Porta Jersey City Event Photography Wedding Celebration

Beyond its delectable wood-fired pizzas and Italian-inspired menu, Porta in Jersey City is the ideal canvas for capturing cherished moments. This trendy hotspot in New Jersey, which frequently hosts private events, boasts a vibrant atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors alike. It was in this lively setting that I got to capture a wonderful gathering of family and friends celebrating Morgan and Ben!

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you decide to buy (at no additional cost to you)

The Power of Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Real quick, let’s talk about the invaluable role that word-of-mouth referrals play in the world of photography. This event photoshoot was made possible through a referral from a previous satisfied client. Let this serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing your work online and nurturing positive relationships with your clients. Satisfied customers not only become your most significant advocates but also open doors to exciting opportunities like this one!

The Gear that Shone Bright

Having portable gear is an absolute must. Besides my camera and lenses, an additional accessory I bring with me to events, especially indoors, is my Godox TT685S flash. It’s a great budget-friendly starter hot-shoe flash. Many wedding and event photographers will do off-camera flash by leaving the strobe light on a tripod in the corner of a room. To do that, using a transmitter is required. I started incorporating off-camera flash but preferred the look when the flash was on my camera.

With full support for Sony ADI / P-TTL and a built-in 2.4 GHz radio system, the Godox TT685S II flash offers an array of features that can cover most events.

Key Features:

• Impressive Guide Number: The flash boasts a substantial guide number of 197′ at ISO 100, making it more than capable of illuminating even the largest event spaces.
• Zoom Range: With a zoom range of 20-200mm, this flash allows you to adjust the spread of light according to your needs, whether you’re capturing wide-angle shots of the entire event or focusing on close-up details.
• Wireless Master/Slave Functionality: The TT685S II operates as a full wireless master or slave unit. This feature enables you to set up complex lighting setups easily, adding depth and drama to your event photos.
• Versatile Angles: The flash’s ability to tilt from -7 to 120° and rotate 330° provides the flexibility to experiment with various flash angles.
• TCM Function: One of the standout features is the TTL Converted to Manual (TCM) function. This innovative addition allows photographers to instantly switch from TTL to manual mode, helping lock in the perfect exposure value. It’s a valuable tool for swiftly determining the ideal settings for external flash units in manual mode.
• User-Friendly Interface: An easy-to-read rear LCD panel makes adjusting flash settings a breeze, even in dimly lit environments.
• Wired Connectivity: For those times when wireless connectivity isn’t an option, the flash includes a 2.5mm sync port for basic wired connectivity.

One caveat I noticed though, TTL seems to have a lag, so I pretty much only shoot in manual mode for both hot-shoe and off-camera with this flash.

Tips and Tricks for Photographing an Indoor Event

Let’s briefly dive into some tips for capturing the magic of an indoor event with a singular hot-shoe flash.

• Experiment with your hot-shoe flash before the event to understand its capabilities fully. Play around with flash power, zoom settings, and angles to create various lighting effects.
• Indoor events often have low ceilings, making it perfect for bounce flash. Use walls and ceilings to bounce the flash’s light, creating soft and flattering illumination.
• Capture candid moments that reflect the genuine emotions of the event. Keep your camera ready, and be on the lookout for those heartfelt interactions.
• Don’t forget to capture the finer details—the decor, the food, and the little touches that make the event unique. These shots add depth to event photography and help tell the story!
• Interact with the event attendees to put them at ease. When people are comfortable with your presence, you can capture more authentic and relaxed expressions.
• Always have backup camera equipment on hand such as extra batteries. Murphy’s Law loves photography, so be prepared for any unforeseen technical glitches.

Capturing the essence of an indoor event requires a blend of technical skill and an artistic eye. Armed with the right gear, an understanding of your surroundings, and a passion for storytelling, anyone can create memorable images that will be cherished by clients.

To keep up to date with everything I share, follow along on my social media and read up on what camera gear I use when I photograph events like wedding parties.