large events

[the7ferret]

The company my g/f works for might ask me to go to thier Cinco de Mayo party and take snapshots of the guests and the company exec. Whats the best way to do this?

Just setup a area or go around and just do candids?

[Pekka]

I would get a little more info: do you need face portraits, photos for brochures, happy shots / high profile distinguished guest shots etc.? What are the shots used for? In any hired job the first thing is to have a clear idea what is needed.

In any case: the company exec and people around him/her should be your main target - exec with person x, exec with person y, ecec speaking, exec among crowd, exec raising a toast, exec smiling....

Depending on where it is you could set up flash system around the space (flashes on stands on 3-4 corners bounced and one on camera) or just one flash with good diffuser or flash on camera with assistant holding another. The possibilities are endless and pure guesswork without knowing the facts.

[S230]

My friend had experience with one event photo before and shared info with me. Like Pekka said, you need to get a little more info. What Quality?, Minimal amount of photos? print or digital files?, Hours to cover (Entire event from start to finish or just speeches), Key people to photograph?? size of the event. You most likely will need assistance to cover different areas and angles. This also depends on payment and amount. From the amount of money they pay for your job, you can get an idea on how important or type of result they want.
How my friend did his was at the start and middle of the event, was all candid. During the speech, he and his partner would split up covering both speech and candid and group shots. Near end when people started moving around, setup a booth to shoot portraits, etc. The partner would continue moving about taking photos.
This can be quite a challange especially when there's lots of free alcohol and food... :)

[the7ferret]

Well I will proably only need the flash on top since it outdoors and even then maybe not. I havent meet with the company yet ill do that at 1 just trying to get some ideas. My g/f just told me to come by the office at 1 to talk to her boss.

Oh yes there willb e tons of booze and food.

[grego]

If it's a pretty informal event, I'd say go around and get ones that are natural and unposed, but then also mix it with some posed(safe shots). Variety is a good thing.

[S230]

Make sure nothing goes wrong because if you get any bad comments, etc., your g/f is caught right in the middle of it. If you sense anything out of place, it's probably better to walk before any plans. It's not worth the trouble.
If it does go well, you owe your gf a BIG favor... :)
good luck.