Commissioning Controlled or Uncontrolled Environment Photographers and why it is Important
As an event photographer in Scotland, I am largely commissioned to photograph outdoor events, such as football, rugby, bungee jumping, motor sports etc. I also love doing fine art, landscape, street photography and photographing my kids playing outdoors. In addition, I photograph conferences and weddings indoors, but even then I prefer situations where I have no control over the environment. Whilst photographers tend to do commissioned work for both, it’s fair to say that most of us concentrate and prefer either a controlled or uncontrolled environment.
So what are the characteristics of these two types of photographers and how are they different. Generally, the vast majority of outdoor shots are unplanned and not pre-determined before the event. The photographer also in this uncontrolled environment usually has no influence over what will happen next and they thrive on this type of photoshoot, whereas the studio photo photographer prefers an environment where he or she can control the lighting, background, facial expression etc. Although largely an outdoor photographer, my favourite type of indoor photography is conferences, as they are mainly uncontrolled environment events, which involves photographing the speakers/workshop participants etc. This leads me on to different personality types, with some people preferring the unexpected and unplanned, while others prefer complete control. Some commissioned work can be a mixture of the two, ie newspaper photography and weddings, but even then, the photographer’s preference for one or the other will usually be shine through.
Why is all this important to a business, because you should be looking to commission a photographer, who closely matches your requirements. How can you do this, by looking for controlled or uncontrolled environment images in their portfolios. The last thing you want is an uncomfortable photographer outside his or her comfort zone. You don’t have to ask the question outright, as the images should demonstrate the skills of the photographer. Anyway, good luck, I will leave you with a classic uncontrolled environment image.
Colin
Colin Wright Photography
Hi Everyone
Happy New Year. Just back from a trip to Germany and ready to tackle the New Year with some big event and corporate photography in Edinburgh over the next week or two and some newspaper photography in Midlothian, Scotland. As an event photographer in Edinburgh, things start to pick up at the end January as people come out of their festive slumber and I am looking forward to some conference photography in Scotland. I will leave you with an infrared photograph taken in snow filled Germany. I rather like the way the snow has come out in infrared.
Anyway, until next time.
Kind Regards
Colin
Colin Wright Photography
Hi Everyone
As its the holiday season, and I am normally a freelance corporate and event photographer out and about in Edinburgh or Scotland, I figured today would be a good time to do a short post looking at the important, but often slightly boring issue of preparing your gear for event photoshoots. Why is this important, because, after your skills as a photographer, or probably even more important, is that you must ensure nothing can go wrong on the day. If you lose all your photos you may as well leave the country, due to the long term effect on your reputation
Anyway here are my top 5 preparation tips
1. Have at least two of everything, this includes flash cameras, a choice of lenses. Every bit of equipment is capable of failing. It goes without saying you will need loads of batteries, chargers etc.
2. Check your settings and have them all prepared the day before, you may have time to arrange for replacements if anything goes wrong. If you have a dual card slot in you camera, use it. This once saved my life at a conference photography event in Edinburgh when one of the cards broke when I took it out after a full days shooting. Oh and make sure you change the settings on your camera to record to both cards
3. This may sound obvious but as an experienced outdoor photographer in Scotland , prepare all your waterproof clothing etc the day before. Don't be fooled by the seasons, this is Scotland after all. I photograph supercar events around Edinburgh and East Lothian and we had better weather in November and December than in July and August. Remember rain is the enemy protect your camera and yourself. 7 hours in the rain can effect your sanity and health - be prepared
4. Make a list of things you need and tick it off. It is so easy to forget one crucial item. If you forget a lens cloth or a flash diffuser for instance it could have a profound effect on your photos
5. Gauge the equipment you need for each job and make sure you take only what you need. This also helps you to visualise what you intend to do on the day, in addition to ensuring you don't take too much gear. I am getting on in the years now and don't want back trouble due to taking too much gear on the job. It also makes it easier to find the correct equipment when you need it, without getting into a flap
Anyway hope this helps. I am of to do some infrared photography in Scotland next week and some newspaper photography in Midlothian, as well as an equine photoshoot in January. See you soon and have a good new year
Kind Regards
Colin
Colin Wright Photography
Hi All
This will be my last blog post until after Christmas, just thought I would say Merry Christmas to all my friends and business colleagues. I will leave you with my version of a Christmas card without snow, yes you guessed it, an infrared photo, taken at Haddington earlier today. My project for next year is to bring out an infrared calendar and see how many people realise it isnt snow in the images
All the best and speak to you soon
Kind Regards
Colin
Colin Wright Photography
Hi All
In the preparation for Christmas, I have had a wide range of event photography commissions in Scotland this week. As a corporate photographer in and around Scotland, I had some conference photography in Edinburgh and newspaper photography in Midlothian. As promised a bungee jumping photo is attached, thanks to UK Bungee for a great couple of days out in Glasgow last week. Like everyone, at this time of year we evaluate our goals and aims and plan our new targets for next year. I have had my best year for a while and for that I would like to thank Business Gateway for assisting me in my digital strategy and to all my customers, in particular, NHS Education for Scotland, Big Bang Promotions and Johnston Press. As an event photographer in Edinburgh, I have had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of corporate and sports commissions and it has been a very enjoyable year. I also had a very rewarding Infrared Photography in Scotland exhibition this year. So if variety is the spice of life, I have definitely had a spicy year
Until next time, all the best and have a great Christmas
Kind Regards
Colin
Colin Wright Photography