Event photography is more than just snapping pictures—it’s about capturing memories that people will treasure forever. But if you’ve ever tried photographing a wedding, a birthday, or a corporate gathering, you probably know that it’s not as simple as pointing and clicking. There are plenty of mistakes that can trip up even the most experienced photographers. Imagine you’re trying to capture a beautiful sunset but end up getting a shot of the ground instead—frustrating, right? That’s what it feels like when you miss the key moments at an event.

Mistake #1: Ignoring the Event’s Atmosphere

One of the first things you’ll want to do before picking up your camera is to understand the vibe of the event. It’s like walking into a room and immediately picking up on the mood—it sets the tone for everything else. If you’re at a wedding, for example, the atmosphere is likely romantic and joyful, while a corporate event might have a more professional and clean energy. By knowing the atmosphere, you can tailor your shots accordingly.

You wouldn’t wear flip-flops to a formal dinner, right? In the same way, you shouldn’t use the same photographic approach for every event. For a wedding, think about soft, intimate shots, perhaps focusing on small details like the bride’s hand or the groom’s expression as they exchange vows. In contrast, a corporate event might call for more straightforward, wide-angle shots, highlighting the setting and attendees in a polished, professional way.

Mistake #2: Lack of Preparation

Preparation is key. Imagine going to a job interview without researching the company or preparing your resume. You wouldn’t do that, and you shouldn’t approach event photography without getting ready either. This means you need to know your equipment, understand the schedule of the event, and have a game plan for what you’ll be shooting.

Think about it this way: If you’re a chef preparing a meal, you wouldn’t just toss ingredients together without knowing what you’re making, right? The same goes for event photography. Check out the venue before the event, understand the lighting situation, and figure out what key moments will need your attention—like the first dance at a wedding or the award ceremony at a corporate event. A little planning goes a long way.

Mistake #3: Failing to Manage Lighting

Lighting is one of the most crucial factors in photography, yet it’s easy to overlook. Poor lighting can make your photos look flat, grainy, or overexposed. Think of lighting as the seasoning in a dish—get it right, and everything else falls into place. Get it wrong, and the whole meal (or in this case, the photos) can taste bland.

At events, lighting can be tricky. You might have harsh overhead lights, dim candlelight, or the golden glow of sunset to work with. It’s important to adjust your settings accordingly, whether you’re using natural light or flash. If you’re indoors, try bouncing your flash off a nearby wall or ceiling to avoid harsh shadows on your subjects. Outdoors, if you’re shooting during golden hour (the hour just before sunset), embrace the soft light and avoid shooting directly into the sun, which can create unflattering shadows.

Mistake #4: Not Being Discreet or Observant

One of the most important skills for an event photographer is the ability to be a “fly on the wall”—in other words, blending into the background while still capturing every important moment. You don’t want to be that photographer who’s constantly in the way or drawing attention to themselves. A good event photographer is invisible but always aware of what’s happening around them.

Imagine you’re at a wedding, and you need to capture the moment the bride walks down the aisle. If you’re blocking the view or making a scene, not only will you ruin the moment, but you might also upset the guests. Stay out of the way, but be ready to take that perfect shot when it happens. Being observant and anticipating the next big moment will help you stay one step ahead.

Mistake #5: Over-reliance on Auto Settings

Auto settings on your camera are there to help, but relying on them too much can be a huge mistake. While they might be useful in a pinch, they often don’t give you the creative control you need for great event photos. Think of your camera as a tool, not just a machine that does all the work for you. You wouldn’t rely on a paintbrush to create your masterpiece without knowing how to use it, right?

For events, you’ll want to take control of your camera’s settings. Manual focus can help you avoid blurry shots, and adjusting the aperture lets you control the depth of field (which can make your subject stand out beautifully against a blurred background). Don’t be afraid to experiment with your settings and find what works best for each situation. After all, the more you understand how your camera works, the better your photos will be.