Recently, we photographed the MIT 2017 Tech Conference, "The Future of AI" in Redwood City, CA
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The event was bringing together machine learning experts, forward thinking executives, data scientists, and product and engineering innovators to discuss the "Future of AI" and the opportunities that have them excited.
We have compiled a short list of 10 basic tips to keep in mind for event photography:
Every time we get hired to photograph an event, we definitely make sure to bring the right equipment. Many corporate events take place indoors with a very limited amount of ambient light. If possible, we prefer to scout the location and analyze the lighting conditions before the event.
Do ask the organizer if you can visit the venue beforehand to get a clue about what you will be photographing.
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You need to know what is going to happen and when, and when they need us the most.
Do ask the event organizer to introduce you to the “big guys”. You must make sure that you know who to photograph.
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First, try to be as discrete as you can. Do not interrupt any conversation. You can tell if it is important conversation just by looking at how people are engaged.
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During long event, if they offer something to eat, just move away from the crowd to a different location and eat there.
Please do not take pictures of people eating.
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Even with people that are not polite with you. If someone asks you to take their picture, do it with pleasure.
Do not frame all your shots with people in the center. Be more creative. Try to frame your shot differently. Position yourself properly and paid attention to distracting background behind the subject. In fact, if you have noticed a better background, ask politely to move around a little bit. They will be happy to do that for you.
Do not shoot direct flash. It creates nasty shadows and really ugly skin tones. Bouncing flash off white ceilings and walls gives a natural-looking light with very soft shadows.
If you are not allowed to use the flash photography, you will need to talk to the event organizer about increasing the amount of ambient light in the room. If not possible, you must bring a low-noise DSLR camera with a fast lens.
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It is important to get as much as possible shots of speakers that show branding in the photo. Don’t you can close to the stage. Bring a telephoto lens and just be prepared possibly to shoot from distance.
Below actor Jeff Applebaum and Megan Smith who was the 3rd Chief Technology Officer of the United States (U.S. CTO) and Assistant to the President, serving under President Barack Obama.
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Avoid to take shots showing a full room where only half of the seats are filled, you might want to focus on larger group of people to provide shots that indicate the event is well attended.
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You must be fast and quiet while shooting panel discussion or candids. At a cocktail hour, be ready to go, take a step back, click off three frames and move on. When shooting anything on a stage, use a long lens and turn on silent mode on your camera!.
10) What are the key shots you need to get?
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Do you photograph events? Do you have any other tips you’d like to share? Please do so in the following comment section below.
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Based in Mountain View, California, TerrificShot Studio Headshots Photography™ in the middle of the Bay Area, including but not limited to San Francisco, Burlingame, Woodside, Atherton, San Mateo, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Stanford, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Los Altos, East palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Los Altos hills, Cupertino, Campbell, Santa Clara, San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Newark, Hayward, Fremont, Union City, Santa Cruz