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All over the world events take place
which are worth a special journey, such as The Carnival in Brazil, the
largest street festival in Europe. People flock from far afield to see
the parade, dance and share the street parties. Some come for that
reason alone, others as part of a wider tour of the city or the
country. Below are some of the tips for taking good events photo.
GETTING IT RIGHT
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If you decide to make an event the high
point of your trip, a little planning avoid disappointment. Make sure
you arrive at the right time: this may sound obvious, but events do not
always happen on the same date each year, especially if they are
associated with a movable festival such as Easter (which also happens
on a later date for the Orthodox Church).
CHOOSING A THEME
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At huge and varied events, it is
difficult to get just one picture that says everything. That is not to
say that you should not look out for such a shot. A better approach
might be to shoot as much as you possibly can, and to assemble these
pictures as a montage on a particular theme, or a diary of events.
Themes could be faces, floats, costumes, food, or the onlookers
themselves. Many events last for several days, so you will have plenty
of time to get all your shots.
SECURITY
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Events such as the Carnival are also a
magnet for pickpockets. If you are carrying a case for accessories keep
it properly secured at all times. Be alert for children who beg you to
take their picture. It sometimes times happens that; while you are
concentrating on the shot, one of their colleague is lifting your
valuables.
MAKING A PICTURE SERIES
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When you are photographing an event you
need to consider how many different things are happening. Sometimes
there is so much diversity that you are spoilt for choice. In other
instances the focus of interest may be narrow, and you will need to
shoot from as many viewpoints as possible to give an informative
account of the occasion.
PLANNING IN ADVANCE
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It is always helpful to try to
reconnoiter the place beforehand. Once the event begins you may not be
able to move about easily, especially if you are burdened with a camera
case and a tripod. In such a situation, try to pick a spot that will
give you a good view of the main action. Also find out when the event
is to begin, so that you can be there in plenty of time to get a good
position at the front of the crowd.
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If you cannot get a commanding view, try
to take a small, lightweight set of steps. Not only will you be able to
see over people’s heads, you may also get an unusual angle on the
precedings.
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Also try to work out beforehand which
will be the key shots that you simply must have. You could make a list
just in case, in the heat of the moments, you forget what you meant to
do. This may seem obsessive, but hardly anyone makes a movie without a
script.
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
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Have a range of lenses, or if possible
two camera bodies with zoom lenses – one could be 28-80mm, the other
100-300mm. in this way you will be able to work quickly with the
minimum of weight. A monopod will help you to brace the camera. This is
especially important if the weather is dull so that a long exposure is
needed.
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