Festivals make great photos
Jongro-3ga, Lantern Parade. All photos by Tom Coyner
By Tom Coyner
With the warming temperatures, come festivals and similar events. These colorful events are both challenging and rewarding. They can be confusing as a three-ring circus in determining what to photograph, and it can be surprisingly tricky to get sharp photos with all the swirling action.
It is important to do one's homework and look at other people's photographs to understand the possibilities in terms of subject matter, angles and locations.
Once you have selected your festival, try to arrive early. There is always something to photograph before the festival officially begins. Also by arriving early, you can occupy one of the prime shooting locations.
Make a mental list of all you want to photograph. This should include all key events, but also any behind the scenes shots, key portraits, details and even food shots.
Imagine you are shooting for a magazine and trying to create a portfolio of images to capture the essence of the event.
Focus on things that tell a story: It's like the classic writer's motto ― show, don't tell the experience. Hang around the festival for a while and note how the feeling and activities change throughout the day.
Heinsa Lanterns Pagoda.
Famous war photographer Robert Capa once said that if your pictures are not good enough, then you are not close enough.
This is great advice if you are shooting a festival. Get as close to the action as you can _ your pictures will be far more immediate and will intrigue and engage those looking at them.
I often get very close and use a wide angle lens. Telephoto lenses may seem to be a solution, but often people accidentally 'photo bomb' great shots by stepping in between the subject and the photographer.
There is less chance of that happening if you shoot very close with a wide angle. Also, you are more likely to get sharper images.
Seoul Lantern Parade.
One great way to get close to the action, yet slightly above the mass of humanity, is to carry a small, two-step ladder. After determining which side of the street offers the best lighting, find a spot where you can put your back to a telephone pole or wall. You'll have no problem with anyone
obstructing the view and will be able to shoot some fantastic close-up shots. While shooting crowds, if you stay in the same place for long enough, you will realize how much the scene in front of you keeps changing.
So get comfortable and wait. That is an excellent principle whenever you find a great shooting position.
Jogyesa.