FREE - How to Shoot a Fundraising Event - Be a Paparazzi!!

## 2025 Stage One Annual Red Carpet Awards Gala

https://sycamorecreekchurch.org/stage-one-now-open/

Have you ever been asked by an organization you believe in to photograph an event for them? You really want to help them out but dont trust your skills. This is going to be a really good event to get some skills. You will be with experienced photographers.

Pastor Tom Arthur is an active member of the Meetup. With his connections, we had one of the best meetups in our history at his venue Studio One / Sycamore Creek Church. They support community theater groups, musicians, comedians, photographers and other performing art groups. It is a place where art lives. Take a look at their website for more info.

Event photography is all about capturing the event and the interactions of people. Telling the story of what happened.

We start the event with the room/building setup (have you seen the new mural?), the food and beverages and the overall ambience.

Then it is about PEOPLE. There will be lots of opportunity for casual photos of people talking and laughing as you mingle. There will be informal "Friends" groups and committee groups as you mingle. As people sit down in prep of the dinner, it's good to offer table photos.

After the meal is usually speakers and awards. Get out your longest lens and a flash if you have one and get people speaking, presenting, and receiving awards. Don't be afraid to use higher ISO what will kill your shots is a slow shutter. You can always denoise.

You shouldn't need any real special equipment. DO NOT use a tripod. You are a photo journalist. Use a longer lens for getting good candids. You may also want a moderately wide lens for groups or room shots. I usually use a 70-200 and 24-105. A decent hot shoe flash comes in handy. A lot of times the rooms are not brightly lit.

There should be minimal editing of the images. I will pull together all the shots taken and get them onto a google drive. I will provide instruction in detail.

RSVP is important. I would like to have at least 3-5 photographers on this. Maybe a couple of more if there is interest. Feel free to call and talk to me if any questions.

Unfortunately, I will not be attending the event. I am shooting a High School Reunion for a key client of mine. Bill Harrison will be coordinating. If you feel you need a little tutoring/Q&A contact me by Friday. If enough people sign up, I will create a short tutorial on some of the technical elements.