Conferences and Event Photography Scotland - Top Ten Tips for the Modern Era
Hi All
As a professional photographer operating around Edinburgh and the Lothian area, I am about to embark on the summer conference and event photography season in Edinburgh and Scotland and at this moment I thought it would be relevant to have a short reflection on how the photography at these events has changed since I first started to do them approximately 15 years ago. Here is a list of areas I think have changed fairly dramatically since I started:
1. Camera equipment, especially digital has advanced considerably, less flash is required as most high level DSLRs can operate without flash indoors to a certain extent.
2. Nearly all location lighting now is wireless, with large battery packs for portrait shots on location. Small flash systems on camera are also more powerful.
3. You are expected to do more for your money now, due to digital capabilities ie you may do candid images, speakers and formal portraits all in the one event.
4. Candid reportage photography is required more and more these days, thankfully, as it is my specialism.
5. There are more photographers operating on their own now, due to costs and day rates, which make it difficult to employ an assistant at an event.
6. There will inevitably be delegates and guests taking photos with their phones, in addition to you as a photographer and this is something you have to get used to. Sometimes you can have a laugh with them with the phones.
7. The equipment is smaller and lighter, which is great for us event photographers, especially since the introduction of mirrorless equipment.
8. You need to process and deliver the images quicker nowadays, even on the day by wifi on some occasions.
9. Most clients, especially non-wedding photography want to receive the photos by digital transfer.
10. Social media is an integral part of displaying the images and promoting yourself.
Hope this helps.
Kind Regards
Colin
https://www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk/
https://edinburghphotographer.com/
Different Seasons for Professional Photographers in Scotland
Hi All
As a professional commercial photographer working in Scotland, today I would like to reflect on how different seasons of the year effect the work of a professional photographer. I suppose the answer to that question lies with the type of photography you do. A studio or product photographer, for instance probably has fairly steady consistent work all year round, whereas an event photographer has to deal with hugely different genres and markets for their photography. My infrared photography work is very seasonal. Whilst it can be done in the winter, you need sunlight and for the more dramatic images, foliage is required, which tends to be absent after autumn. Landscape photographers can shoot all year round but the images are vastly different and extreme weather can often prevent you from taking your time, especially shooting landscape photography in Scotland, with our unforgiving weather. I am an event photographer, photographing mostly in Edinburgh, most of the conferences take place in the winter and they are indoors, in the spring and summer I am outdoors, photographing supercars, infrared and landscape, so you can see the different skills required, one needs attention to detail with flash, often studio lights, the other, in an uncontrolled environment, is wholly dependant on the weather.
So you are probably wondering what my point is and the main message is that most photographers are either controlled environment (ie studio, still life and the indoor aspect of weddings etc) whereas uncontrolled environment photographers (myself included) prefer the unpredictability of the light and landscape, the excitement of the storm etc. A controlled environment photographer, if he/she is good should be able to determine in advance exactly the kind of light they want for the photoshoot. Outdoor photographers, especially in Scotland, know that the weather can change by the minute, so we have very little control and we like it that way.
Anyway, its something to consider. Until next time.
Colin Wright Photography
www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk
www.edinburghphotographer.com
Infrared Photography at Leith and Other Parts of Edinburgh
Hi All
Today I am going to look at infrared photography and its uses, for slightly out of the ordinary images. We all know about infrared photography when it comes to the classic white trees and dark skies look, but when else can we use it. As a professional photographer out and about in Edinburgh and Scotland, I am always on the lookout for creative ways to use infrared photography. I use it in my wedding images and the couples usually love it. I also use it for photographing my children, mostly in black and white, when they are playing, but also in colour. infrared photography can also be used to create a very contrasty black and white image, with high structure, which can then be passed of as a black and white photo. Many of my fine art photography clients are unaware that the photos have been taken with a converted infrared photo. The one attached for instance, is a contrasty infrared photograph taken at Leith Docks in Edinburgh. I have also used infrared photography for sport - see my website at www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk and wildlife - you can get some really creative eyes photographing animals in infrared. Metal also photogrpahs well in infrared, so that gives you lots of creative opportunities with cars and planes. These are just some of the uses for infrared photography. Oh and finally I can also use it in my professional commercial corporate photography commissions, particularly architechture. So there are no limits, just get out there and experiment.
So until next time.
Kind Regards
Colin
Colin Wright Photography
www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk
www.edinburghphotographer.com
Supercar and Event Photography Scotland and Beyond
Hi All
Its the Supercar event photography season again in Scotland and I have just had 2 very enjoyable, if not very cold, days photographing supercars at East Fortune in East Lothian. Since becoming a professional photographer operating around Scotland on a regular basis, I have taken on a wide range of work and motor sport photography is something I have been doing for almost 4 years now. The other thing is that it gives me the opportunity to do some infrared photography with some amazing cars as the subject matter. As an event photographer in Edinburgh and the Lothian area, I enjoy these photoshoots even in bad weather. it is just another challenge. As a mainly outdoor photographer, unless I am doing events such as conferences or graduation celebrations, a lot of my work is outdoors, so here are some outdoor photography tips
1. Protect your gear, make sure you have waterproof covers if you need to photograph in really heavy rain
2. Try an shoot from your car with the window open if its cold and wet, if possible
3. Allow for cold, hot and wet weather, as we all know it can change pretty suddenly in Scotland. Bring clothes for all types of weather
4. Be careful, outdoor photography brings with it an element of risk ie cars, seriously bad weather etc
5. Take a charged phone in case you have any problems and oh also headphones for music if you are out for long periods of time
Anyway, that's all for now. Until next time.
Kind Regards
Colin
www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk
Foxlake Dunbar
Start of the wakeboarding season at Foxlake by Professional corporate and event photographer Edinburgh Colin Wright