How I got into event photography

I love event photography, I really do. Before this became my career, I had two certainties in my life that had a huge impact on what kind of work I can do. One, I didn’t go to college, that seriously impacted my options within the full time sphere (even though that was never my intention) and two, my job had to do something with photography. I was working in the film industry at the time, and while I love and cherish that moment in my life, I was searching for something more for myself. I was shooting portraits and practically anything else I could, and I just knew I had to figure out how to make photography work for me. So I researched, and researched a ton. I was living in LA in an apartment so money was a concern, I can’t just quit my current job to start a freelance job in a photography niche that doesn’t make money. In my eyes I had two options. I loved portrait and fashion photography, so one of the options would be to assist for some photographers to learn from them and make money that way. The second option would be get in the event sphere and second shoot for photographers or shoot my own. I chose to do both. I worked as an assistant to many photographers in the fashion and product world, really learning how other photographers work and how they shoot and light. I also started second shooting for other event photographers in LA who gave me a shot after they saw my other photography work. Splitting my time between these multiple avenues gave me huge insight to how I wanted my career to look, and I knew I wanted to focus my time on event photography.

My decision was made for economic reasons and personal ones. You can make money much faster with event photography as there are events at every level of your skill set. Yes, you will get paid less, but you’re paid nonetheless. Another reason was I didn’t like how working in the fashion world killed my inspiration and motivation to shoot portraits anymore. For me trying to monetize my passion was the worst decision. It took away my creativity and made me worried about what other people would think of my work and what brands would think of my work and it put so much pressure on me that I could never plan a shoot or follow through with it. That took a toll on me as I was also working long grueling hours helping other photographers achieve their vision, and I just wanted more control and freedom in my life. Event photography gave me that life I wanted. I could be my own boss, use everything I have learned from other fashion and product photographers, have plenty of off time, and be around happy people that want to have fun. Realizing just how amazing my job really is just solidified everything. It uses my observation skills, my people skills, my quick thinking and fast reaction time, it really feels like event photography is made for me and I am made for it. I love my job so much and I can’t wait to continue down this journey.