The Future World and Outdoor Photo Shoots – How Did Quarantine Change the Event Photo and Video Shooting Industry?

In March 2020, the world changed dramatically. Self-isolation and social distancing dealt a blow to the event industry, as well as to professionals involved in photography of events and video production. We recently discussed all this during our online broadcast, hosted by Evgenia Glushenkova, head of the event department at Aventura Event Agency. The highlights of the broadcast, as well as the opinions and advice of invited speakers, are reflected in our material.

Trends depend on the platforms where work is done

High-quality photographs are not only liked by clients but also reflect the essence of events, capture important historical and memorable moments, and help cover events in the press. But truly good shots are not always produced, even if the photographer is a professional. After all, if he does not have clearly formulated goals and objectives, as well as an understanding of why his shots are needed, he will not be able to fully satisfy the client's needs. It is very important, before the event begins, to consult the photographer and clearly explain the brief. 

Co-founder of BRANDFILMS Production studio Alexander Bobkov (Moscow) shared his experience and vision during the broadcast. He spoke about the main trends and features in reportage event photography.

Trends in commercial photography primarily depend on the goals set and on the online platforms where the photos are posted, says Alexander. When it comes to Instagram, lifestyle still holds the lead – showcasing the real life of the company wrapped in a presentable shell. On TikTok and similar services, the top positions are occupied by sketches and Vines, as well as classics in the form of memes, cats and other products that always delight the audience. If the material is planned to be used in the press, the photos are expected to be more official. 

Trends in commercial photography depend on the goals and online platforms where the photos are posted

The Pull Toward Sustainability and the Neon World of the Future

This year, there is growing demand for themes related to the world of the future. Hence the main trend in photo styling — neon, synth-pop, cyberpunk, etc. 

- Neon processing has recently become very popular among photographers and production, - notes Alexander Bobkov. - An example of a neon atmosphere can be seen when you approach the panoramic window of «Moscow-City», where flickering cars fly and huge neon signs glow. It's a very beautiful, mesmerizing and interesting theme.

As an example of neon event design, one can cite the series of summer concerts at Luzhniki LIVE & DRIVE (Moscow). Live performances by stars will take place on stage, and viewers will watch the concert right from their cars. The sound will be broadcast via FM receivers. Such measures will allow compliance with restrictions and social distancing between people. In addition, this format will help support Russian artists whose performances were cancelled.  Moreover, it is also a wonderful alternative to any online performances, because it is very difficult to convey live emotions through monitor screens. Neon light of spotlights, music and a wonderful mood await visitors to this event.

Series of summer concerts at Luzhniki LIVE & DRIVE (Moscow)

Neon and the world of the future are, of course, more popular than ever. But at the same time, the pull toward eco-friendly trends remains relevant. They can be traced not only in event photography and video production, but also in the organization of office and team work. For example, photo studios install containers for collecting used batteries, which are subsequently sent for recycling. 

COVID-19 as a reason for price reductions

Experts note that after the start of quarantine, many clients began using the situation to get discounts. At the same time, prices for accommodation, food and travel did not go down. Video production experts are ready to make concessions and reduce their rates, but they cannot work on large projects for free. After all, photographers are people too, and they need something to live on and support a family. 

Outdoor photography

Professional event photographer Sergey Samoylovich (Omsk) said that in the current situation, the choice of shooting locations is extremely limited. Indoor spaces have been banned, and restrictions have also been placed on the number of people who can take part in an event. That is why photographers and their clients are "moving" outdoors.

- Due to technical restrictions, there is only one trend: moving all shoots outdoors, - says Sergey. - If previously you could use a bunch of locations (photo studios, venues, etc.), now it is more difficult. Moreover, you cannot gather many people there, – he notes. – Now everything is moving outdoors, and it is harder to work there. After all, to avoid depending on the weather, you need to provide good lighting. To set it up well, you need people to handle it. The task is more interesting, but more difficult. But it is all solvable! 

Finding unconventional solutions and learning

In 2020, many photographers were looking for various ways to occupy themselves during self-isolation. Some channeled their energy into self-development, as software manufacturers provided professionals with many updates. Therefore, during quarantine, photographers could fully learn and hone new skills. By the way, if you are looking for a source of inspiration, you can visit Behance, where photographers post their work. Sergey Samoylovich notes that getting acquainted with others' creativity leads to the birth of a new vision and interesting concepts.

Other photographers conducted prohibited photo shoots, hiding from prying eyes. However, at that time, social distancing rules and sanitary-hygienic norms were observed; no one forgot about antiseptics, masks, and gloves. Many tried to conduct photo shoots using webcams, and also invited clients to their homes, using their apartment as a photo studio.

Alexander Bobkov's home photo studio

Requirements for Photographers

Today's clients are becoming more demanding: they choose photographers by their level of professionalism, and not only by the amount of equipment they use. Sergey Samoylovich, describing the rules for choosing a photographer, points out that a professional should ask a lot of questions. They should know everything about the event and even more: the timing, the speakers' time slots, the script and other details. Based on this data, the photographer draws up their own timeline, which lets them be in the right place at the right time.

When choosing a specialist, you need to look at their portfolio, but we are not talking about staged photographs — rather about reportage series from specific events. An additional advantage is an understanding of the specifics of the venues where the photos were taken. 

High-quality reportage photography of events

To sum up, we can say that the search for unconventional solutions and new concepts, ensuring the safety of photographers and guests, observing social distancing rules, working at open-air locations or using remote technologies — this is a new reality that we need to adapt to. Society is beginning to dream about the world of the future and continues to actively care for the environment. 

The team of the Aventura event agency will help you organize an unforgettable event in the current conditions — from a lively Zoom party or online team building to a safe offline event.