Being an event photographer in Singapore, Chingay is one of the annual events that I always look forward to. I love the colours, the fabrics, the costumes, the dancing, singing and seeing all those happy faces. This year, I was fortunate to have my second chance at capturing the highlights of the most vibrant event in Singapore.
Based on my experience, the most useful lenses to have on the track are an ultra-wide lens, a fish-eye lens, and a medium-range zoom lens. I use all of them with my two camera bodies.
I also carry a portrait prime lens to help me capture the emotions and facial expressions of the performers and the audience.
The most challenging part of shooting an event like Chingay for me is having to be aware of my surrounding while shooting so that I don’t end up getting in the way of the performers or their props. This is because I have to be constantly on the move while searching for the best spots to shoot the event. I need to know the best spot for one particular moment before happen and at the same time I need to predict when I need to move away from the track, and many times, still with my eyes stick to the viewfinder.
Despite I need to stand-by on the three nights shooting assignment, I feel the benefit that I will always be ready and aware what will happen next, since I have already know the rundown on the grand rehearsal, so I can stand by on the best spot or set the camera in advance before the best moment happens.
Here are some quick tips on shooting big festivals like Chingay for an event photographer in Singapore or elsewhere. My advice is to try to play with your camera and setting instead of sticking to static shots. Try, instead, to experiment a little and use features like ‘rear curtain sync flash’ or pull the zoom lens during exposure for some cool zoom effects. But be mindful that you already have ‘safe pictures’ for your client. Client usually don’t like experimental pictures.
And don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the show!
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All photos & text by Wisnu Haryo Yudhanto, Event Photographer in Singapore.
Copyright © 2015 w1snu.com | all rights reserved.
The views expressed in this article is the personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the general of photography rules.