Photography Questions

[lovely1m]

My aunt called me today and asked me to photograph a state conference they have coming up in May. They would pay me to take the photos and then I would sell the photos on disc, too. I am not a professional photographer. I have been paid to shoot before and I did work as a photographer for 3 years at a chain studio, but that's not the same. I want to make sure I know what I am getting myself into before I accept. I don't want to disappoint. They are looking to have me photograph the banquet, mass and set up an area for the couples there to get a quick photo. What questions should I ask in advance? What equipment should I bring? Thanks for any help you all could provide.

[navaja77]

That is a HUGE undertaking. You'll definitely need a camera that takes photos in all kinds of lighting especially low light so right off the bat, a DSLR camera and lens with aperture for low light (no higher than f/2.8). Likely, you may need a flash and I would suggest bouncing the flash rather than straight on. And they want you to do a studio set up to take photos of couples as well? I'm just wondering if they expect you to be in two places if the mass & banquet are going on at the same time as the couples shot?

This type of work requires advance planning and also learning/practicing on your part. Event photography is not easy. I also would NOT do this for free. It's almost like a small scale wedding and most photographers charge at least $200 per hour for their time (not to mention editing and organizing photos after the event).

If someone asked me, I would suggest they hire a professional photographer who is in the business of event photography. Honestly, I don't think people really understand how much work this involves and is not just taking photos and burning to a disc.

[lovely1m]

I do have all that equipment. The conference happens over a three day period. I am a little nervous about it all though. I feel like I have a ton of questions I need to ask them though about what they expect because I cannot do a massive professional looking thing. I also refuse to just hand over a disc of unedited photos, too. Its just kind of overwhelming thinking of everything I need to ask first. Thanks for the response.