Capture Collective Q&A

Welcome to the First Capture Collective Q&A!

Welcome to the very first Capture Collective Q&A, where I answer your top questions about photography, especially for event photographers just starting. This space is about sharing tips, learning from each other, and building a community of photographers who want to level up together.

Let’s explore some of the most common questions new photographers ask. If you have more questions, you can ask them in the comment section below to continue this conversation in future Q&As!

Q&A Section: Your Photography Questions Answered

1. What’s the best camera for someone just starting?

The best camera depends on your budget and what you want to shoot:

If you’re starting with event photography, I recommend a Canon EOS R50 or a Sony ZV-E10. Both are affordable, easy to use and have excellent autofocus, which is key for capturing moments quickly at events. They also work great for photos and videos, giving you flexibility if you offer highlight reels alongside photos.

Canon EOS R50 Best Usage: Event Photography & Hybrid Use

1. Fast, reliable autofocus

2. Excellent image quality with vibrant colors

3. Lightweight & beginner-friendly

Sony ZV-E10 Best Usage: Content Creation & Hybrid Photo/Video Work

1. Superior video features for content creators

2. Great low-light performance for video

3. Seamless live streaming & social media workflow

I use the Panasonic Lumix G85 with the default 12mm-60mm lens for event photography. For sports photography, I alternate between the 55mm-125mm lens for long-range shots and the 12 mm-60 mm lens for up-close shots, which fits my style because of its compact size, built-in stabilization, and versatility for photos and videos. It’s a great all-around camera, especially if you plan to mix indoor and outdoor events.

Panasonic Lumix G85 Best Usage: Indoor and outdoor events with decent lighting.

1. Photographers who want a compact, lightweight camera for long shoots.

2. Event photographers who also want to shoot some 4K videos up to 30fps.

3. Budget-conscious creatives who want pro-level features for under $800 with lens included.

2. How do you find your style as a photographer?

Finding your style takes time, but it starts with shooting as much as possible and experimenting.

• Try Different Events: Weddings, birthdays, and corporate functions, and see which ones feel the most natural.

• Pay Attention to How You Edit: Do you lean toward bright, airy, dark, moody, or true-to-life colors?

  • I try to stick to true-to-life colors:

    • Faster Editing Workflow

    • Real-World Accuracy

    • Consistent Across Platforms

• Study Work That Inspires You: Follow or pick photographers on social media, examine what draws you to their work, and add your spin.

3. How do you attract your first paid clients?

To build a portfolio, shoot for free or at a discount for friends, family, or local events.

• Building a Portfolio: Offer free or discounted shoots for friends, family, or small local events to build a portfolio.

• Leverage Social Media: Consistently post your best work on social media apps that will reach your audience.

  • Instagram and TikTok would be the best to start with.

• Word of Mouth: Deliver a great experience, and people will recommend you.

4. What’s the biggest mistake new photographers make?

The biggest mistake is focusing too much on gear and not enough on experience.

• Focusing Too Much on Gear, Not Enough on Skills: A $500 camera in the hands of someone who knows composition and light beats a $5,000 camera in the hands of someone who doesn’t.

  • It took me years to get an external flash on my camera, but that did not stop me from having experience in taking photos.

• Not Knowing the Capabilities of Your Camera and Equipment: At events, you need to adapt quickly to changing lighting and fast-moving moments, which only happens if you’re entirely comfortable with your gear.

• Back Up Your Files: Immediately after every shoot. Losing photos is one mistake you never want to make.

  • Invest in an external hard drive or cloud storage to keep your work with you if possible.

5. What software do you use to edit your photos?

My go-to software for event photography is Adobe Lightroom for editing and color correction.

• Auto Feature: Quick Starting Point for Edits

• Straighten Feature: Instant Fix for Crooked Shots

• HDR Mode: Expands Detail in Difficult Lighting

6. Should I focus on a niche or try everything?

Initially, trying a little bit of everything is wise to find out what you enjoy.

• Try a Variety First to Discover What You Love: Shooting different events (weddings, sports, portraits) helps you find your strengths and what you enjoy most.

  • I started doing birthdays and graduation parties, then attending sporting events, and decided to bring my camera for content. Even though I did not get paid to take photos at the sporting events, it helped improve my skills in taking those photos.

• Flexibility Can Be an Advantage Early On: A wide range of projects helps you gain experience, build a strong portfolio, and make connections in multiple industries.

• A Niche Helps You Stand Out Later: Having a niche helps attract ideal clients because they’ll see you as an expert in that specific type of photography.

Join the Conversation!

This is just the first of many Q&As in the Capture Collective, and I want your questions to help shape the next one!

• Do you have a photography question you want answered?

• Are you curious about how I handle tricky lighting or challenging clients?

• Want gear recommendations for your exact budget?

Drop your questions in the comments or DM me on Instagram, and you might see your question featured in the following Capture Collective Q&A! Let’s learn, grow, and capture better moments together.