Behind the Lens: A Day in the Life of an Event Photographer

As an event photographer in the Chicago suburbs has taught me a lot more than just camera settings and composition. Over time, I’ve picked up tricks that help me navigate unpredictable schedules, tricky lighting and fast-moving moments (looking at you, parades). Every event teaches me something new, but one thing remains constant: the joy of preserving memories for my clients, one frame at a time. Here's a glimpse into a day-in-the-life of being an event photographer:

The Pre-Event Preparations

My day begins long before I ever press the shutter button. Preparation is key to success, and I start by thoroughly discussing the event timeline with my clients. Understanding their vision and must-have shots is crucial, especially since events can shift unexpectedly! I make sure all my gear is in top shape: cameras charged, flash batteries replaced, and SD cards formatted. Knowing that everything is ready, I can head to the venue with a clear mind.

Arrival at the Venue

I always aim to arrive a bit early. This buffer gives me time to navigate any tricky traffic or parking situations around the bustling suburbs. Once at the venue, it’s all about familiarizing myself with the environment. Whether adjusting to the indoor lighting or evaluating the outdoor sunlight, I take a few test shots to ensure my settings are dialed in. It’s a bit like the calm before the storm, allowing me to hydrate and mentally prepare.

Wide angle view of event venue with bright decorations — A wedding on Main Street in Lemont, Illinois. (223 Main)

Capturing the Details

My first task at the venue is to capture the setting. Photos of the exterior, signage, and tablescapes help set the scene much like the establishing shots of a sitcom (think: the Friends apartment building in New York before they cut to the Warner Bros. studio lot stage in Burbank). It's the introduction to the story. These initial images are essential for adding depth to the event’s narrative in the final album.

Documenting the Key Moments

Once the event kicks off, my focus sharpens on the key moments. I follow my 60/40 rule: 60% candid shots to capture the organic, unposed action and emotions—a hug, a vow exchange, or the movement of a parade. The remaining 40% are posed shots, where I engage with guests to capture those frame-worthy smiles and group photos that they’ll treasure forever (hopefully).

Engaging with Guests

Although my primary job is capturing the action, I try to engage with people as often as possible. If someone asks about my work, I always have business cards handy and direct them to my website for more information. Networking is a valuable part of the job, so if there's a brief lull in the event, I use that time to connect with vendors, event organizers, or potential clients rather than standing around scrolling on my phone. However, my priority is always to stay alert and ready to capture key moments—because in event photography, the best shots often happen in an instant.

Post-Event Workflow

After the event concludes (make sure you have all your shots needed - double check that list, Santa-style), a photographer's work continues. This stage can be just as labor-intensive as the event itself. But once I pack up, the real magic begins. Back at my workstation, the first step is importing the images into Adobe Lightroom. I organize everything into collections, cull diligently, and begin the editing process, enhancing each photo to bring out its best qualities. A glass of wine often accompanies this creative phase, serving as a little reward for the day’s hard work ;)

An example of a "posed" shot at Lemont's Ice and Lights fest.

Delivering the Final Product

The final step in my workflow involves compiling and sending the finished album to my clients, using my preferred software, the Unscripted App for Photographers (not sponsored, I just love it). This tool simplifies the process, ensuring clients receive their photos in both web and high-resolution formats efficiently and elegantly.

Final Thoughts

In a vibrant community like Lemont and surrounding Chicago suburbs, capturing an event can be incredibly rewarding. Each event, parade, festival, celebration is a new story to tell. I feel privileged to play a role in chronicling these moments and can't wait for the next one!