What Every Proud Parent and Professional Needs to Know Before Snapping That Big Moment | Woodbury, MN Photographer

Banquet Season is Here! How to Capture the Best Photos + Videos on Your Phone

The springtime season brings all kinds of events worth celebrating — athletic & activities banquets for end of year celebrations, graduation ceremonies, professional awards events, and milestone moments for both kids and colleagues - and even for the special networking events. If you're anything like me, you want to be present for the moment and snag a few great memories in photographs and/or video to look back on later.

Cell phone technology has come a long ways, and they are capable of capturing really great imagery. This blog is going to hopefully help you capture great images of your own as you get invited to this banquet and that gala.

Even though I'm primarily a portrait photographer, I've learned a few smart tricks over the years that make a big difference when you're snapping candid photos with my cell phone at events. Whether you're capturing a proud stage moment or gathering friends together for a quick group shot, these little but impactful tips can help you freeze the moment — even if all you have is your cell phone in hand.

Here are some simple, effective tips to help you snag clear candids and meaningful group pics and still enjoy the event at the same time:

1. Use Burst Mode Intentionally for Candids

Instead of tapping the shutter over and over and ending up with blurry photos, press and hold the shutter button on your iPhone or Android to activate Burst Mode during action moments. Whether it's a standing ovation or your teen walking across the stage, burst mode will capture a series of photos in just seconds — allowing you to later select the one where everyone’s eyes are open and the movement looks natural.

Pro Tip: After the event, take five minutes to select the best image from each burst and delete the rest. Save your storage space and your sanity. (I’m telling you that as if I were a close friend concerned for your available storage. You catch my drift, right? ;-) )

2. Light is Everything — Chase It, Even Indoors

Phone cameras have come so far... but they're still picky about light. During indoor events, look for areas near windows, doorways, or even a soft overhead spotlight if you’re taking posed shots afterward.

Golden Rule: Face your subject toward the light instead of having the brightest light behind them. (Otherwise, you'll end up with silhouettes — or super grainy faces.) You don’t need pro lighting gear; you just need to be a little strategic with where you stand. And some of the venues have GORGEOUS lighting available - you just need to find it.

3. Lock Your Focus Before You Record or Snap

Most people don't realize their phones autofocus every time you move slightly — and at events, you're constantly shifting. Before taking a photo or video, tap and hold your finger on your subject (their face, ideally) until you see the little AE/AF LOCK pop up. This locks the exposure and focus, keeping your subject sharp even if you move a little.

Especially helpful if you’re zoomed in or your hands aren’t the steadiest (because real life isn’t a movie set, and that's okay).

4. Zoom With Your Feet, Not Your Fingers

I know it’s tempting to pinch-zoom during a ceremony... but resist if you can! Pinch-zooming lowers your image quality dramatically. Instead, physically move closer if it's allowed, or frame your shot a little wider and crop it later.

Remember: It’s better to have a crisp, slightly wider shot than a fuzzy, pixelated close-up.

5. After the Event: Keep Group Photos Simple and Close

When it’s time for those after-ceremony hugs and smiles, encourage people to get close. Like, awkwardly close. (Then everyone laughs and you get a natural smile anyway.) I’m not a fan of people putting arms around each other at shoulder height (especially if they are wearing a suit coat or a dress!) - but there’s ways to angle each person so they are intentionally engaged still, AND can make for a great portrait!

Frame tight: From about chest-up for small groups of 2–5 people. Don't try to photograph a giant group from across the room with a phone — instead, split into smaller groups so everyone’s faces can be seen clearly. Also, phones can pan out so efficiently that nobody in the frame needs to crouch or look like they’re ducking for cover!

One last thing, friend: PRINT A FEW OF THE IMAGES YOU TAKE!
While social media is great for sharing the moment, don’t let these memories live only in your feed! Save a few of your favorites and PRINT them. There are so many discount retailers that will print from your phone and still be frame-worthy! Put them on your desk. Send to your friends as surprise gifts. Stick them on your fridge. Pin it to your bulletin board. These everyday celebrations are so worth remembering in real life, too.

Before you hit record or snap that shot — take one quick second to check how you're holding your phone. It could make all the difference later!

Think About How You're Holding Your Phone
When you’re about to take a photo or video, take a half-second to think about where you want to share it and what you want to capture.

• For Reels, Stories, or TikTok videos: Hold your phone vertically (portrait mode). This fills the screen perfectly and feels more personal and dynamic for social media.

• For capturing more of the scene or a big group: Turn your phone horizontally (landscape mode). This way, you can fit more people, details, and atmosphere into your shot — and it also looks better if you ever want to print it or watch it back on a computer or TV screen.

• Go for the WOW factor: Want your photos or videos to have a little extra zing? Try flipping your phone upside down before you snap the shot for a few images — so the lens is closest to the ground.

  Holding your phone this way can instantly change your perspective, making your subject feel more powerful, dynamic, and a little larger-than-life. It's a simple trick that can turn an ordinary moment into something that feels more intentional and artistic — especially during candid group shots or those proud stage walks.

  (Bonus: It’s also a fun way to get creative without needing fancy gear!)

Tiny adjustments — but it makes a huge difference in how your memories feel later!

While I’m not primarily an event photographer, I’m certain these event photography candid tips will make a huge difference in how you capture your events! And if you want something truly timeless to celebrate a milestone, you know where to find me. I really enjoy helping people tell their stories through powerful imagery — both during life’s big moments and the everyday magic in between.

Enjoy every second of your spring season!

Fondly,
Monda the Photographer