Just had a really frustrating photographic experience

Sorry, just need to vent a bit. I shoot events for friends/ co-workers on a volunteer basis. But recently I shot a retirement party and it was just a damn mess. Horrible lighting, crowded as heck, and 50 people with DSLRs. Everytime I tried to get some posed shots, there were 10 others snapping away.

Pics didn't come out the way I was hoping, so that kind of thing really depresses me and makes me question my skills.

I think I'm going to stop volunteering for event shooting, just too much stress.

Sounds rough!

Bet the pics are not as bad as you think once you've got over the disappointment though.

If you're just volunteering, you might want to manage down expectations ahead of the event to reduce your stress levels. Also realize that your "client's" expectations may be way lower than your own anyway.

Are you just using us to vent?

I don't intend to compound your annoyance, but your description of the challenges faced sounds like every single wedding reception I've photographed: bad light, lots of other people photographing, crowded. This is par for the course. But it does give you an idea of what kinds of pressure pros are under when they face these conditions and then half to deliver consistently decent stuff.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #17218577
Sorry, just need to vent a bit. I shoot events for friends/ co-workers on a volunteer basis. But recently I shot a retirement party and it was just a damn mess. Horrible lighting, crowded as heck, and 50 people with DSLRs. Everytime I tried to get some posed shots, there were 10 others snapping away.

Pics didn't come out the way I was hoping, so that kind of thing really depresses me and makes me question my skills.

I think I'm going to stop volunteering for event shooting, just too much stress.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #17218740
I don't intend to compound your annoyance, but your description of the challenges faced sounds like every single wedding reception I've photographed: bad light, lots of other people photographing, crowded. This is par for the course. But it does give you an idea of what kinds of pressure pros are under when they face these conditions and then half to deliver consistently decent stuff.

Yep. That's why I'm going to stop doing this stuff for free. Not worth the annoyance. Next time I go to a party I'm going to take my RX-100 and just chill.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #17218744
Yep. That's why I'm going to stop doing this stuff for free. Not worth the annoyance. Next time I go to a party I'm going to take my RX-100 and just chill.

That sounds good!!!!!!

Your thinking is right on track…It's stressful when you're photographing with the intent to deliver to others. If I was doing it as a favor (read "for free") and the situation was as you described, I would have put my gear away and gone to the bar! There would have been plenty of people to provide snap shots of the occasion. Don't sweat it. Sounds like you might be to the point where you might think about charging for some of these "gigs". THen you will be faced with the pressure Christopher describes!

Doesn't sound like it has anything to do with your photography skill.

idsurfer wrote in post #17218866
Your thinking is right on track…It's stressful when you're photographing with the intent to deliver to others. If I was doing it as a favor (read "for free") and the situation was as you described, I would have put my gear away and gone to the bar! There would have been plenty of people to provide snap shots of the occasion. Don't sweat it. Sounds like you might be to the point where you might think about charging for some of these "gigs". THen you will be faced with the pressure Christopher describes!

Good point.
If it was a paid gig, what would you have done differently in this situation.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #17218577
...... and 50 people with DSLRs.....

It keeps getting worse as everyone has something to take pictures with.

It really sounds like you never gained the control of the situation. You getting paid for a shoot, will not stop people with cameras showing up, and will not help you organize shots. If you're the MAIN photographer, you have to take control one like you are the main photographer, with the support of the people who asked you to shoot. Thats the same whether you volunteer or are getting paid. Ironically, the other 50 DLSR shooters may have thought you were just like them ... lol

http://first-world-problems.com

texkam wrote in post #17219132
http://first-world-problems.com

Very true.

Dave3222 wrote in post #17218926
Good point.
If it was a paid gig, what would you have done differently in this situation.

When it's a paid gig, you get cooperation and a little strong-arming assistance from the people paying. After all, they don't want their money wasted. You also get respect. Sometimes.

It helps to have a huge camera with a flash bracket. People move for those.

Sometimes I just join into the fun, although not as a professtional!!!!!!