Understanding Light and Setting
Golden hour, that magical time right after sunrise or before sunset, offers soft, warm light that's flattering for almost everyone. San Antonio photographers know the golden hour's allure well, especially for outdoor weddings or family reunions. But what about events that stretch beyond these picturesque moments?
Midday sun can be fierce, casting harsh shadows and overly bright highlights. But skilled photographers can transform those intense rays into assets, using diffusers and strategic positioning. They angle shots to avoid squinting subjects and unflattering shadows, turning a lighting challenge into evocative, dynamic captures.
Cloudy days shouldn't be seen as a setback either. Overcast skies diffuse sunlight naturally, creating even lighting that eliminates harsh shadows. It's perfect for capturing fine details, like intricate costumes at a cosplay gathering or a detailed festival setup. Outdoor concerts, however, might require advanced techniques to adapt to dramatically changing light conditions.
San Antonio's Fiesta is another example where mastering light is key. Photographers need to handle a mix of parade floats under direct sun and shaded street corners. Fiery noon sunlight contrasts with evening twilight, so photographers must toggle their gear and tactics accordingly. The same goes for sporting events like the Alpha Pi Zeta Fiesta Track Meet, where action shots require vigilance and flexibility as the lighting evolves.
Understanding the setting is just as crucial as wrangling the light. The rustic walls of the McNay Art Museum or the lush greenery of the San Antonio River Walk set diverse visual tones, each demanding a distinct approach. An experienced photographer makes the unique aspects of each backdrop work to the event's advantage, whether it's architectural lines providing dramatic frames or natural surroundings adding a soft touch.
Advanced techniques come into play with artificial lighting integration, too. Balancing artificial light sources with natural light can elevate a shot from good to extraordinary, which is common at evening gatherings where string lights or spotlights come out as the sun dips. Concerts at venues like the Sunken Garden Theater blend natural scenery with controlled lighting setups, creating a visual feast that demands both creativity and technical skill.
Photographers' nimbleness in shifting settings—from wide-open spaces at the First Tee Invitational Golf Tournament to more confined areas during a community wellness fair at Mission County Park—illustrates their adaptability and speed. It's these real-time adaptations that truly capture the spirit and energy of San Antonio's diverse events.
Above all, it's about planning and preparation. Knowing the schedule, scouting the location beforehand, and having a flexible gear setup ensure that when the moment comes, every significant event in San Antonio will be immortalized in its best light.

Top San Antonio Event Photographers
San Antonio is home to an array of talented event photographers, each bringing their unique style and perspective to the table. These professionals capture the essence of the city's vibrant events, memorializing moments that range from grand fiestas to intimate gatherings.
Vanessa Velazquez is one such standout. Her work is defined by strong, bold compositions that draw the eye with creative framing and deliberate depth of field. Her portfolio spans event photography, portraits, and product shots, showcasing her versatility. Clients like MTV and UPS have turned to her for her ability to blend technical skill with artistic vision.
Kody Melton, a San Antonio native, is characterized by a palpable love for his subjects—whether it's food and cocktails at upscale events or the candid moments that define a party. His immersive approach ensures he captures authentic, vibrant shots that tell the story behind the celebration. His knack for food photography comes from a careful attention to light and texture.
B. Kay Richter brings her journalistic background to her event photography, ensuring each shot is a documentary-style capture of the people, place, and energy of the event. Her work for the San Antonio Express-News and various local publications has made her an integral storyteller of the city's dynamic culture.
Josephine "Josie" Norris adds an artistic flair to her event photography. Currently working for the San Antonio Express-News while finishing her studies in photojournalism, Norris has interned with prestigious publications like the San Francisco Chronicle and The Tennessean. Her award-winning work captures moments with a sense of style and contrast that makes viewers feel the emotion as well as see it.
Regan Elizabeth Perez of Elizabeth Rey Photography mixes her corporate background and passion for the art form to produce candid, yet thoughtfully composed event photos. Perez focuses on the people in the events she covers, ensuring each photograph captures genuine and engaging moments. Her use of creative color correction and stylistic touches adds a unique vibrancy to her work.
Steve Byrd is another versatile San Antonio event photographer, proficient in capturing everything from weddings and corporate functions to sports events. His portfolio includes work for significant clients like the US National Swim Team and the Kansas City Chiefs, showcasing his ability to adapt his style to suit various types of events. Byrd's photos are dynamic, capturing the motion and emotion of each moment.
Alex Garcia of ATG Photography seamlessly blends his love for travel, family, and photography, bringing a fresh perspective to every shoot. As a board member of the Austin/San Antonio chapter of ASMP, Garcia has worked with high-profile clients like the NBA Hall of Fame and IKEA. His strength lies in his adaptability, ensuring that no matter the venue or lighting condition, he can deliver exceptional results that fit his clients' needs.
These photographers' unique approaches to capturing San Antonio's events exemplify why they are considered among the best in their field. Their work documents and celebrates the dynamic spirit of San Antonio, ensuring that each event is remembered in the most captivating way possible.

Key Locations for Outdoor Photography
San Antonio offers a myriad of locations that serve as stunning backdrops for outdoor event photography. Each spot presents unique opportunities for photographers to capture the essence of events, providing a blend of natural and architectural beauty.
The McNay Art Museum grounds stand out as a premier choice. The museum's expansive 25-acre campus is a visual treasure trove with its lush gardens, grandiose staircases, and picturesque courtyards. The intricate detailing in the architecture and the carefully manicured lawns create a serene and elegant atmosphere. Logistics here are crucial:
- Photographers need to secure a photography pass in advance, which can be purchased online.
- It's important to note that the McNay prioritizes scheduled museum events, so checking the event calendar before planning a shoot is recommended.
Fiesta, San Antonio's vibrant annual festival, also doubles as a splendid location. From parades to street fairs, each event within Fiesta is steeped in rich culture and exuberance. The explosion of colors, enthusiastic crowds, and elaborately designed floats offer a dynamic environment for photographers. Capturing the parade floats under the midday sun or the nocturnal glow of evening celebrations presents different lighting challenges, but the energy of Fiesta makes each shot come alive. To manage the crowds, early arrival and planning specific vantage points can help in seizing those perfect moments.
Another key location is the San Antonio River Walk, a verdant urban oasis that winds through the city's heart. The River Walk's lush greenery and flowing water provide a serene, picturesque setting perfect for a variety of events. Photographers can take advantage of the natural light filtering through the canopy of trees lining the banks, as well as the soft reflections off the water, to create dreamy, tranquil images. Logistically, photographers might need to scout for less crowded spots or off-peak hours to capture the River Walk's beauty unobstructed.
The Alamo, a historic symbol of San Antonio, offers another remarkable setting. Its iconic facade and the surrounding gardens lend a dignified and monumental backdrop to any event. The venue is especially conducive for capturing moments steeped in history and cultural significance. Early morning or late afternoon light can best highlight the textures and colors of the stone, adding depth to the photographs.
Sports events, like those at the Alpha Pi Zeta Fiesta Track Meet or the First Tee Invitational Golf Tournament, also present ample opportunities for outdoor photography. The open fields and extensive tracks provide a natural stage for action shots, while the changing light throughout the day adds an element of unpredictability that seasoned photographers can skillfully handle.
Public parks, such as Mission County Park, frequently host community wellness fairs, fitness events, and casual gatherings that offer relaxed and approachable settings for photography. The wide-open spaces, combined with a diversity of plants and landscape features, provide flexibility in framing and composition. For events like the Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta, photographers can capture participants kayaking or enjoying other waterfront activities, beautifully framed against the natural scenery. It's crucial to plan shots to accommodate shifting light conditions and varying activity levels throughout the park.
Finally, the Sunken Garden Theater creates a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural interest for concert photography. Set within an old limestone quarry, the amphitheater's rugged backdrop and tiered seating area provide ample opportunities for capturing performers and audiences in an engaging, visually compelling manner. The juxtaposition of the stage lighting against the natural rock formations can make for striking, memorable photographs.
In essence, San Antonio's diverse locations offer endless possibilities for outdoor event photography. Each site's inherent charm and logistical considerations ensure that photographers can continually create visually captivating and authentic depictions of events, enriching San Antonio's cultural narrative.

Event-Specific Photography Tips
Sporting Events:
Photographing sporting events like the Alpha Pi Zeta Fiesta Track Meet or the First Tee Invitational Golf Tournament demands agility, anticipation, and precision.
- Fast Shutter Speeds: Use a higher shutter speed (1/500 sec or faster) to freeze motion. This is especially crucial for capturing athletes in mid-air or at the peak of their action, such as a sprinter crossing the finish line or a golfer in full swing.
- Continuous Shooting Mode: Enable burst mode to take multiple shots in quick succession. This increases your chances of capturing the perfect moment, whether it's a golfer's swing or a runner's intense expression of determination.
- Autofocus Tracking: Set your camera to continuous autofocus (AI Servo or AF-C) to keep moving subjects in sharp focus. Sports photography often involves unpredictable and fast-paced action where manual adjustments can slow you down.
- Panning Techniques: For dynamic shots, use panning by following the movement of your subject with a slower shutter speed (around 1/30 to 1/60 sec). This keeps your subject sharp while creating a motion blur effect in the background, adding a sense of speed and excitement.
Concerts:
Outdoor concerts, like those at the Sunken Garden Theater, present distinct challenges, including varying light conditions and the need to capture both the performers and the audience.
- Low Light Capability: Invest in lenses with wide apertures (f/2.8 or larger) to allow more light into the camera. This helps maintain fast shutter speeds even in dim light conditions, preserving image quality without raising ISO too much.
- Manual Exposure Mode: Nighttime concerts often have spotlights and stage lighting that can quickly change. Using manual mode gives you control over exposure settings, preventing inconsistent shots from fluctuating light sources.
- High ISO Performance: Be prepared to use higher ISO settings, balancing the need for light sensitivity with the need to minimize noise. Modern cameras can handle ISO 3200 or higher with acceptable noise levels, making them great for concert photography.
- Capture Atmosphere: Don't just focus on the performers. Turn the camera towards the audience to capture their reactions, the energy, and the ambiance. Wide-angle shots of the crowd under colorful stage lights can make for engaging and immersive images.
Festivals:
Festivals like the vibrant Fiesta or the Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta offer photographers a wealth of opportunities. Each event bursts with colors, movements, and diverse subjects.
- Wide and Zoom Lenses: Carry both wide-angle and zoom lenses. Wide lenses capture the scale and atmosphere of large crowds, while zoom lenses help you isolate details without getting too close, preserving candid moments.
- Dynamic Compositions: Festivals are visually rich environments. Look for leading lines, repeating patterns, and interesting angles to create dynamic compositions. Utilize the vibrant costumes, colorful floats, and enthusiastic faces to fill your frame with energy.
- Shoot in RAW: Festivals can have mixed lighting, from natural daylight to artificial nighttime lighting. Shooting in RAW allows for greater flexibility in post-processing, making it easier to correct white balance, exposure, and colors.1
- Engage with Subjects: Festivals like Fiesta are proud of their cultural heritage. Build rapport with participants to capture authentic expressions. A simple smile or nod can go a long way in making subjects feel comfortable, resulting in more genuine and compelling shots.
- Timing is Key: Synchronize with the event schedule. Know when key moments like the start of the parade, musical performances, or special acts are happening. Being in the right place at the right time can make all the difference in capturing important and impactful shots.

Gear and Equipment Recommendations
Having the right gear is essential for capturing high-quality images at San Antonio's diverse outdoor events. Here's a look at the types of equipment best suited for event photography.
Cameras:
- Full-Frame DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras:
- Canon EOS R5: Known for its 45-megapixel full-frame sensor and excellent low-light performance, the EOS R5 is a powerhouse for event photography. It also features impressive autofocus capabilities, crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects.
- Nikon Z6 II: With its 24.5-megapixel sensor and versatile video capabilities, the Z6 II is a well-rounded option. It excels in low light and offers strong autofocus performance.
- Sony Alpha a7 III: This mirrorless favorite offers a 24.2-megapixel sensor and exceptional ISO range, making it perfect for varying light conditions. Its long battery life and weather sealing are added bonuses for unpredictable outdoor events.
Lenses:
A versatile lens kit is crucial for covering different types of events and subjects, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed close-ups.
- Wide-Angle Lenses:
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM: Ideal for capturing large crowds and expansive venues, this lens offers sharp images and a fast aperture, perfect for low-light situations like evening concerts.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S: With excellent resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness, this lens is great for wide scenes and environmental portraits at events like parades or festivals.
- Standard Zoom Lenses:
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM: Known for its dynamic range and fast aperture, this lens is versatile enough to handle everything from wide shots to portraits, making it an excellent all-purpose lens for event photography.
- Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2: Compatible with various camera brands, this lens offers high performance and built-in vibration control, useful for handheld shooting in active settings.
- Telephoto Lenses:
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM: A staple for event photographers, this lens allows you to capture candid moments from a distance and excellent for sports or concerts.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR: With its superior image stabilization and fast aperture, this lens is ideal for action shots and close-ups at events where you need to maintain a distance.
Accessories:
The right accessories can dramatically enhance your shooting experience, helping you adapt to challenging conditions and ensuring your gear is protected.
- Tripods and Monopods:
- Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod: Lightweight and compact, this tripod is great for stabilizing your camera during long exposures or video recording, especially in crowded or busy event spaces.
- Sirui P-326 Carbon Fiber Monopod: Ideal for sports events or street photography where mobility is crucial, this monopod provides stability without the bulk of a tripod.
- Flashes and Lighting:
- Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT: A powerful wireless flash that's perfect for low-light conditions and creative lighting setups. It works well in sync with other flashes for more complex lighting scenarios.2
- Godox V1: This flash is compatible with various camera brands, offering versatile light shaping capabilities with its round head design, which mimics natural light better than traditional flash heads.
- Modifiers and Diffusers:
- Rogue FlashBender: A versatile light modifier that can be shaped to direct and diffuse flash light, it's compact and easy to carry, making it perfect for on-the-go event photography.
- Gary Fong Lightsphere: Ideal for softening harsh flash light, this diffuser helps achieve a professional look with more natural and flattering lighting.
- Filters:
- B+W Circular Polarizer Filter: Essential for outdoor shots, this filter reduces reflections and glare from surfaces like water or glass, and enhances color contrast for vivid landscapes and skies.
- Tiffen ND Filters: Neutral Density (ND) filters are invaluable for controlling exposure in bright environments, allowing you to use wider apertures or slower shutter speeds for creative effects.3
- Camera Bags:
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack: Engineered for photographers, this bag offers customizable compartments, easy access, and weatherproof materials to protect your gear in any condition.
- Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II: Providing hard-shell protection with modular interiors, this backpack is rugged and versatile, ideal for the varied terrains and settings of outdoor events.
- Additional Tools:
- Portable Reflectors: Collapsible reflectors, like the Neewer 5-in-1, are perfect for manipulating natural light and filling in shadows, enhancing portrait and detail shots.
- Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Always carry spare batteries and high-capacity, high-speed memory cards like the SanDisk Extreme Pro. These ensure uninterrupted shooting during lengthy events.

Mastering the interplay of light and setting is essential for capturing San Antonio's vibrant events. By understanding the nuances of natural and artificial lighting, photographers can create evocative images that truly reflect the spirit of each occasion. With the right techniques and gear, you'll be well-equipped to freeze those decisive moments that define the city's colorful celebrations. Embrace the challenge, immerse yourself in the festivities, and let your lens tell the stories that make San Antonio's events so unforgettable.








