The A. Fantis School of Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral organizes every year a Breakfast with Santa. The school invited me this year as well to photograph the students and capture joyful moments. Photographing a school event is a great opportunity to show how children interact when they approach Santa. In my photography career I have photographed a number of events for the Millbrook school.
As an event photographer specializing in photojournalism, I aim to show people’s feelings and reactions. I try to be unobtrusive in order to be able to capture authentic moments. I don’t want the guests to notice my presence, change their facial expression and look at the camera. For such events I work with two camera bodies and two to three prime lenses. Sometimes the longer focal length is a normal 50mm 1.2 lens. Other times I feel that I have to maintain more distance. In such a case I use an 85mm 1.4 lens.
Key moments to capture
a) Atmosphere and decor
I capture wide shots of the room, decorations, banners, and other details to set the scene.
b) Speakers
I document the key figure performing for the children.
c) Audience reactions
I show the students’ energy, including applause, laughter, and engaged expressions.
d) Candid moments
I photograph parents interacting naturally with friends and cheering.
Important techniques
a) Framing
I use creative angles to frame the subjects, such as shooting through foreground elements (e.g., balloons, crowds).
b) Depth of Field
I use a wider aperture (e.g., f/1.2–f/1.4) to isolate subjects and create a soft background.
c) Action Shots
As I use only available light my shutter speed is faster (e.g., 1/400 or higher) for active moments.
d) Group Photos
I bring two light stands with soft boxes to light the group appropriately.
e) Lighting
I avoid harsh flash that might distract or discomfort young students.
Photographing a school event requires careful preparation and a respectful approach to capture meaningful moments while adhering to privacy and logistical considerations.
