Photographing an event isn't about documenting who was there and what happened. It's about capturing the energy of the evening. If I'm honest, it's about making anyone who missed it regret not being there, and making sure they don't miss it next time.
I photographed Nocturnal Sun, Marin Waldorf School's annual Community Fund fundraiser at Rancho Nicasio. From setup and the first arrivals through the live auction and final performances. My job was to capture the people, music, and spontaneous moments that made the evening special and memorable.
I photographed with three Nikon bodies and three lenses, a 20mm, 50mm and 70–200mm, so I could move quickly between wide environmental photographs, candid moments, groups and close-up action. I photographed couples enjoying an opportunity to dress up and go out, friends sharing a drink, people dancing, and the little moments that made the evening feel like a celebration.
The changing light was part of the assignment. I photographed the first band, Zache Sharpe & the Bluegrass Trifecta, on the lawn in natural evening light. Later, Golden Bell Music performed indoors under stage lighting. I used both available light and flash to adapt to the changing conditions while keeping the photographs natural.
The resulting images aren't just a record of a successful fundraiser. They're photographs Marin Waldorf School can use throughout the year for social media, marketing, community communications, and promotion of next year's event.
And that's what I enjoy about event photography: creating photographs that don't simply document what happened, but help people remember what it felt like to be there.
“William captured the spirit of Nocturnal Sun beautifully. With so many moving pieces throughout the evening, he handled everything with great care and somehow captured the energy, joy, and heart of the event perfectly.”
— Elizabeth Irby, Marin Waldorf School parent and Nocturnal Sun organizer
