My first paying photography job

[joep]

I am hired to do a "retirement party" this friday. The people are friends of the family, I would like to do a good job, and I think I will. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips as far as what moments to capture. I have have some of my own ideas, but I am just throwing this out there, to see if anyone may have some ideas that I might not have thought of...................
j.p.photos

[villafane928]

Originally Posted by joep

I am hired to do a "retirement party" this friday. The people are friends of the family, I would like to do a good job, and I think I will. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips as far as what moments to capture. I have have some of my own ideas, but I am just throwing this out there, to see if anyone may have some ideas that I might not have thought of...................
j.p.photos

Well the way I personally approach events like this that I am getting paid for is much like a wedding. First sit down with who is hiring you and just ask questions on what they expect of you to deliver. To me there is always a "make sure you get these shots" list. Then after that my personal style would be floating around looking for really nice candid shots while occasionally asking a couple if they would mind taking there pic. A good way to become "invisible" to get candids is to be visible alot always walking around so you sort of become part of the scenery, people seeing you taking pictures and not tryting to pose everyone. Hope that helps because it works for me. Sometimes I am told that I talk too much but i find this helps tremendously because it relaxes them and they fell comfortable with me and believe me a comfortable subject makes your job so much easier as well as make your images so much nicer.

[joep]

Thanks for taking the time, I am going to keep that in mind for "being part of the scenery"
I like that alot, thanks again.
joep

[rismoon]

I would say that you are going to use your 50mm lens more than 18-125mm, especially if it is an indoor event with low light. Try to mesh in with the crowd, good vibrations and carry positive energy. Smile and try to capture them in their natural state. Shoot some in balck and white for sure. You will just do fine after you view your photos. I hope this helps.