Event Photography and Videography at Zinc at Federation Square

Recently, I had the pleasure of flying from Sydney to Melbourne to cover an exciting awards gala night and Zinc at Federation Square, shooting both event photography and videography. As an event photographer and videographer, having the right gear is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly—especially when you're capturing such an important event.

What’s in my Backpack for Event Photography

First things first, I brought along two cameras. This choice is crucial when shooting events, as it allows me to capture multiple angles for interviews and quickly switch between shots with different lenses. Additionally I brought a smaller camera bag with audio accessories and extra batteries for my phone and camera. Crucially I packed my camera belt clips so I can carry everything I need when I’m at the event.

All of this gear fit neatly into my backpack. This was a strategic decision: in the unfortunate event that my main camera case got lost by the airline, I could still shoot the entire event with what I had on me in this bag. 

What’s in my Camera Case for Event Videography

Here’s what I packed in my large camera case to fly from Sydney to Melbourne. It contained the heavier equipment I needed for more complex shots. I packed two tripods to seat my cameras during interviews. Lighting is another crucial element, so I included an LED light and a softbox to ensure that my interviews were well lit. I also brought along two light stands: one for the LED and another to hold a GoPro for a time-lapse video of the event. Understanding the venue was key to my lens choices. I added a wide-angle lens since the event had hundreds of attendees and tight spaces. This choice allowed me to capture the atmosphere and essence of the night without feeling cramped. For those key media wall shots, I made sure to bring a flash and flash diffuser to enhance the lighting. I packed extra batteries to power all my equipment, headphones for monitoring audio, and various audio accessories to adapt to any situation that might arise. Lastly, I included my laptop. My client requested a selection of photos to post the very next day, so having it on hand was vital for quick edits and uploads.

Preparation is key for Event Photography and Videography

All of this gear made capturing the awards gala a smooth experience. Preparedness is key in my line of work, and having the right tools at my disposal not only helps me do my job effectively but also allows me to focus on the creative aspects of storytelling. Every event is unique, and being ready for anything is what makes the difference between a good shoot and a great one.