A Beginners Guide to Event Content

WHEN: Tuesday 4th August 2026 TIME: 1.30pm – 2.30pm WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City Whether you’re photographing a birthday party, charity fundraiser, community event, corporate function, or special celebration, capturing the energy and atmosphere of an event can feel overwhelming. Modern cameras offer an incredible range of features, but knowing which settings to use and when can make all the difference. Join Bruce Mitchell for this practical introduction to event photography and video, where he’ll show you how to confidently use your camera to create compelling images and videos without getting lost in menus, settings, or thousands of unnecessary files. Photography Essentials Bruce will cover: Choosing the right camera settings for events Autofocus modes and how to use them effectively Custom function buttons and camera setup Lens selection for different event situations Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Mode – when and why to use each Creating variety in your images while maintaining consistency Developing an efficient workflow to help you capture key moments without overshooting Video Production 101 Learn the fundamentals of event videography, including: The key differences between photography and video Framing and composition techniques that work across both mediums Understanding frame rates, aspect ratios, bit rates, and codecs How to think like a videographer while still capturing great photographs Building a simple and effective workflow for video production Planning for Success Bruce will also discuss one of the most important aspects of event coverage: planning your outcome and working backwards. Understanding the final deliverables before you start shooting can help you make better creative and technical decisions throughout the event. This session is ideal for beginners, enthusiasts, content creators, and photographers looking to expand their skills into video coverage. Bring your questions and discover how to confidently capture the moments that matter, whether through still images, video, or both. Photo Connect sessions are free to attend, however bookings are essential as spaces are limited.