How to Look Great in Event Photos – Photographer’s Best Tips

Many people might feel nervous about event photos, and frankly, it is completely normal to feel a bit uneasy when a camera is around. I've photographed countless events, and I've learned that the best photos happen when people don't even notice they're being photographed.

Here are my personal tips to help you look and feel great in event photos – naturally, confidently, and effortlessly.

How I Work as an Event Photographer

During events, I move around, searching for genuine moments, real interactions, and authentic expressions. Great event photos aren't staged – they're captured spontaneously.

I often "wait" for the right moment: that spark in someone's eyes, a smile, a reaction. The most challenging moment is when someone notices the camera and stiffens up. That's why my number one tip is: don't notice the photographer. Just keep talking, laughing, and being present.

Your natural expression is almost always the best one – authenticity beats posing every time.

Photo Walls – Not Always the Best Spot

Photo walls can be fun and decorative, but they're not necessarily the best place for great professional photos. They often have tricky lighting, awkward angles, and stiff poses.

The best event photos come from real situations, not from standing against a wall. When you forget about the camera and focus on the moment, your photos will show genuine energy and warmth that can't be staged.

A Small but Useful Expression Tip

Here's a surprisingly practical little trick: your face changes with different sounds.
If you want a naturally pleasant expression, try silently saying "E" (like in "cheese" or "see"). It lifts your face and creates a gentle, relaxed smile.

Avoid round "O" sounds – they tend to tighten the mouth and jaw.
And most importantly: don't try too hard. The camera always favors a relaxed face over a forced smile.

Posed Photos at Events

Event photography also includes posed shots – and those can be wonderful, too. My one key piece of advice: listen to your photographer.

It's easy to get caught up in the buzz of an event, but pausing for a few seconds and following the photographer's direction makes a big difference. A small adjustment in your posture or angle can completely change the photo for the better.

Angles and Shared Responsibility

A good photo angle often comes from slightly to the side or while something natural is happening. If the photo is candid, I'll take care of finding the right angle – you don't need to worry about that.

Your main job is simply to stay natural. Keep chatting, laughing, and reacting like you normally would. When you're yourself, the photo will feel real.

If You Don't Want to Be Photographed

At public or corporate events, the organizer usually decides how the photos will be used, and participants are often informed that photography will take place.

Still, you always have the right to tell the photographer: "Please don't photograph me." I always respect that.

At private events like weddings, I never use images for marketing without explicit permission. Trust is the foundation of good photography – and something I value deeply.

Event photos are more than pictures; they're memories, emotions, and stories frozen in time. The best ones capture not just how things looked, but how they felt.