The Social Advantage #4: How to Master Event Photography for Social Media: Tips from Martin James

It's no secret that no matter which business you're in, harnessing quality visual storytelling is one of the best ways to engage an audience and tell them your story on social media.

However, this is especially true when it comes to social media for events.

Social media plays a huge role when it comes to shaping perceptions and driving engagement for events, and the ability to create visuals that not only capture the feel of an event, but also evoke a sense of FOMO, is absolutely paramount.

I learnt way back in my days of touring in my band, that:

"the people who aren't at the show, are almost as important as the people who are".

The perception of success, from the outside looking in, is so crucial to driving a buzz for the next event and so on.

So making sure your content, whether it's photography or video content, shows a vibrant and exciting event that your target audience wouldn't bear to miss is key.

But how do you do it? Where do you start?

Well that's why I decided to catch up with my good friend and event photography extraordinaire Martin James , owner of Martin James Photography, to get his top tips for mastering event photography for use on social media:

In your experience, what are some key things to consider when capturing event photographs for social media?

For me, it comes down to three main things.

Understanding your audience

In order to present your event in the most effective way, you need to know who your audience is. Understanding their preferences, interests, and demographics allows you to properly tailor your shots, giving off the right impression. So, for example, the way I’d take photos at a music festival would be completely different to those taken at a corporate gathering.?

Getting the lighting right

Lighting plays a huge role in event photography. I always adjust my exposure settings depending on where I am, for example if I’m in a hall with more harsh, fluorescent lights vs. outside in natural light. Don’t just rely on what you’re given either – use artificial lighting wherever possible to enhance your photos and bring the event to life.?

Composition techniques

For me, composition is the backbone of good photography. I use techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to add depth and interest to my event photos, experimenting with different angles and perspectives to capture moments in a unique way and convey the story behind them.?

Are there any bits of camera kit you'd recommend as a staple? Or is it more about having "the eye for it".

To be honest, it’s probably a bit of both. Having a high-quality camera setup definitely enhances the technical aspect of photography, but having a good vision also plays a huge part.

If you’re not yet a confident photographer, I’d suggest taking your camera everywhere with you and just practising whenever you get the chance.

This is the best way to learn which techniques work for you, and to get more accustomed to the different features of your camera and other equipment.??

If you're promoting an event, what types of moments do you like to capture?

This can depend on the event, which is why it’s important to have a chat with the organisers beforehand to understand their expectations.

Having said this, usually you’ll want to pay attention to notable speakers or performers, captivating visuals, and attendee engagement.

Candid photos are also great to really capture the essence of the day and give a more natural and authentic portrayal of the events of the day.

What are your views on UGC for event photography? Do you think it's best to have a mix? Or is it industry specific?

I think there’s definitely a place for it. Images captured by attendees and organisers can give a really unique view on the day, showcasing different perspectives, moments, and angles that might otherwise go unnoticed.

However, whether it's best to have a mix of UGC and professionally curated photography depends on various factors such as the event's purpose, audience preferences, and branding objectives.

In some industries or events, a blend of both can provide a well-rounded visual narrative, while in others, they may prefer the tone of sticking to professional photos only.?

Where can people find you/your business if they wish to work with you.

If you’d like to have a chat about professional photography for your upcoming event, I’d be more than happy to help.?

You can either visit my website, or drop me an email.?