Do These Things Before, During, and After an Event (Event Photography Checklist)

View a printable copy of the The Event Photography Checklist:
docs.google.com/document/d/e/...
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Support this channel so that I can continue to make high quality content to help you on your photographic journey:
Patreon | / mikmilman
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I have been a professional event photographer and photography teacher for over 13 years. Follow the links below to see my work.
mikmilman.com
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Facebook | / mikmilman
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The Event Photography Checklist
The Day Before
Research
Check out company website
Get a copy of the program
Prep Gear
Select Camera Body(s)
Select Lenses
Wide
Medium
Telephoto
Primary flash
Backup flash
Inspect and clean gear
Charge or replace batteries
Camera(s)
Flash(s)
Other
Select memory Cards
Insert and format
Something fun
Other
Check commute and double the time necessary to arrive on time
Day of Event
Venue:
Identify safe location to stow gear
Scout
Ask about site specific rules
Identify escape routes
Client:
Get agenda / schedule of events
Get specific requests
VIPs
Necessary Shots
Shot Types...
Establishing Shots
Candid interactions
Close Candids (emotional moments)
Group Shots and formals
Posed and creative portraits
Detail Shots
Post Event:
Lightroom...
Add metadata
Job type i.e. corporate event, private event
Location / venue
Client name
VIP names
Select favorites...
Blog
Portfolio
Social media
Export files to full resolution folder
Export files sized for social media
Export favorites to separate folder (google drive recommended)
Deliver images
Marketing...
Add client to mailchimp list
Follow up with client 1 week after delivery of images
#eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventphotographyshottypes #eventphotographyshotlist #eventphotographytips #eventphotographytipsandtricks #howtoshootanevent #eventphotographyin2021
#eventphotographyshotlist #howtophtoographanevent

[@MikMilman]

Thanks for watching. You can find a link to the document in the description. Like, subscribe and click the bell icon so that you don't miss more upcoming event photography content. Thank you Douglas Barnes for your professional input on this checklist. Link to free event photography resources on my website: mikmilman.com/event-photography-tips-and-resources

[@MikMilman]

Another quick note! Me pointing my flash directly at my subjects in the intro was done for the client. They wanted shots of me photographing people to put together a highlight reel. I don't actually recommend you shoot this way.

[@AHMEDHAMINE]

thanks you mann that’s very helpful

[@MikMilman]

Happy to hear that!

[@AHMEDHAMINE]

@@MikMilman we’re happy a lot… thanks for everything that you do for our community 🤍🤍🤍

[@Augnos]

Watching a ton of gear KZbinrs, your channel is a breath of fresh air! You're giving out absolute gold for what to actually do for an event. Thank you!

[@kimmyoungsoung]

Hello,mik! I'm a photographer at s.korea. 1000% Agree about 'Arrive early at event spot'. When I (as a photographer) arrives that spot earlier, I can easily understand that spot & more extra time to prepare my gears. Thanks to you!

[@MikMilman]

Thanks for watching! Let me know if you think there is anything major that I missed.

[@lyrictenor1]

This is great, Mik! As I've always thought, a little prep work before an event (all kinds of event, not just photography gigs) can save a lot of stress during the gig so that one can concentrate on their primary job during the event. This checklist really helps, as sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed while doing my prep and constantly thinking that I'm forgetting something. Thanks for this! BTW, the production on this video looks great!

[@meestadeuce]

this was a cool video. i started as a club photographer in NYC and now live in the burbs so my clientele and approach has changed. it was refreshing to see that I naturally did some of the actions you mentioned. i stopped shooting for a while since i joined the military but now im shooting again and have been nervous that ive gotten rusty. im self taught but i like formal education to refine and expand upon what i know. this has helped with that. thanks!

[@stormysnyder4693]

Yes please! Your specific process is helpful for beginners like myself. Thank you for everything!!

[@rhiannonlandon6959]

Love when I get notifications for new posts from this channel :D

[@maximusmarketing]

Hey Mik, Love your content. I know this is an older video, but I really like going back and watching these again before I head out to an event shoot. Thanks for all your effort to put this stuff together! ~Max

[@MikMilman]

Thank you, Max. When I come back to KZbin, I specifically want to make a video designed to be watched right before a job- sort of a hype/motivation video. Kind of like how I used to watch skate videos before going out and skating for the day, when I was a kid :)

[@TEVVISUALS]

Thank you you really helped me ! I’m doing my first event tonight and after watching your video I know I got this! Thank you so much ❤

[@kezzawolf]

Thank you, I was just looking for a checklist and comment for a checklist and I found it. THank you so much! Your videos are so great! Pay it forward! :)

[@keitharchie8120]

I’m new to photography, really felt the love for newbies. Thanks for the help.

[@fairy.georgia]

So helpful! It’s so easy to get overwhelmed at a job, and this checklist is exactly what photographers need to keep their head in the game. Definitely going to print my own copy. Love the vids!

[@MikMilman]

Thanks Car Car.

[@rashidanjackson]

Commenting with hopes your content reaches more people!!!! This definitely helps me train my church photography team!! Thanks sooooo much!

[@MikMilman]

That's awesome. I have a whole playlist if you're looking for more lessons for them. Thank you for your support. It means a lot to me.

[@grantrobertdavies]

Great video Mik :) Thank you 😊 I’ll have to check out the shot list video again for a refresh ...

[@DocMatthews0311]

Thank you Mik. Your work here is very much appreciated 🙏🏽

[@MikMilman]

Thank you for saying so. I appreciate you.

[@shadedshotsphotography]

Thanks Again. I have a gig this Friday and i have only been watching your videos for help. Super informative and straightforward!

[@averagerider92]

How did it go? I have my first one in 2 weeks!

[@cassdoesstuff7185]

Your videos are super helpful, thank you!!!

[@bnazzaro21]

Nice job man. Keep ‘em comin.

[@karenm853]

As an event photog myself I just found and appreciated this! Thank you ! 🙏🏻

[@MikMilman]

Thanks for saying so!

[@docemel26]

This is perfect, thank you so much for this!

[@giovanni0286]

Thank for the checklist and great video 🙏

[@traces212]

Thank you! I’m a newbie finished one class about to start another. I am taking in all the tips I can. Thank you for sharing. Bless you!🙏🏽❤️

[@MikMilman]

Thank you. I'm glad you found my channel.

[@nieveschaffin3402]

Excellent content.Looking forward to watching more.

[@albert_oglri]

I really like these types of videos. I'm an enthusiast and these videos really does help me.

[@joshhale7004]

Thank you! This is awesome!

[@terrytracey3486]

thanks Mik that was thoughtful of you. love the vids

[@MikMilman]

Glad to hear it!

[@209lapko]

It never occurred to me, have such list🤔 Thank you so very much! Well done.

[@Robodila]

Thanks Mik! Learned some stuff from this wich i will definitly be trying out for my next jobs, even non event jobs, thanks again!

[@MikMilman]

Awesome! I would love to hear what specifically stood out that you will be integrating!

[@vincentsolon3216]

Thank you for sharing this guide with us! I have my first job tomorrow, wish me luck!

[@lucywhite5738]

Your photos are all just lovely.

[@LuisAlvarez-fj5ny]

You asked if we like this video, yes, we did like it. Thank you for sharing. It was concise, useful and insightful.

[@huiedinwiddie7294]

Extremely helpful. Thank you so very much.

[@ginnyrae2672]

Great video, I appreciate how thorough you are!!

[@MikMilman]

I try really hard to create content that can truly help people. Thanks!

[@RobertAndGrace]

You are the bestest, thank you for the content.

[@bosvin5981]

I have to comment for the algorithm! Thank you for your insights, very useful!

[@carmenwilham7793]

Thank you for this!!!

[@odarrien]

Good stuff. Thank you.

[@toasty2324]

Great tips thanks

[@goat2503]

Needed this, thank you very much for the great video.

[@MikMilman]

I'm glad you found it useful :)

[@meganbogart6408]

I know this is an older video but thank you for this checklist. I have been searching KZbin for solid Event photography and videography tutorials and coming up with generic or non-helpful stuff, loads of camera and lens reviews etc etc.

[@MikMilman]

Ha. Yes, thats the majority of content out there.

[@makanakamultimedia]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@jennanadigoo785]

Couldn't wait for this one!

[@MikMilman]

:)

[@haakaddison6829]

Good stuff, as usual!

[@douglasbarnes456]

Good stuff, Mik, as usual!

[@MikMilman]

Thanks again for your notes!

[@manuelcenteno6129]

Please make more like this. Thank you so much. Extremely helpful.

[@MikMilman]

Any specific requests?

[@mariamatildeardao7058]

thanks! this was very useful!!

[@hacmurataksakal8163]

This was amazing

[@stormysnyder4693]

This is wonderful! I'm a newbie and this helped very much! Thank you for this help!

[@MikMilman]

Glad to hear it. Just a reminder...there's a link to a printable version in the description.

[@smith_ography]

Your content is really Good 👍 Very Helpful

[@ShacreamArt]

Thank you nice video!

[@breannetodd2487]

This was SOOO helpful! Thank you!

[@MikMilman]

:D Thank you, Breanne!

[@ADivaForLife]

Great video

[@julianallesgoncalves5541]

Amazing content Mik!! thank you so much, that helped me a lot! That would be amazing to have a check list for bday parties and weddings

[@michaeladolphus4086]

Yeah

[@michaeladolphus4086]

Wow I feel a great

[@sethos124]

Great stuff. I got a canon 2000D and just recently bought a tan ton 28-75mm lens. I am really enjoying photography.

[@studiozanetti]

awesome thanks for sharing '

[@trustinvisionaries6057]

You are AWESOME dude

[@HoratioWalls]

Thank you!

[@nicholaswong4967]

So helpful! I have a corporate event to shoot tomorrow and it is my first paid job so I am quite nervous about it.

[@deliciouslyme6206]

Just stumbled across your channel right now. I used to be a self taught photographer almost a decade ago! I just dived in and I did events, property photos, landscapes, portraits, had work in magazines, etc but I had to stop 7 years ago, sell everything & work a 9-5. I’ve vowed to be a full-time photographer but I’m terrified! . I’m starting out so much older! I only have a film camera so need to buy a digital and lenses etc (on a budget)... I have so much to learn, so much to do! So many questions! I’d like to primarily do events so I’ll be watching every single one of your videos! I’ve just subscribed too. Thank you for being so generous with your expertise!🙏🏻

[@MikMilman]

Hi! Little by little it will begin to feel less overwhelming! Content wise, I think my A-Z guide is a good starting place if you have not seen it already. Warning its a bit long, but dense with info. At some point, I would like to create a complete book and a step by step guide to getting started, but as a working photographer my time is limited :/ Glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@deliciouslyme6206]

Hello! I’m hoping once I actually get the camera, half the anxiety will go.... I will definitely go check your A-Z video now. Sounds perfect! I was just watching your ‘Join me on a Family Portrait’ when I saw your notification 😄. Hope you get some time to write that book! And let me know when you do! ☺️ wishing you a great weekend!

[@sylp832]

@@MikMilman This would be great as well as your thoughts on workflow checklist. Trying to break into turning my passion into a profession is daunting, especially at my age. I sincerely see these checklist helping hugely to guide and prioritize what may seam "common sense" or logic to a seasoned professional photographer. Thank you again and most certainly I will share as many people in my community that do not have the means to access internet etc.

[@MsDarlin]

Thanks for this!

[@MikMilman]

You got it.

[@californiapattycakes4417]

Just subbed. Great video 😊

[@MikMilman]

Thanks for subbing!

[@SiobhanTaylor]

Thanks!

[@french.3154]

Love this type of content... if you have any other checklist for workflow that you feel would be beneficial please don't hesitate to share them. Sometimes we get all in our head and forget certain things but this was soooo helpful thank you!!! Also can you speak on contracts and photo releases etc... how can we ensure we get the proper credit for our work sometimes we end up getting the worst end of the stick for lack of knowledge. Anyways thanks again

[@Captain_Jackass]

Love it! I also give at least 3-5 images they can use for social media the same day/morning after

[@MikMilman]

Follow the link to the doc and add it!

[@Captain_Jackass]

@@MikMilman will do!

[@alokadias3241]

Really helpful video mate🙂

[@MikMilman]

Thank you!

[@nellyfine4956]

Thanks a lot.

[@realrichphotography2502]

this really helped me thank you

[@MikMilman]

Makes my day to hear it.

[@realrichphotography2502]

I should look but can you help me with settings. Im struggling to grasp a specific settings on my camera. I know I need to know the triangle like the back of my head but im a lil all ova the place when I get to my events no lie. I do more concert style events. Mixers

[@DaKoning369]

Thank you

[@MikMilman]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tourinojacks5844]

What did you use to record this video as far as lens and body? This was so smooth, and the content was Tourinofique' too! Liked and subbed. 😁

[@soulrecoverdiscover]

thank you - i have been asked to shoot an event tomorrow and i onlty have the basic lense i hope i will be fine but i have faith i have everything i need and the skills :)

[@MikMilman]

Goodluck! Let me know how it goes.

[@saraventura1333]

Super duper helpful!!

[@MikMilman]

Thanks, Sara. BTW, just launched my photography class. Details on my Patreon page.

[@saraventura1333]

@@MikMilman cooooool. I'll go check it out..

[@saraventura1333]

@@MikMilman ok I'm poor right now so I'm so greatful you have a 5 dollar option lol.. just started working for amazon.. so hopefully can join future classes... thanks so much!!!!!!!

[@HipHopJunkyRadioShow]

I love 11:06. AWESOME PIC. This shot definitely describes what type of event that was :)

[@MikMilman]

haha yes. I felt like an old man there and I'm not even that old.

[@HipHopJunkyRadioShow]

@@MikMilman lmbo. Awesome shot

[@drewcama2488]

Check list #1 Get there early! Use the time to check things out shoot still life stuff, get to know the people, Let your client or event planner know your their and ave one less thing to be stressed about. They will appreciate that so much.

[@frederickyahnsr.9004]

Super video! I applauded for $2.00 👏

[@MikMilman]

Wow thanks! Appreciate it!

[@amanaskarizad]

thanks Mik

[@MikMilman]

Hope it comes in handy.

[@AshtonKaleigh]

That was a great video! Thank you so much. Question: do you put your watermark on the images in the lower res folder for web??

[@MikMilman]

Personally, I do not.

[@MrAtomicPhotography]

On a completely unrelated subject: I have to confess that I didn´t recognized you with the beard and the long hair. When you said that you had made a video regarding the types of shots, I realized that it was you all along 😂 Thanks for the tips!

[@MikMilman]

Ha

[@simply.ky_3274]

SO GLAD I stumbled across your channel ! Your videos are super helpful & straight to the point, especially for us beginner photographers !

[@MikMilman]

Me too. I hope you can make my premiere Saturday. I talk a bit about when I was a beginner, so I think you'll find it interesting. Plus I can answer any questions my videos haven't answered for you yet. It doesn't have to be topical.

[@natgq7242]

Very helpful! I'm glad I came across your video. Nevertheless, please don't put your camera gear next to the DJ, because as a DJ myself, the photographer's gear will always take away from the DJ booth. It's a setup we work hard to look good with all our gear. Plus, DJs don't have time to watch over your stuff.

[@MikMilman]

Hi. Personally, I do not expect the DJ to watch over my stuff and certainly would not hold them responsible if something went missing. Also, I always find a spot that would not be visible to people so that I do not create an eye sore.

[@harveymphotography1032]

Hi, great video, you talked about social media and full res images on exporting, what sizes do you recommend for these, PPI and long end numbers in LR? Thanks 🙏

[@MikMilman]

2048 pixels and 72 ppi.

[@toshtwentythree195]

make sure that your dog is happy before your video content ............PRICELESS...

[@MikMilman]

He's heavily featured in tomorrow's video premiere; Hope you make it.

[@theincomparablegod_]

Hi, is it okay to post some of these pictures on your social media platform or do I have to ask the client for permission?

[@hopeforthefuturesg]

speaking on the resizing for clients, I use pixieset for client galleries and you have the option to give them full res and also websize at 2048 pixels after you upload the full res to the gallery. I guess pixieset resizes it automatically, therefore I don't have to make 2 exports out of Lightroom

[@hopeforthefuturesg]

checklist is on point! great vid mik!

[@MikMilman]

Thanks Chris.

[@MikMilman]

I wonder if smugmug allows this. I will look into it.

[@rdmanzo6691]

For your "for myself" portrait shots of VIPs, can you throw them up on your online portfolio without a model release? I really like your channel!!!

[@robinbouwmeester4303]

Thanks for the video! While selecting the images for the client, what are you looking for and which do you choose if you have similar photos? Or do you publish everything as long as they are technical OK?

[@MikMilman]

I talk a lot about this in my live streams. I could write it all out, but I think you would get a better answer watching those (and seeing visual examples).

[@robinbouwmeester4303]

@@MikMilman Thanks, I have found the videos.

[@bcfit2]

That one lady you captured sure knows a ton about insider trading 😂

[@dodothebird2199]

Nice beard :), sadly i can't grow one yet Oh yeah, when you have a second photographer on the scene, what do you tell him to do? (if he/she is a stranger)

[@MikMilman]

Could you elaborate a bit more one what you're asking?

[@pomoBex]

Thank you for this. Yes would def be interested in a workflow video. I’m always curious to see how others manage that. And on your checklist you have a one week follow up with clients post-event: do you ask for feedback?

[@MikMilman]

I end my follow ups with something like, "Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues (referring to downloading the files) or need anything at all." This hopefully gives a window for them to address anything. Asking for feedback can feel a bit...clunky, but if you're just starting out, and you have the courage to do it, can be invaluable. Another note: a lot of clients will never respond to your email when you send them the files. If you are self critical or not very confident, you will take this as them not liking the work- its not the case! People just get busy or move on to the next project, etc. Early on in my career, I was terrified to follow up when I did not hear back, because I took it as them not liking the work- only to have it praised years later when they hired me again. Hope my thoughts help.

[@sylp832]

@@MikMilman Thanks for adding this in. I am a newbie concert and events photographer and have fallen into that space of uncertainty due to the lack of feedback. I do usually as them to please confirm receipt of pictures and a note of thanks for using my service.

[@playlist4397]

Soon to be profesional photographer , now watching 😌

[@MikMilman]

Remember, the checklist is available as a document. You can print it out or modify it to make your own. Hope this video helps you along on your journey. If you happen to know anyone else just starting out, please pass it along! I'm really hoping to see my channel grow more organically in that way.

[@chipcurry]

Great job, but I have a big question: you have used a lot of photography of people at events, do you get permission to use these photographs of these people at private events?

[@dominicallie6692]

Why should you use an escape route?

[@kennethnacion8933]

👏👏

[@mendelsphotography]

How do I print or download your doc? it says its published and basically does not allow me to do anything. Thanks also for all your videos its all so so helpful.

[@MikMilman]

The link is working for me. I tested it while not logged into my google drive account just to be sure. What happens when you try to print it?

[@sonnydaye157]

Thanks for making this video. It was helpful. What’s an example of a detail shot?

[@MikMilman]

signs, drinks, place settings, certerpieces, etc.

[@sonnydaye157]

@@MikMilman understood. Thanks!

[@zheizhei4085]

I'm new at photography and I am looking for Do's and Don'ts for event photography. I saw the first video taking photos while the camera flash is pointed at the subject. I would love to know if it's okay to do that, I don't if it's okay to do that?

[@MikMilman]

We actually did that for the video, just to make it look more dramatic. I would not recommend using your flash this way, personally.

[@BeNiceBeGood]

Is that your lighting at the backdrop area at the 7:39 mark? If not, do clients ask you to provide that lighting sometimes?

[@MikMilman]

No, those are the continuous lights set up by the organization.

[@MikMilman]

Sorry I missed the second half of your question. No I have not. But I've considered providing it as a service to better control the setup.

[@Terra_Divina]

Thank you, brilliant! Woueven be better without the music, it’s unsettling…

[@piaku3920]

Hi. I have a question about the lense. I'm a novice photographer. And someone asked me to photograph a dinner party..I just have one camera, do you think a lense of 24-75 mm f2.8 is ok? And what aperture is the best for dinner party?

[@MikMilman]

If I could only bring one lens, that would be it.

[@piaku3920]

@@MikMilman thank you for you info

[@KCStorm]

Which lens do I need for taking group shots at events? Please and thank you

[@MikMilman]

Its all going to depend. If I have all the room in the world to backup, behind me, I like using telephotos. But your most versatile option would be a 24-70. Sometimes, though, lots of people want to be in a group shot and I have to switch to a 17-40.

[@lyudmilaworrall295]

Amazing movie I need to know how to register as event photographer

[@MikMilman]

What do you mean by that?