Event Photographer & the Canon 50mm f1.4

I am asked quite frequently to photograph events: phone calls and emails to which I would typically cringe, as I much prefer commercial photography work.  However I've been enjoying them lately for a few reasons.

First off, the opportunity to network at these events is priceless.  It's easy to photograph a gig, get paid, and go home.  But why not spend a few minutes getting to know some of the people whom you violate with a bright burst of light in a low light venue?  It's a chance to exchange business cards and possibly pass referrals to one another down the road.  Make some friends; develop a network; grow!

Secondly, in an effort to shoot an event differently and more creatively than I've done or seen in the past, I have been testing my newly acquired Canon 50mm 1.4 lens.  I acquired the lens primarily for the challenge of using a fixed mm focal length: instead of zooming in and out, I actually have to expend a few calories and literally move my ass!  In addition, I wanted to photograph subjects with a lens that mimics close to what the human eye sees.  There's an article on BH's website that explains this in more depth.  I also wanted a lens that wouldn't protrude as much as my Canon 24-70mm 2.8, or draw too much attention, making me look like a professional when sometimes I just want to blend in with everyone else.

And last, the f1.4 is great for shallow depth of field, bringing the viewer's eye straight to your subject.  For extra interest, I sometimes hold something in the foreground of the shot, right in front of the lens, that blurs out completely.

Mixing flash and ambient light is an art in and of itself.  I typically use my 580EXII Canon flash set on manual, depending on whether I'm bouncing it off the ceiling, off a napkin, or off someone's shirt!

So the next time you're asked to shoot an event, pretend it's a wedding, or a commercial shoot even.  Explore different heights, angles, and compositions; shoot through wine glasses or into mirrors.  Explore and have fun!