Whether it’s a wedding, a worship night or a party, the best photos happen when people forget you’re there. After shooting a lot of live events across South Florida, here are the things we’ve learned that help us capture the moment instead of interrupting it.
1. Wear something minimal (and comfortable)
The longer I’ve been a creative, the more black clothing I’ve acquired. Black is such an easy way to dress minimally and not draw attention to yourself. In South Florida, I also love wearing linen. It’s breathable, it keeps me cool in the heat and I still look professional.
It’s also important to dress for the occasion. I like to keep my hair out of my face, so I usually wear it slicked back, and I always wear makeup. I say that as a girl who doesn’t usually wear makeup day to day, but it makes me feel professional and ready for the day.
If we’re shooting a wedding, though, all black can feel a little too morbid. That also depends on the bride and how she’d like you to blend in, so always make sure to ask.
And comfortable shoes are a must. If your feet hurt, how are you expected to be creative?
2. Two words: zoom lens
A zoom lens lets you stay on the outskirts of the room while still capturing what’s happening in the middle of the dance floor. At worship nights, we don’t want to interrupt what the Holy Spirit is doing, so we usually get shots from the back and stay on the edges of the room. We never run or walk in front of the stage. We try to be mindful not to distract anyone or pull their attention away from what’s happening.
3. Go silent
Switch your camera to silent shutter. Nothing breaks a quiet moment during vows, a prayer or a speech like click-click-click-click. Turn the beeps off too. Your camera does not need to announce that it focused.
4. Know the plan before you walk in
Get the timeline ahead of time, and talk to the coordinator or host about the big moments: the entrance, the toast, the first dance, when worship starts. When you know what’s coming, you can be in position early instead of scrambling across the room mid-moment.
5. Capture the details
The details bring the entire gallery together. They’re often the things guests miss, but the bride, the party planner or whoever is hosting put so much thought into them. I like to photograph them before guests arrive or the event starts, so you get them at their best. It’s always a good idea to get a party flat lay too, with the details in all their guest-filled chaos.
6. When they notice you, ask for a posed photo
Every now and then there’s a camera nerd, or someone who’s just really aware, who keeps catching your camera’s eye. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but our style is all about organic moments as they unfold. So I break the ice and ask for a posed shot. I’ve found this usually lets that person relax and go back to enjoying themselves, now that they know you got a good photo of them. wink wink
7. Be patient and trust your gut
For us, our gut is the Holy Spirit prompting us. We always pray before a shoot. At the end of the day, this is a gift God has given us, and we want to entrust Him with the moments He has us capturing. Sometimes that means watching a moment unfold and waiting for the perfect shot.
The short version
Dress the part, comfy shoes included. Stay on the edges, keep it quiet and know the plan. Get the details before the chaos and the chaos after. Let God lead the rest. Be the person nobody notices until they see the gallery and go, “Wait, when did you get THAT?”
Planning an event in South Florida? We’d love to be there, quietly in the corner in our linen. Book your date →
— Tati, Inspired By The Creator
