Festivals are a great time to photograph people, with loads of activity and people not so self conscious. When festival time is close at hand wherever you live, why not try your hand at some festival photography?
(image credit : hans hendriksen )
The season is just around the corner. Warm weather and more daylight is a guarantee people will be out of their homes and into the streets. It’s Festival season, around the world and you can capture the faces, atmosphere and brilliant-colored costumes like a pro, with a few simple tips.
Plan ahead
(image credit : hans hendriksen )
It is always a good idea to research well before travelling for a festival.To be able to capture the true essence of the festival you need to be aware of its key elements. So read up, look at the pictures clicked by other people, and if possible talk to a few locals.
Panning Technique
Using zoom and pan should in ideal situations require the use of a tripod, but we do understand it is not always practical to use one in festivals. Use as high a shutter speed as you can to avoid shake on your photos. The idea behind panning it to move your camera WITH your subject so they are RELATIVELY not in motion, creating a blurred background but a sharp subject. This technique takes a lot of effort to perfect, especially in the absence of a tripod. Try using the burst mode as you pan your camera with the subject. This way you will get at least a couple of good shots.
Capture People
(image credit : hans hendriksen )
The soul of any festival is its people. Take close captures of them. Try talking to them (even if you don’t know their language!)
Shooting Street Life
(image credit : andydu)
Street photography is a rewarding pas time. However, it is not as easy as it sounds. Try and minimize clutter such as telephone cables leading into the sides of your composition. So zoom in as much as you possibly can, into your subject keeping in mind you need to create a mood with the rest of the space around the subject at the same time. Try and shoot street scenes from unusual angles such as rooftops and ladders! This gives a nice touch to street images.
Getting Down Low
(image credit : andydu)
When you’re not in danger of being trampled by a crowd and there’s a pretty blue sky, forget the tripod. Get down low where you can compose a shot with the sky as your background. Sit down and cross your legs, resting your elbows on your knees (or wherever they’ll reach to on your legs) and adjust your position until you’re steady. Now, you are the tripod.
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