On 15th September 2024, I embarked on an unforgettable experience at the Broom Factory, a venue brimming with aesthetic charm and pulsating energy. The story, however, began a week earlier, when my friend Manan casually asked, “Are you free on the 15th?” After confirming my college and work schedules, I gave him a resounding yes. Little did I know that this conversation would lead to a pivotal moment in my journey as an aspiring photographer.
I had recently purchased a DSLR to hone my photography skills. Manan, aware of my passion, proposed we freelance at a music concert at the Broom Factory. He took charge of contacting the event manager, and to our delight, the official event photographer graciously agreed to let us assist.
Armed with charged smartphones and our gear, we arrived at the venue. The media IDs handed to us felt surreal—our first professional tags! We met Virginia Maria Meeks, the Broom Factory’s in-house photographer, who generously shared her journey, tips, and passion for photography. Interestingly, she used a Nikon camera paired with a 50mm f/1.4 prime lens, commonly called a “nifty-fifty.” For those unfamiliar, this lens is prized for its ability to capture sharp images with creamy background bokeh, making it a go-to for portrait and event photography.
Virginia’s advice on settings—adjusting ISO, shutter speed, and aperture for concert lighting—was invaluable. As complete novices in event photography, we absorbed her insights like sponges.
The Broom Factory’s architecture was breathtaking—a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern aesthetics, making it an ideal hangout spot. The first artist, Abbie (find her on Instagram: @_voiceofabbie), took the stage with an enchanting mix of songs and heartwarming poetry. While struggling with overexposed photos initially, we quickly learned the importance of underexposing shots in high-contrast event lighting. We captured a few decent frames of Abbie and used the break to network with other photographers.
The second performance was by Luella, whose electrifying energy turned the venue into a powerhouse of sound and vibes. Following Virginia’s advice, we immersed ourselves in the moment, allowing the atmosphere to guide our creative instincts. This approach transformed our photography, and time flew as we captured the essence of Luella’s performance.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay for the third act, but the experience was profoundly enriching. On our way back, Manan and I reflected on the invaluable lessons we learned—not just about photography but also about the importance of having a positive, open mindset. A week later, we shared our photos with the artists, and to our surprise, Abbie featured them on her Instagram, tagging us. That recognition felt like a milestone—a small but significant first step in our freelance photography journey.
- Network and Learn: The photography community is welcoming and full of wisdom.
- Gear Isn’t Everything: Creativity and adaptability often outweigh fancy equipment.
- Immerse Yourself: Understanding the vibe of an event enhances your ability to capture authentic moments.
- Start Small: Every opportunity, no matter how small, contributes to your growth.
This experience was more than just capturing photos; it was about embracing challenges, learning, and connecting with passionate individuals. If you’re starting out in photography, I’d encourage you to seek out similar opportunities. You never know where they might lead!
