Event Photography Handbook: How to Make Money Photographing Award Ceremonies, Corporate Functions, and Other Special Occasions Paperback – Illustrated, November 1, 2008

Unlike the first reviewer, I found this book not really helpful at all. As with many Amherst Media books on professional photography, this one is filled with large 1-2 photos on each page (most of the publisher's books seem to be only about 125 pages) accompanied by very general information. At best, this book is for complete novices.The book is co-authored by two photographers who work together, but in all their photo shoots, it didn't dawn on them to include at least one photo in their book illustrating for example how to set up for lighting a room. They talk about, but not illustrate with a few photographs.The first half of the book consist general suggestions about shooting various types of events: e.g. festivals, parades, political events, golf tournaments. But believe me, what they suggest is pretty much common sense. For example, they write: "When working at a gala, photograph the guests in such a way that they look great. Most men will be dressed in tuxedos. The women will have spent a lot of time and money getting their hair and nails fixed and will appear in a new dress with lots of jewelry...." Do we really need to be told this? Or is this book really intended for the weekend photography hobbyist? They would have been better off talking more specifics about photo composition, posing ideas, and the like.Their equipment list on pages 27-28 is also vague. Most photographers reading a book like this will want to know specific equipment suggestions. Their list is general: e.g. two main digital cameras, power packs, tripods, FX or DX cameras, moderate wide-angle lenses, etc. Why not specific product suggestions? For example, what brand of batteries and battery charges have they found most helpful? What's a good tripod and tripod head for event shooting? What lighting brackets do they use? What types of lenses do they use? (experienced photographers would know that fast lenses are essential in event photography, but amateur photographers might not know this.) They get around to talking about how they use the Quantum Q-Flash (finally a product suggestion!), but there's much to be desired in even that chapter. And sadly it's about as specific as they get throughout the entire book.I was also hoping this book would go into more specifics about marketing strategies for non-wedding event shoots, and lots more detail about using lighting equipment, which I think are the two most challenging aspects of event shooting.Also, there's no suggestions about post-production workflows or selling your images. They point out a few things, but you won't find suggestions for how to use say specific photo management and processing software to get jobs done. You won't find information or suggestions about websites to help you sell your photos.The authors talk a little about doing on-sight printing, but again it's very general. No suggestions about printers or workflow in this area.Both these authors no doubt have lots experience in their line of work, but I think because they follow the typical Amherst Media book format, there book is very lacking. This is the fourth Amherst book I've purchased, and it will probably be my last.I would strongly suggest that anyone considering purchasing this book to try to preview it in-hand before buying. And by all means do not pay the full $34.95 for the book. If you're new to event photography, you'll find some general ideas, but be prepared to spend a lot more time in internet forums researching questions are simply answered in this book.

The book is worth the read, but so much is old material. This book needs new authors using modern equipment. But the basics are here. Unfortunately the authors seem to be out of business because their web sites are npc longer active.

For all the negative reviews here, "Google" who they are before you buy this book, that should be convincing enough.Anyway, as working community journalist for over 20 years, this book tells it like it is, unvarnished and very detailed. From how you should behave at a client's party to what type of flash works best in a particular situation. This book covers every detail on the business, how to conduct yourself and how to deal with clients, whether they be easy or difficult. It also advises how you should start out if you're new to business, and how to protect and grow your reputation, a vital component in a business that's rapidly being consumed by technology and weekend amateurs armed with that latest tech.Look no further.

Event photography is one of the most popular job for pro photographers. Demand of event photographers are generally high. There are also a lot variety of events one can shoot professionally: corporate events, sporting events, college events, birthday, wedding, and so on.I give the author a thumbs up on having the guts to discuss about event photography (including the business side) in a 129 pages book.However, the explanation of the book is too general (as in a lot of Amherst published book), with little specific technical how to, and mediocre photos.There are many photos inside the book, however, almost all of them are mediocre at best. Seems like the photographers do not consider artistic aspect of photography, instead what they consider great photo seems to be photo that is well lit with posed smiling faces (most with on-camera flash). It is quite ironic because the authors advise readers to show only best photos.Despite the negativity, the authors does introduce aspects of event photography well. It give you and idea what to expect on the events. It also point out some bad experiences and challenges they face in location and some idea how to fix or avoid them. It also give you some general ideas about how to get started such as finding your customers, pricing, promotion etc.This book will definitely give u an idea about business aspect of event photography, and get you started, but unfortunately, it won't make you a great event photographer.For more book and gears reviews or news related to digital photography, please visit my blog. Address is on my profile page. Thanks for reading.

Event Photography Handbook: How to Make Money Photographing Award Ceremonies, Corporate Functions and Other Special Occassions This book is the most basic overview you can imagine. I have just received it having done several event photography jobs, ranging from award ceremonies to parties.The problem is that it does not show you how to light various situations, no diagrams, no work-flow ideas, no example letters of introduction to clients or anything like that.the book simply goes through scenarios, like award ceremonies and briefly tells you what they expect...not any ideas who to maximise the potential.In my brief look at this book, I can't find any ideas on how to sell after the event, how to promote yourself at the event other than the photographs you take.. and i have done all these things on my own.Think its time to write my own book. Event Photography Handbook: How to Make Money Photographing Award Ceremonies, Corporate Functions and Other Special Occassions

If you are thinking of getting into events do not waste your money on this, very dated and even when new there were better ways of working