Outdoor festivals and markets are packed with highlights - music, gourmet food, handmade goods, and more. Even when attending with friends, everyone tends to split up and explore separately. Later, you want to swap stories - "Did you see that stage?" "Did you check out that booth?" - but your photos are scattered across everyone's phones.
Photography Tips Specific to Outdoor Events
Master these techniques that are unique to outdoor event photography.
Dealing with Sunlight
- Avoid backlighting: The basic rule is to shoot with the sun behind you
- Use shade: Direct sunlight creates harsh shadows; shooting near or under tents is easier
- Watch for hat brims casting shadows on faces - increase brightness when this happens
- The "golden hour" at sunset is the best time for photos
Shooting at Large Venues
- Take panoramic photos to capture the overall venue atmosphere
- Booth displays and signs make photogenic subjects too
- In crowded areas, hold your phone slightly higher for cleaner shots
Sharing Photos as a Group
At outdoor festivals, friends often go their separate ways, so decide on a photo sharing method beforehand for a smooth experience.
Create a PicTomo album and share the QR code in your group chat before heading out. Everyone's photos will flow into a single album in real-time from the venue. "Oh, that's what that other stage was like!" - you can vicariously experience what your friends saw during their separate adventures.
For Vendors & Event Organizers
Visitor photos are also valuable for market vendors and event organizers.
- Natural photos of customers handling products make excellent social media content
- Placing a "Snap a photo!" QR code at your booth encourages social media sharing
- Visitor photos convey the venue's liveliness and help attract attendees to future events
Summary
Outdoor festivals and markets are events where you can take loads of photos throughout the day. Set up a system to collect your group's photos in one place, and you'll have a blast looking back at them on the way home or the next day, saying "That moment was amazing!"