After a break of many years, Morecambe Carnival returned to the town today. Having photographed it during my newspaper days, it was a nostalgic experience getting my vantage point and pointing the lens, although this time without the pressure of a newspaper deadline!

Leading the parade, Morecambe MC, Michael Glenn.

Filling the Prom at West End, Morecambe Carnival’s colourful parade.

When it comes to photographing an event like this, I don’t just point and shoot, I observe and think before hitting the shutter. Here’s some tips below…

Donald Duck greets the crowds.

• Find a good vantage point without obstructions.
• Preferably use a zoom lens (18-200mm is ideal).
• Set a fairly fast shutter speed.
• Consider  apeture (small ‘f stop’ to blur the background).
• Add emotion; look for good expressions.
• Look for anything particularly quirky/ unusual.
• Be bold; zoom in close on a face.
• If possible change angles/viewpoints.
• Think ‘variety’; wide/close, front/side/rear views of parade).
• Blur the background to make a face stand out.

Giant carnival puppets.

I try to make my photos ‘tell a story‘, so when I photograph an event, I look for something specific happening (eg a puppeteer playing to someone in the crowd).

Carnival colours.

Delightful; child blowing bubbles from one of the floats.

Keeping my eyes pealed, I search for something ‘special’. In newspaper-speak, I am wanting the images to highlight the best bits, so that it looks exciting!

Happy faces on a float.

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Young trumpeter watches his elder.

Moving music from the Queens Hotel float.

 

 

 

Ship ahoy!.. A lot of work goes into some floats.

 

 

 

 

The lady on the left in the photo below left, wasn’t adding to the occasion by holding a cigarette,  so I carefully edited it out. Photoshop saved the day! Having a keen eye is an advantage during and after the photography.

Well done to all who organised and took part in Morecambe Carnival. A great effort all round and glad to see it back.

 

I hope you have enjoyed my small selection of photos (and tips) from today’s carnival. Coming next is photos from my recent trip down to Devon, along with some suggestion on how to get the most of your holiday snaps…