, no matter what happens.

Fort Kręgliccy in Warsaw for Event
Fortress of the Spinners

5. inadequate lighting

Knowing the principles of good lighting is crucial to getting quality photos. Some events, such as banquets, outdoor events or concerts, may have difficult lighting conditions, such as shadows, uneven light or lack of light. Photographers should be able to cope with these difficulties by using additional light sources or by using flashes. By doing so, they will be able to get the best results and provide clients with high-quality photos that capture the atmosphere and important moments of the event.

A woman cuts a large rectangular cake with a knife while a firework lights up on the cake. Two people stand nearby and watch. In the background is a large sign with the words "10 YEARS OF PIKE" illuminated by a bright light, which perfectly captures the moment of the photo-recording of the events.
PIFE conference and banquet

6. too many pictures

It is worth remembering that a good photographer not only captures many shots, but also knows how to select the best ones. Many photos can be overlooked and not fully capture the atmosphere of the event, so it is important that the photographer knows how to select the best shots that best capture the atmosphere and important moments. Too many photos can also be overwhelming for the client and make it difficult to choose the best shots, so it’s important for the photographer to have the ability to select and choose the best photos that fully capture the event.

A group of people in business attire at an event taking place in a room lit by blue light. The focus is on two hugging people in the foreground, while other people look on and smile. The wall in the background partially shows the word "PIFE," beautifully captured by event photographer Warsaw.

7. inadequate camera positioning

Photographers should know the basic rules of photographing dances to get memorable shots. For example, if they are photographing fast-moving dances, they should set faster exposure times to freeze the movement. On the other hand, if they are photographing dances with a slightly slower pace, then they may need to set slower shutter speeds to create a blurring effect of the movement and evoke the lightness and joy of the dance.

In addition, it’s a good idea to keep in mind the right aperture setting to get the right depth of field and ensure that dancing people are clearly visible. Ultimately, photographers should be flexible and willing to adjust their settings as needed to ensure the best results from photographing dances.

Marcin Krokowski - event photographer - event photography - stage performance

8. continuously photographing the dance floor

Many people want to capture every moment of the dances and dance photos, but this is not always the best solution. Photographers should be careful not to disturb guests while they are dancing and capture only the most important moments.

While it is a nice gesture to chat and get to know the guests, photographers should remain professional and focus on their main task, which is to capture the event. Getting too involved can disrupt the event and interfere with capturing important moments.

People singing on the dance floor at a corporate event

9. no detail photos

Overlooking details can prove painful for the photographer, as well as the client. Photos of details, such as decorations, food and small accessories, add depth and context to the story of the event. Photographers should pay attention to these elements and capture them in photos to complete the picture of the entire event.

Flowers on the table at the bristol hotel during a corporate event

10. appropriate attire

The photographer should be mindful of their image and be aware that appropriate attire is an integral part of their work and shows who the client is dealing with. The outfit should be neat, appropriate to the nature of the event and not deviate significantly from the usual standards. Such attention to one’s image shows that the photographer is serious and committed to his work, while also bringing the right atmosphere to the event. Lack of proper attire can reflect negatively on their professionalism and the image of their company, so it is important to always take care of their appearance while working.

A group of people dressed in formal attire mingle in a spacious, modern room with beige and brown decor. Some are holding drinks and carrying on a conversation at a snack table. In the background, a large banner and several signs in the hallway are visible, perfect for photo coverage of events.

Photographing banquets requires preparation

Remember that photographing banquets requires knowledge, skill and good preparation. By avoiding these mistakes, you can increase your chances of capturing memorable and elegant photos of your event.

Photographer for banquet

If you are looking for a photographer for a banquet and you like the photos I take (All of which you saw in the post) then check out my portfolio and event photography offerings.

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