I’ve done a few film festivals over the years, and I’ve been asked what it’s like working at an event. So today I thought I’d bring you some insights into what it’s like for me to work at a film festival or similar event.
First, a little bit of history. I started Blazing Minds 18 years ago, after winning an award in 2015. I started getting more invites to events, which I loved doing. Eventually, I moved on to doing my own photography at events/festivals with my trusty Nikon D3100. I’ve not long upgraded to a Sony A7 Mk IV, which I absolutely love using.
Shooting at events is lots of fun but very hard work; it’s thanks to Sci-Fi Weekender that I’ve had so much practice shooting not only the crowds and guests, but also the chance to shoot on and off the stage with many acts.
I’ve had the chance to work on the stage at other events over the years, including Bangor Pride.
Shooting/Covering a Film Festival
Much like stage events, Film Festivals can certainly be extremely busy, and you arrive in the morning, set up all the gear you need and start to mingle.
Being at a film festival is not just about taking photos or chatting to guests; it’s also about trying to get as much coverage as you can. You do get a lot of time sitting through films and Q&As, plus documentary-style photographs to get as much info to write about, as well as trying to get photos of the Q&As for your own website, and for the organisers to share on their social media and website.
With most Film Festivals, you also have an awards evening, these can be very busy for a photographer, and you end up shooting lots of photos of guests walking the red carpet, as well as shots of people accepting awards and then again with them with their awards in front of a sponsor’s wall on the red carpet. If anyone tells you it’s all easy and you’re just taking photos, don’t listen to them.
You can be on your feet all day to get as much coverage as you can. Once the day ends, it’s time for photo editing, and that’s a long process to get the photos that look the best.
I usually use about 10% of the photos I take at an event. I’m very grateful to all the organisers who ask me to the events and for the appreciation I get for the work and time I put in, it’s the thanks that really make me want to go back and work with them over and over again.
I’ve worked with and photographed some amazing people over the years and got to know many of the celebrities to be able to shoot them with ease and to casually chat with them when I see them again. It’s a wonderful experience to have.
Film Festivals in 2026
This year, so far, I have been in my third year with the Sykehouse Film Festival team in Doncaster, and it was another great chance to meet filmmakers and authors who attended the event. I’m also getting ready for some horror fun with the fourth Rhyller Thriller, which will be delighting horror fans in Rhyl, North Wales, in July. I’ll hopefully be bringing you some behind-the-scenes and more during upcoming shows/events, so don’t forget to subscribe. Thank you, everyone.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.