As a commercial photographer in Manchester, I get to shoot some pretty amazing events.
That was definitely the case with Action for Children’s Boycott Your Bed fundraiser on Friday, October 3rd. It was an event full of passion, energy, and a cause that really matters – raising awareness and funds to help young people and people around them.
Now, let me tell you, photographing this event was an absolute thrill. No kids running around this time (though they can be fun to capture, too!), just a room full of engaged, passionate adults all coming together to support a powerful cause. It was my job to capture all that action, emotion, and determination – and to make sure the photos would help spread the word for this important movement. So, if you’re curious about what went down behind the scenes (and why event photography can make a huge difference), keep reading!
The Challenge of Capturing Action
Fundraisers like Boycott Your Bed are always full of energy, but photographing adults brings its own set of challenges. It’s not like shooting a wedding or corporate event where everything’s structured and posed. Here, people are engaged in conversations, sharing stories, and actively participating in activities. There’s a lot of movement, but it’s the kind of action that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
As a commercial photographer in Manchester, I had to be quick on my feet to catch those emotional, impactful moments – the kind that truly tell the story of what the event was all about. Whether it was people signing petitions, attending a speech, or just getting lost in conversation with a fellow attendee, I had to be ready for anything.
Commercial Photographer Manchester – My Photography Approach: Quick, Candid, and Real
- Fast Shutter Speeds: To capture the excitement and quick movements of the crowd, I cranked up my shutter speed.This helped me freeze the action and keep everything sharp, even during those spontaneous moments when people would gesture or move.
- Keeping Focus in Motion: Since the event wasn’t static – people were constantly mingling, walking around, and getting involved – I relied on continuous autofocus to keep everything crisp, even in the middle of a crowd. It’s like having a personal assistant who tracks every movement for me!
- Candid Shots: I’m all about the unposed moments. It’s in those raw, unscripted interactions where the real magic happens. Whether it was a conversation that made someone laugh or an attendee reflecting on a moving speech, those candid moments are where the heart of the event really shines.
- Using Natural Light: October in Manchester? You never know if it’s going to be sunny or raining! I took full advantage of whatever light was available inside and out.Outside, I made sure to bounce light around with reflectors & asked participants to switch their phone torch light on where needed, and inside, I balanced the warm artificial lighting with the cooler natural light to create a consistent, inviting feel in the photos.
Key Moments I Focused On:
Fundraisers like this are all about community, so it was important for me to capture the unity and passion that the attendees had for the cause. Here’s what I made sure to focus on:
- Powerful Speeches: The speeches from people who had experienced homelessness firsthand were incredibly moving. I made sure to snap a few photos of their faces, showing both their emotion and the attention they were getting from the crowd. These photos were essential for telling the story of the event and the cause.
- Engagement and Action: Whether people were participating in activities or just chatting about the cause, I was there to capture those moments that showed the real involvement of the attendees. These weren’t just photos of people standing around; these were action shots that really brought the energy to life.
- Group Shots & Solidarity: Nothing says “community” like a group of people standing together for a common cause. I made sure to grab a few wide-angle shots showing people interacting, participating in activities, and generally coming together for a greater purpose.
- Close-Up Emotions: Some of my favorite shots were close-ups of attendees reacting to the speeches or just absorbing the atmosphere of the event. These small moments of quiet reflection can sometimes speak louder than anything else.
Why Professional Photography Matters for Fundraisers:
You might be wondering, “Why does the photography even matter that much?” Well, let me tell you: great photography is the secret ingredient that helps fundraisers stand out, especially when you want to attract more donors or raise awareness for a cause. You could have the best cause in the world, but without compelling, high-quality photos, it can be hard to capture people’s attention.
The right images from a fundraiser can be used to tell a powerful story across social media, websites, and promotional materials- helping to keep the momentum going long after the event ends. That’s what I aim to do: create images that are not just beautiful, but also deeply connected to the cause, so they make an impact.
Commercial Photographer Manchester – Let’s Make Your Event Shine:
If you’re planning a fundraiser, corporate event, or any kind of gathering in Manchester, and you want to make sure it’s captured in a way that tells your story, let’s chat! Whether you’re raising funds for a cause, building community, or just having a big event, professional photography is key to making your message resonate.
Feel free to get in touch with me, and together, we can create stunning, meaningful images that will help spread the word and take your event to the next level.
Reach out today, and let’s talk about how I can help bring your vision to life through photography.
