Shooting a top Bay Area media event for our new client Chase Bank - Warriors Stadium Groundbreaking

Photographing media events isn't easy peasy. In fact all events are quite challenging.  LET ME EXPLAIN:  It’s an uncontrolled environment.  Meaning I, the photographer, cannot set up a shot in an area dedicated to my control.  There are no expectations, only crossed fingers.  I have to work with what the universe gives me.  And in the case of a media event with a mixture of civilians and talent or politicians or celebrities there is so much unknown.  AKA it’s bat shit crazy.

Luckily Chase and other many many talented teams of producers, event staff, lighting technicians, security and many more put on one HELL of a media event Tuesday at the ground breaking for what will be the Warriors new home stadium.  We’re talking Kevin Durant star struck, crazy dressed up fans, the San Francisco Mayor, it was full of strong characters and personalities.  And although I had a shot list, and didn’t check all the boxes, I produced a reel of photos the Chase social team was excited about.  The bonus of working with the unknown is you may not get the shots you planned for, but you will, if you’re savvy enough, get the surprised unplanned ringer shots.  

Events have a schedule but people do not.  Part of what makes the difference between a seasoned event or media photographer and a newbie is their ability to calmly:

• Interact with guests and get meaningful shots.
  
• Be watchful of a shot list yet build one on the go.  Meaning think and create on their feet.  Then have the confidence to take the improvised shot.
• Proof, edit and deliver brand ready image assets beneficial to the client’s quick needs.  AKA social media or press delivery.

At Battle Cry, I make sure myself or my other kick ass band of photogs are prepared to the max and can react quickly to your event surroundings while remaining graceful.  See my photos below which were used for Chase's: social media platforms Instagram and Facebook, a review deck of the event and for future web site or Chase brand collateral. Shout out to Katie and Mike, team members of Chase who were instrumental in making those images happen.