Photography Advice From Jürgen Feichter

Advice for Event Photographers: Insights from Jürgen Feichter

Hey, I’m Jürgen Feichter—JFK to some—an award-winning photographer who’s been at this game for over a decade. I’ve shot everything from the chaos of the Olympic Games to the quiet “I dos” of small weddings, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. Event photography’s a wild ride, blending prep, quick thinking, and a knack for storytelling. Here’s my advice to help you crush it, plus a little extra wisdom I’ll throw in for good measure.

Prep Like You Mean It

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that preparation is everything. I advise diving headfirst into the details before any event. Dig into what’s happening—know the schedule down to the minute, scope out the venue (Google Maps is your friend), and figure out who or what’s worth shooting. For outdoor gigs, I always check the sun’s arc—nothing beats nailing a shot with that perfect golden glow. I sketch out a mental shot list too, like the bride’s first look or the winning goal. It’s not about being rigid; it’s about having a roadmap so you’re not scrambling when the moment hits. Trust me, that groundwork gives you the confidence to roll with whatever the day throws at you.

Roll With the Punches

Here’s the truth: no matter how much you prep, shit happens. I advise keeping your cool and staying flexible when the unexpected pops off. Picture this—Euro 2016, England vs. Russia, I’m lined up for a killer action shot, and bam, riots break out. A hooligan’s practically breathing down my neck, and I’ve got to switch gears from sports to chaos in a heartbeat. That’s when experience kicks in—trust your gut, adjust fast, and keep shooting. You can’t script every second of an event, so I say lean into the madness. It’s your secret weapon for turning curveballs into gold.

Pick Gear That’s Your Jam

Gear’s personal, right? I advise finding what clicks for you and sticking with it. For me, it’s Canon all the way—started with it, stuck with it, love it. The R5 Mark II is my current go-to, and I’m always hauling two bodies with prime lenses. Why primes? They’re sharp as hell and force me to move my feet, which keeps my shots fresh. I say carry a backup body too—nothing worse than a lens crapping out mid-event (yep, been there). Efficiency matters when things are moving fast, so pick gear that’s reliable and feels like an extension of you. Oh, and clean your damn lenses—smudges are the enemy.

Get Cozy With Lighting

Lighting’s the heartbeat of any photo, and I advise getting real good at playing with what’s there. I’m always scoping out where the light’s coming from—sun, stage lights, whatever—and building my shots around it. Modern cameras are beasts now; I crank ISO to 6400 in dim spots and it’s still clean as a whistle. Don’t be scared to push it. If the vibe’s too flat, I’ll sneak in some subtle artificial light—a little flash or an LED—but keep it natural. Overdo it, and you’ll kill the mood. My extra tip? Watch shadows—they can add drama or totally screw you if you’re not careful.

Spin a Story People Can Feel

Photos aren’t just pretty pictures—they’re stories. I advise chasing the heart of the event, not just the highlights. Sure, grab the big wins or the cake cutting, but don’t sleep on the small stuff—the kid sneaking cake, the coach’s sweaty grin, the crowd’s roar. That’s where the magic lives. I move through the scene like a ninja, catching emotions and vibes as they unfold. Zoom in on the details—a torn shoelace, a tear-streaked face—and let them weave the tale. Your job’s to make folks feel like they were there, so shoot with soul.

Price It Right, Keep It Real

Pricing’s tricky, but I advise keeping it fair and custom. Every gig’s different—six hours at a wedding ain’t the same as a full day at a muddy festival. Factor in the time, the hustle, and what the client’s asking for. I tweak my rates per project, and I say you should too. Don’t undersell yourself—your skills, your gear, your eye, that’s all worth something. Offer a few package options, like basic coverage or the full VIP treatment with edits. Flexibility keeps clients happy, but don’t give it away for peanuts. You’re a pro, not a charity.