You can always text or call (702) 530-4384 or send an email info@christianpurdie.com
You can always text or call (702) 530-4384 or send an email info@christianpurdie.com
I’m a Las Vegas or “Sin City” local. Traveled the world and I’m still trying to find some pirates so I can check off swashbuckling from my bucket list. I love what do…. Being a Las Vegas Photographer is the perfect job!
A great deal of time goes into creating memorable events and that is a fantastic time for business portraits or family portraits. If you're looking for a portrait and event photographer be sure to look at both their portrait photography portfolio as well as their event photography portfolio.
As much as event photography is fun, it can certainly be very hard because capturing the best moments does not occur again and again. Event photography requires a wide range of skills. For which a list of tips is given below for you to master event photography.
The photography gear plays quite a role in every type of photography including event and portrait photography. Usually, event photography is mainly about capturing photographs in environments with lowlights. Although there are a ton of events that might be done outside in the daylight but typically events photography is done indoors in low lights. This means that the gear that you are planning on taking should be fully considered. Additionally, it is essential to pack extra memory cards, batteries, and car chargers, because who knows you might end up with full or corrupted memory cards or dead batteries.
One of the most important steps prior to the shoot is having a wholesome conversation with your client, this will help you in getting the best shots. Some essential questions to be asked can be description about the event, the expected type and style of photography that your client wants, the important moments of the event and so on. Ensure that your client is aware about the limitations of the photography session, and what are their expectations with your photography.
A shot-list will help you in capturing all the key photographs. A shot-list is a list of photographs that you wish to capture during a shoot. A short list can be the best organizer for you and your client for any kind of event, whether it is a birthday party or an industry mixer. This will make things a lot easier for you and your client, this is because you will know what to provide your services and you can ensure that the client is aware of the limitations of the photography session. Also, the client will be aware and will understand the expectations they will have with your work. Moreover, since the shot list is a paper proof of all the shots, your client will not claim that you missed a shot that wasn’t revealed beforehand. Nothing is more frustrating than failing to photograph a shot that your clients desperately desired.
While the inexperienced event photographers set their cameras down and they will have the best moments missed by the time it occurs. The experienced ones will know that the most amazing moments will appear and will wait with their cameras, ready to capture those. Nonetheless, it might happen that they might not appear but, in the meantime, you could still get some of the most awesome photographs from each day.
Look out for the best candid shots the most. Although the formal and posed shots are essential for events like birthdays and weddings, candid pictures can turn out to be equally astonishing. Candid photographs are all about personality and momentum of the subject, sometimes candids turn to be the photographs that are most loved and appreciated by your clients. Nevertheless, candids should be photographed in a way that makes the subject represent their personality beautifully. Whereas candid photos where the subject is chewing food or making a bad face might not be cherished at all.
Be sure to be one of the first people on the site. Parking, uploading equipment, surveying the space once, photographing pre-event photos and checking in your clients might take most of your time. Thereby it is better to arrive early and get done with all of these things prior to the main event. Pre-event shoots can play a significant role in the overall story. Capture pictures of the venue, table setting, and other beautiful details of the event before the arrival of the guests. Often, the clients might not give pre-event photography a thought, but they will cherish photographs of the setting that they arranged by so much effort, spending a lot of time and money.
Even though we are photographers and not guests, which does not allow us to do whatever we wish. There are uncountable ways to show off yourself as professional photographers, among which one is suitably dressing for the event that you are shooting at. For instance, if you are covering a wedding, dress more formally for the event. Nonetheless, this does not mean you will compromise with your comfort. But dressing formally makes a significant and positive difference. For events like birthdays, holidays or corporate events, dress according to events. Even if you're representing the band or a commercial client, a live event demands a specific look. Never show up in a ripped shirt and blue jeans ever. This shows an expression of regard for the customer and their occasion, you never know who you could meet when photographing at any type of event.
Portrait and event photography is a very tiring job and there is no guarantee that you will get refreshments or any food throughout your job, pack water and snacks along with the event photography gear. Being a Portrait and Event Photographer requires a lot of effort and dedication, yet is a fun and exciting niche.
The capturing of the different emotions of daily life and bringing life into the picture is what makes photography such a fascinating process. Now, as you know there are different types of photography styles. Each and every one captures a different personality of the object. The best and also the hardest form of photography is portrait photography. This is because it is supposed to bring out the emotion of the object. If you are interested in becoming the best Las Vegas portrait photographer, you need to know how to capture the different emotions in a classic and elegant way.
The Magic Is In The Eyes: What communicates the emotions is the eyes and that is what you need to focus on. Proper focus is what will create that beautiful portrait. You may choose to focus on the different parts of the face to enhance the beauty. Not focusing on the eyes will not bring out elegance. You can play off with eye contact. While letting the subject focus on the camera may create a beautiful portrait, changing the eye contact will allow you to create a unique and fascinating image. You can have the subject looking at an unseen object and try to create an interest in what they are focusing on.
Change your perspective: You need to understand that every portrait photographer in Las Vegas has its own mode of taking photos. That is why you need to choose your own style. Yes, the normal way of taking the portrait is to focus directly on the subject. However, you can change this and try to alter the mode of taking the pictures. For example, you may try to take the portrait from an upward position- this will allow you to focus on the different features of the face.
One thing that can break or make the portrait photos is the lighting. You need to ensure that you have the perfect lighting for your subjects. The fascinating thing is that you will have the chance of changing the different lighting positions. Take, for example, the side lighting- it creates such a beautiful mood and backlight.
Avoid Too Much Sharpening: Too much sharpening will ruin the different features of the portrait. You may opt to take the photos using the soft lens- this will help you to avoid too camera sharpening. You need to find your voice and create unique portraits. Getting of your comfort zone will give you that competitive edge.
Capturing the emotions and bringing to life the personality and the harmonious interaction between the subject and the camera is what makes portrait photography fascinating. Taking portrait photos is an art and every portrait photographer has their own style and personality. That is the reason why you need to pay attention to the personality and the technique that the photographers have when you are choosing one.
There are different Las Vegas portrait photographers that are willing to offer their services to you. That is the reason why you have to be keen when it comes to choosing the right photographer for you.
Although their personality and general attitude is one thing that you should focus on, you should not be fooled by the charm. It takes more than charm for one to be able to capture the perfect portrait. Portrait photography is delicate and it requires a person who has in-depth expertise when it comes to taking the photos. It is therefore important for you to ask for their portfolio. This will show their technique and the type of photos that they can take. A good portrait photographer should be able to do what it takes to capture the perfect shot and so their creativity is one aspect of consideration.
Every good portrait photographer in Las Vegas knows their worth when it comes to the price. Most photographers charge per hour depending on the type of portraits that you want. You may however consider choosing photographers who have a fixed price. This will help you avoid the additional charges especially if you are looking for a wedding portrait photographer.
The photographer should be able to meet your needs regardless of the location. Most of the different portrait photographers are taken to different locations and you need to ensure that the photographer is okay with that.
It takes two to produce a perfect portrait. This means that the photographer needs to be in collaboration with you when it comes to taking the photos. You should therefore choose a photographer who you feel comfortable with. There needs to be an existing relationship between you and your photographer if you want to capture the moment as it is.
Communication is important between you and your photographer. You need to ensure that they understand what you need. On the other hand, you should ensure that you state your needs clearly to avoid any misunderstanding.
Mistakes are bound when you are a new Las Vegas portrait photographer and it is important for you to know how to take portrait photos. Portrait photography is one of the most exciting but the most challenging type of photography. That is the reason why most people tend to make mistakes when it comes to capturing the different postures. You know what; you need not make the same mistakes yourself. You can learn from other people’s mistakes and proceed to create a successful photography career.
For you to be able to remain relevant among all the different portrait photographers in Las Vegas, you need to avoid the following mistakes;
Out Of Focus: What you need to understand is this; the main object in the subject’s features is the eyes. The eyes create the emotion that is needed for elegant photos. One of the reasons why there are bad portrait photos is because most of them are taken when the eyes are out of focus. You need to create the perfect resolution to be able to capture the emotion and personality. You have the option of choosing to focus on the background features to enhance the beauty of the portrait. You may opt to take the different photos at different angles to enhance visibility.
Have you ever seen portrait photos where the subject has red eyes? Well, this is usually a problem that is caused by pop-up flash when one is taking the photos. To get rid of the red-eye, you can get rid of the flash as you are taking the photos.
Distorted Photos: When you have distorted images is because you have taken the images too wide. This can happen when you use a wide-angle lens. To avoid this problem, you may want to use a focal length.
Not Creating a Distinction: Yes, it is important for you to focus on the background so as to create a beautiful setting. However, wanting to capture the best image may lead to you getting distracted from the subject. Remember that the subject is the main point of attraction. You should therefore be able to create a distinction between the subject and the background.
Focusing On Too Much Detail: You need to choose a soft lens when you are taking the photos. This will help you to avoid too much sharpening. You can opt to take the photos raw, this way you will be able to make the little adjustments that you want without ruining the quality of the photos.
Not being able to capture the emotions and producing portraits that leave the subject looking anxious and uncomfortable is one of the greatest challenges that a portrait photographer can face. You know how important it is to be able to capture the best family moments. That is the reason why you need to pay attention to the technique that you use if you want to stay relevant among all the family portrait photographers in Las Vegas.
As a Las Vegas family portrait photographer, you know that one of the factors that can influence the type of portraits that you take is the location. It is therefore important for you to pay attention to the type of location that may help you capture the best shot.
Consider the comfort level - Remember that you will be involved with a family that has different people- each with a different personality. You need to therefore consider choosing a location that all the family members are comfortable with. While taking the photos in a studio may be a perfect solution, it may not always produce the best portraits. You should opt for an outdoor photo session where the family is comfortable with the setting.
You may want to take time to know your subjects. This is the only way that you can be able to figure out the best place to take the photos.
Portrait Photographer Lighting - The lighting plays an important role when it comes to the quality of the photos that you are going to take. You should therefore choose a place which is brightly lit. Here is a tip; if you are going to take photos in the outdoor space, avoid the midday sunlight. This is because it tends to produce blurry photos. The best time to take photos is in the morning and in the evening – right before sunset.
Peace and tranquility - You need to choose a location that is quiet and peaceful. This is the only way that your subjects will relax and focus on taking the photos. That is probably the reason why the park may not be the perfect place to take photos.
The weather - If the family members want an outdoor portrait, you need to factor in the weather. It is thus always better for you to be prepared. One of the fascinating ways that you can ensure you don’t ruin the photos is by having a shelter that is comfortable enough to help you take the best portraits.
We love to capture portrait photography for the sheer fact that they make for the most stunning portraits. Irrespective of who the image on the portraits is for, it tends to make a powerful statement. The best moment portrait tells stories, creates mysteries, and reveals the true feelings of a person through their facial and body expressions.
We have always believed that while Las Vegas portrait photography is almost entirely filled with the image of the bearer, the background tends to either enhance the image or pull it down.
We have always been keen on providing aesthetically appealing backgrounds that are proportional. The background could tell a part of the story. For example, if it is a portrait of an attorney team in his office with stacks of books behind him.
Because our basic aim is to give you as much natural look as possible that reflects the genuine feeling, we prefer to use natural lighting with a bit of enhancement from mounted lights. We know that too much-added light creates awkward brightness. Over the years, we have learned to viscerally measure out the right amount of lighting needed to provide your portrait with a proper natural look.
Unlike any other type of photography, in Las Vegas portrait photography, the eyes tell the story. They reflect the mystery and the central focus of the image. We are able to reflect, joy, relaxation, tension, versatility, or playfulness in a portrait photo rather easily. In many ways, our portrait photography in Las Vegas is a blend of telling a story and capturing a moment. Usually, we try to make the two to be as close as possible.
Every time I mount the camera on a stand to capture portrait photography I am aiming for a natural look. So in many ways, I try to make you as comfortable as possible so that you can reflect your everyday warmth, resilience, personality, and poise into the image. From a single shoot, we will capture tens of poses, expressions, and angles and have you choose the one you feel best reflects your feelings and persona.
As the premier Las Vegas portrait photographer, the creativity that goes into each pose is unique and dynamic. The interesting thing is that over time as we take more and more photos, the more relaxed and confident you will become natural and your true persona will shine through the final portraits.
Our flexibility stems from the understanding that when it comes to portrait photography there are no one-size fits all models. Your portrait shoot moment is as unique as it comes and in many ways, we aim to reflect just that.
You may need make-up or you may not, you may desire more natural lighting or not, you may want high-up poses or low-down poses but what matters is that we give you what truly matters- a stunning, portrait photograph.
The first images used to decorate walls of a cave, in the Stone Age, can be marketed as the birth of photography. Literally speaking, photography is the process of creating still-life pictures by recording radiations on a sensitive medium. In simpler words, photography is the art of preserving memories and events in a picture. As photography evolved, it produced many masterpieces which are famous even in today’s time and age. Photography takes many different faces. Outdoor portraits, wildlife photography, infrared photography, and then there is event photography. What is event photography, right?
Often people relate the term ‘event photography’ to more formal events such as corporate meetings, proms, weddings, etc. However, the scenario is quite different as event photography is aimed towards covering any event. From birthdays to a new year’s dinner, event photography is simply the pictures you take at an event. You can take pictures from your phone’s camera on the all-family birthday of your little one. Is that considered event photography? Yes, it is certainly a moderate but drastic type of event photography. Whether it is a rock show, a car show, a dog show, or any kind of event, event photography helps you in capturing the memories and storing them forever.
Although event photography is an art consumed by all, it is best to hire an event photographer all in all. A professionally trained person who has been working in this niche for years can simply cater to the task better than someone who does not have any experience whatsoever. When talking about event photographers, the most famous of them all is the Las Vegas event photographer. An event photographer is someone who has obtained event photography as a profession and works for different events and occasions. An event photographer can capture all your memories while you enjoy them. If you hire an event photographer, it can help you in many different ways.
One of the most common yet important advantages of a professional event photographer is that event photographers always carry the right insurances. This will give you the peace of mind you would definitely need to enjoy an event. Another aspect can be that a professional photographer will always have the correct equipment. It is impossible to know for a normal person, which cameras will be suitable for what conditions. The results could be poorly taken photographs which can be a nuisance for most people. Hence, hiring a professional event photographer can ease your mind of the quality of the photographs. Last but not the least, a professional event photographer prints your photographs with the best printers and the outcome is brilliant. However, if you do it yourself, the results might not be as good as you expected.
Event photography is an art and when catering an event, it is best to have a person who is a master of this art. If you are looking to make the pictures of your event come to life, hiring a professional event photographer is an option worth considering.
Don’t be the one who takes the very boring shots of people lined up in front of a statue or a sign, ugh! Take brilliant, artistic photos that will make that event look like it was even better than it was.
Tip #1 Get the Photography Basics: If you do not know how to work your camera then it is going to show. Learn how to use your equipment from a master. Brent Mail is an award-winning photographer that has a class on this website and he will teach you the basics of photography in 120 minutes or less. You can prevent a whole bunch of missed shots because suddenly a strobe light is on and you don’t know how to work with that or people are racing around and you don’t know how to capture that clearly with your camera.
Tip #2: Think Outside the Norm: Everyone with a camera wants to line up people to have their photos taken. Then they scurry them to the next sign or statue or waterfall and yell, “Now everyone points at the sign!” Oh, those are awful. Go for unique angles in your photographs and don’t ask anyone to pose for you. As a matter of fact, you don’t need to say anything at all. You have your camera around your neck and one hand on it already. Catch someone’s eye, lift your camera and give a nod as if to ask if you can take their photo. This allows you to work that crowded event fast. In seconds you’ll have permission and a shot that is already set up.
Tip #3 Capture the Action in Event Photography: Action shots at an event are always far more interesting than people just posing for a photo. It is a lot easier to share the joy of great-granny reaching and about to catch the bouquet at the wedding than it is to see her posing with it later, right? Catch a ground-level shot of a baseball player sliding into the home base because that speaks so much more than the winning team photo after the game. George on one knee suddenly proposing to Karen in the middle of the party is more moving than Karen and George posing and showing the ring later.
Tip #4 Always Be Ready to Take a Photo at an Event: You need to be on your toes and constantly ready to take a shot when you are acting as a photographer at any event. You need to constantly scan the room with one hand on the camera. Nobody knows what will happen. It is your job to catch it in a photo when it does happen.
New to photography? Need some beginner-friendly photo tips to help you get up and running with your camera? Digital photography can be daunting when you’re a beginner. All the confusing camera controls, customization options, and photography jargon – it’s bewildering.
If you are going to be an Event Photographer in Las Vegas then you can follow the tips mentioned below and get yourself ready to take the perfect shot.
1. Don’t stress about the quality of your digital camera: It’s easy to find yourself going round in circles when it comes to photographic equipment, and all too easy to believe that the camera gear you own is holding you back. But really, it isn’t: any camera is capable of producing a stunning picture.
Yes, there are some digital cameras that will give you a wider dynamic range and others that may have a more responsive AF system. But ultimately, the success of a photo comes down to its composition – what you choose to include (and leave out) of the picture, and how you arrange it in the frame.
2. Don’t feel you have to use the camera manually: The camera’s autofocus system is generally a much faster option than manual focus – although you’ll get more accurate results if you tell the camera where you want it to focus by manually selecting one of the AF points in the viewfinder.
Auto ISO can be another life-saver. Here, the camera will raise and lower the ISO sensitivity as you move from dark to bright conditions, improving your chances of taking a sharp photo.
3. Wait for the right light: This is what photography is all about, really: thinking about the light in terms of its quality, quantity, and direction, and how it suits the subject.
To reveal detail and reduce the contrast of a scene, shoot when the light is soft and diffused. Outdoor portraits and macro photos look great when shot under bright but overcast skies. Less so at midday on a bright, clear day – the light is just too harsh.
Landscape photographers set their alarms for the early hours for a reason. The rich, raking light at sunrise (and sunset) adds warmth and texture to rural and coastal shots.
Experiment with backlighting and taking photos when a subject is lit from the side for more dramatic results. Shoot with the sun behind you by all means, but make sure your shadow doesn’t creep into the photo.
In short, keep an eye on the light and find a camera position that best takes advantage of it.
Don’t have time to travel to a photography studio? No problem. We’ll bring the studio to you. You can receive all of the benefits of studio lighting without the hassle of traveling to a photography studio. Our equipment is light and mobile and will fit in your home or office.
After your photography session, we’ll edit your photos and send you a gallery invite so you can download your images and use them however you choose. Quick, simple, and convenient.