For those of you who have been frequenting this site, you may already be aware that I am a professional photographer. Outside of my role at Design Instruct, I work as an event photographer, covering a variety of social gatherings and events. In this article, I’ll assume you’re familiar with the basics of photography. If not, refer to Wikipedia’s comprehensive overview of photography-related topics. With that in mind, here are some photography tips to consider for your next social event.
When I first began photographing groups, I noticed a common trend: people would arrange themselves in a straight line, shoulder-to-shoulder, as if posing for a class photo. Alternatively, if they were seated on a couch, they would expect the photo to be taken from directly above. However, in my experience, these approaches often result in uninteresting images.
In a dynamic and fast-paced environment like a party, where space and time are limited, it’s the photographer’s responsibility to make the shot more engaging. 
From my experience, stepping to one side of the group can add depth and create a more captivating composition. This is because one side of the group will be closer to the lens, enhancing depth and creating a more dynamic image.
Experiment with this technique! 
A jaunty or canted angle, also known as a Dutch angle, is a photography technique that can transform a dull scene into an aesthetically pleasing composition. Jaunty angles infuse photos with a sense of dynamism and life. 
Using jaunty angles requires attention to composition, as it can create a sense of confusion if not executed properly. However, once mastered, this technique can add a lively and fun effect to your party photos.
Additionally, jaunty angles often provide the best angles for your photo subjects. 
In summary, I prefer to choose a focal point in the photo I want to emphasize. I then maintain that focal point level while tilting the camera accordingly.
For example, if I find someone’s eyes attractive, I’ll use that person’s eyes as my focal point. I’ll align their eyes so that they’re level, while the rest of the photo isn’t. 
Occasionally, photographers tilt their cameras without considering composition, resulting in disoriented and unstable photos.
Through my own experimentation, I’ve concluded that there’s a right and wrong way to use jaunty angles: It’s not enough to simply tilt your camera to one side. For more information on jaunty/Dutch angles, check out the following links:
Dutch Angle Photography
Flickr group with examples of Dutch angles
This can be a lot of fun. People seem to enjoy it, and it often brings the party together. In my experience, props can range from a hat, quirky glasses, or a fake mustache.
For instance, during a Halloween event, I printed out business cards with various “smiles” on the back. I had people hold them up to their mouths as a makeshift costume. 
Initially, people were unsure of what to do with them, so I would say, “Hold it up to your mouth!” Once they understood, most would react with excitement.
Props can be a great addition to your photos, but don’t force it. You don’t have to use props. However, if you have a good idea, people will love it, and your photos will have that extra touch that makes them more memorable.
I sometimes take portraits of interesting individuals at parties. If someone looks unique or intriguing, I’ll pull them aside for a quick “photo shoot.” The key is to make them feel comfortable enough in front of your lens to capture an authentic moment. If they’re having fun, it will show. If they’re having a bad night, that will too. It’s all about attitude and emotion, and if they trust you, you’ll be able to capture these elements.
These mini “photo shoots” last only a few seconds. I say “Hi,” tell them I want to take their photo, and if they agree, I let them be themselves in front of my lens.
Taking portrait shots of strangers requires more social skills than simply pointing and shooting. It can be challenging to single out someone from their group of friends, especially if they don’t know you well. 
Capturing candid shots in social events can be tricky because bringing a camera into the scene changes people’s behaviors and conduct. It’s especially difficult to get genuine candid moments when people are aware someone is taking photos. 
The key is to let them get used to your presence and then capture the moment when they forget you’re there, even if it’s just for a split-second.
Be prepared to capture these fleeting candid moments. 
Look for the action! People dancing, clinking drinks, food being served, and so on. These moments make for interesting photos.
A photo captures a single moment in time. It’s that split-second of light captured in your camera.
However, that doesn’t mean a photo can’t be lively! 
Pay attention to the movements of the party. Where are people walking around? Where are the dancing crowds?
Who is the liveliest group of the party?
This is more of a suggestion. You don’t have to shoot in RAW format to get good photos. In fact, it’s more work during post-production. However, with the changing light conditions and fast-paced nature of a party, shooting in RAW provides more flexibility and a larger margin of error to compensate for less-than-perfect technique.
I know many professional photographers who don’t shoot in RAW for events. They capture everything in-camera. However, for my personal style, shooting in RAW offers more flexibility and a bigger margin of error to correct issues in post-production.
Sometimes, letting someone else take a photo can add dynamics to your images. If you’re tasked with documenting the party, it’s a great way to get a more rounded view of what happened. After all, two pairs of eyes are better than one. (Of course, you must trust this person to handle your equipment responsibly!) 
The beauty of letting someone else take photos is that people will react differently to the person behind the lens.
For example, ask a beautiful girl to take photos, and you might get different reactions from the guys at the party. Have a tall person take a few snaps, and you’ll get a different viewpoint. And it’s not just for the people in front of the lens.
Sometimes, if you hand your camera to one of your shy friends, it will force them to interact with people and change the dynamic of the party for them! I’ve found that I take pictures a certain way. I stand in a certain way.
I frame my subjects in a certain way. I hold my camera in a certain way. Therefore, my photos are distinct from someone else’s work. If you hand over your camera to someone who might do things differently, the photos will also be a bit different, and you might even learn something you wouldn’t have if you had stuck with your own way of taking photos.
Capturing the party on camera isn’t just about the number of photos you take. It’s about the feeling and the moments shared.
Sure, not everyone will know each other. Not everyone will interact with everyone else. It’s easy to think of an event as just small groups of people. However, everyone at the event shares one thing in common: they are there to have a good time. As a photographer, one of your tasks is to connect these groups into one cohesive gathering.
I think many photographers make the mistake of thinking they should just snap away and hope for the best. However, you won’t capture the essence of the party if you view the photos as isolated moments. The party is a whole, and you should treat it as such.
If you’re not having fun, the people in front of your lens won’t either, and it will show in your photos. 
As the photographer for an event, you’re one of the few people (along with the host) who has to constantly move around the party to see and interact with guests. This makes you very visible.
You have to make people feel at ease and welcome at the party. You can only really do that if you’re having fun as well. So remember to be friendly and wear a smile.
If a party has music playing, listen to it. I always think of the music as the heartbeat of the party. It speeds up as more people get excited. It slows down and mellows out as the night progresses. It’s the rhythm I choose to work with. Therefore, I like to pay attention to the DJ. I pay attention to the breaks in the beat.
I listen to the choruses, the verses, and the moments in a song that excite me, as the rest of the party will likely feel the same way. 
And when that beat drops, when the chorus comes in… I shoot away because I know people will be doing something awesome!
