Today, as a photographer in Dresden, I’m heading to Leipzig. Two days ago, a short-notice request came in for an event reportage at the German Museum of Books and Writing of the German National Library. The appointment is today at 5:30 pm. So, pack the camera and off we go!
My packing list for the event reportage
As you may already know from my other blog posts, my packing list is usually pretty similar. By now I’ve found the combination that works well for me in reportage photography. First in the bag is my 16mm lens from Viltrox. In the pictures I looked at in advance, the building looks really interesting. That’s why I absolutely want to photograph it from the outside.
After that, I rely on my prime lenses: 35mm, 85mm and 135mm. A 70–200mm deliberately stays at home today. At indoor events in particular, I want to be as fast as possible. With apertures from f/1.4 to f/1.8, I simply have more room to maneuver when the light gets scarce later in the evening.
Working discreetly, staying close
In my reportage photography, I want to work as discreetly as possible. I don’t want to constantly stick my camera in people’s faces, but photograph them in natural situations. With the 85 and the 135, I can keep my distance and still be close. Because as soon as people notice they’re being photographed, their behavior often changes. That’s exactly what I want to avoid as far as possible.
A small on-camera flash is still in the bag. It stays on the camera and comes into play when I need extra light. I’ve also packed a few filters and a small piece of glass. I like to experiment with them when I want to give my pictures a special look through reflections or a foreground I create myself.
Preparation is half the battle
What should go without saying before every event: charge the batteries, check the memory cards and check the gear. Sounds trivial, but it matters. After all, on site I want to concentrate on the people and the pictures.
Now I’m looking forward to the event in Leipzig. My goal is an authentic reportage with real encounters and unposed moments. The finished pictures should be with the client tomorrow morning. Maybe I’ll even manage to show a few first pictures tonight.
Here we go. The camera is packed – and the pictures will follow later!
Update: You can now find the pictures from the evening in the project The Only Material – German Museum of Books and Writing, Leipzig.