If you've ever been curious about what it's like to be behind the scenes of an international festival? Well, you're in luck! In this blog post, I'll take you with me to the Luxemburg Open Air (LOA) festival and I'll share the 5 essential steps to be well-prepared to shoot breathtaking festival photos. Let's go!
But first, what is your best International Photography tip? Let me know in the comments!
Did you already see my video about important photos to make while photographing a festival? Check it out!
Step 1: Get aligned with the festival organization
It all starts with a briefing from the festival organizers. They'll fill you in on everything you need to know - from your assignment and content plan to logistics and travel arrangements. This is your chance to get on the same wavelength as the festival team and understand their vision for the event. Trust me, a solid briefing sets the stage for a successful shoot!
Step 2: Prepare your photography gear and accessories
Before you hit the festival grounds, make sure your gear game is strong. Pack your camera, lenses, and all the necessary accessories. In my case, I bring along my trusty double strap harness, a monopod with a remote trigger (no battery hassles!), a laptop for on-the-go editing, and a speedy CF card reader. Oh, and let's not forget my secret weapon - the kitchen stool. You'll soon find out why it's my festival sidekick!
Step 3: Travel to the festival
Time to hit the road and drive to the festival location. Remember, punctuality is key! Aim to arrive early or on time so you are nice and relaxed and you can already soak up the festival vibes.
Step 4: Get the crew briefing on location
Once you're at the festival, it's time for the crew briefing. This is where the excitement truly kicks in! You'll meet other photographers, feel the buzz in the air, and get the lowdown on what's in store. I even bring my massage gun to amp up the good vibes and start the event with good energy. Trust me, it works wonders!
Step 5: Be ready for your money shots
This is the moment you've been waiting for! With your preparations in place, it's time to work your magic behind the lens. Know the festival's programming schedule, know where the magic happens and be aware of key moments - and you will shoot the perfect shots. At LOA, we had a handy WhatsApp group with the schedule, including special effects (SFX) timings. Really helpful!
Bonus Tip: It's getting dark - switch your lens!
As the sun sets and darkness falls, it's time to adapt your photography strategy. Swap out your lens to accommodate the changing light conditions. A 70-200mm lens can give way to an 85mm lens for those captivating low-light shots.
So, there you have it - my personal insights on how to shoot an international festival. I hope these tips give you a glimpse of how exciting festival photography is. And hey, if you still have questions after reading the blogpost, feel free to leave a comment. I'm here to help!
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🙋♂️ About Me
Hey there! I'm an international festival and event photographer with a ton of experience in capturing the magic of events and festivals. But there's more to me than just photography - I'm also a social studies teacher! I'm incredibly passionate about using my camera to create lasting memories that people can cherish for a lifetime.
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