Event Photography
The purpose of portraying people and scenarios.
By Paola H Sánchez. February 1, 2025
The need for communication is always present in any event. Informing through images, what is happening, who is involved, where it takes place, and what people are doing serves as evidence and memories proof that a moment occurred.
Whether it’s a corporate gathering, a cultural festival, a sports competition, or a political rally, photography ensures that these occasions are not only remembered but also shared with broader audiences.
Recently, Photography Tours DMC participated in the twentieth edition of the Hay Festival in Cartagena de Indias, one of the most globally renowned cultural events. This festival gathers intellectuals, citizens, writers, and creative and critical thinkers to inspire and delight lovers of literature, art, and culture. It is a space where transformative stories and dialogues nurture and challenge the reality of the city and its attendees.
Any festival attendee generates a visual record: a selfie with a renowned author, an Instagram showcase reel, or an influencer’s branding post. However, the bulk of the visuals is produced by photographers, photojournalists, press, and audiovisual teams whose work influences the decision-making of organizers, participants, and spectators alike.
Photographers take on the role of moment preservers, emotion hunters, and milestone catchers, searching for highlight details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Their work creates a lasting impact for everyone involved. Photojournalists, for example, focus on authenticity within the visual story, ensuring that what happened during the event is truthfully reflected. That’s why you see them running from one side to another, trying to anticipate the action and emotion to capture a lasting memory.
On the other hand, event photographers with a social or advertising approach focus on helping businesses and brands showcase their products, engagement, and credibility. Who attended the cocktail? Who drank the new liquor? Did the stand attract visitors? They have the responsibility to record sponsorships and assess how their participation impacts the brand’s target audience. You’ll see them working for specific event organizers, asking for social gathering photos, covering the event scenario, capturing guests receiving brand souvenirs, or participating in other promotional strategies.
Beyond mere documenting, any event photography coverage has a purpose: Inform, sell or communicate.
If you want to explore this field and are attracted to photo coverage or journalism, here are some tips to help you achieve it:
Understand the event’s objective or theme.
Use good equipment (or work with what you have if necessary).
Understand the space’s lighting.
Capture different angles and environments.
Observe and analyze—details make the difference.
Create a story. Like a book, understand your beginning, argument, and conclusion.
Care about post-processing (but do not distort reality).
Stay alert and ready.
Capture emotions and interactions.
Respect privacy and ethics-
Last but not least, always remember the power and impact of every photograph you create.
Paola H Sánchez Fotografía
CEO Photography Tours DMC
www.paolahsanchez.com
www.photographytours.com.co
If you want to improve your visual storytellings skills, contact us. We are happy to guide and host you in the process.
it’s time to make it official. Check our tips for prorposing in Cartagena de Indias, Write and let’s say yes!
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