Corporate photography: Prepping for your shoot
Once you land a gig in corporate photography, your next task is to ensure you are completely prepared for your shoot. Every professional in the field of photography knows how important a good camera and lens is; however, accessories end up taking a back-seat at times, which is what we want to avoid.
At every event in corporate photography, it is essential to have all of your batteries charged completely to ensure your camera doesn’t let you down. Take a few extra batteries along for your cameras and flashes as well. You can carry along your charger and recharge your camera during the breaks at a lengthy event.
Carry a good battery pack for your flash this will help you make it last longer as well as recycle time of your flash. A battery grip helps as well; enabling you to use 2 batteries without needing to change between photographs.
When it comes to indoor events, you will need some video light in case of dimly lit interiors. Keeping a few light modifiers and umbrella reflectors can help. If you use the Ray-flash in portrait mode, you may; although, it is not my preference.
Several of my photographer friends use custom flash brackets to reduce redeye in their images and redefine shadows as more natural. This is a good option for the times when you cannot bounce the flash off the ceiling. Getting a cable that connects your camera hotshoe to the flash is also a good idea.
Make sure you have plenty of space on your memory cards. Take a couple of extra ones just in case of a crisis. The last thing you need is to have to tell your clients that you have no room for their pictures!
You need an option that gives you photo backup at the venue; I generally use the Epson P-6000. Feel free to substitute with other brands as per your preference.
Before every shoot, I’ve found it useful to compile a checklist of sorts. It helps you note down all the items you require, which in turn inspires you to do some of your best work!
