There's really no other way to describe it. This is an in-depth learning session and information download dedicated to get you ready for your time on the Photo Crew. It covers:
Overview of the Photo Crew and its leaders
All the things you need to do to be ready for your first assignments
Crew Dos and Don'ts during SXSW
Review of the training program and available workshops, coaching sessions and meetups
Photography expectations, strategies, and changes for this year
Rules and instructions for turning in photos including folder organization, file naming conventions and metadata
Additional details, links and location will be sent to you via email. You'll also receive the presentation materials in advance so you can be ready with questions during the Q&A period.
Did you know there are at least 12 kinds of programming events and over 20 different atmosphere concepts to cover at SXSW, each with their own set of instructions and unique shot lists?
Good thing we've documented each of them extensively on the How to Photograph SXSW site.
Programming photography how-tos cover:
Conference Sessions, Speaker Photo Ops, Film Premiere Photo Ops, Film Premiere Q&As, Film Fest Shorts Program, Music Showcases, Comedy Showcases, Meet Ups, Mentor Sessions, Pitch Competitions, Awards Show Ceremony, Awards Show Winners
Atmosphere concepts include:
Multiple facets of the SXSW Attendee Experience, Audience Behaviors, Branding and Marketing, Textural/Details, Participant and Attendee POV, Networking, Technology, Hotel and Transportation, Moments unique to SXSW, Music Festival atmosphere, Film Festival atmosphere, Art Installations, Mobile Apps, “Behind the Scenes”
While very specific to SXSW, this series is one of the most extensive and varied sets of training materials created for event photography.
The SXSW Photo Crew prides itself on being a learning lab for photographers of different skill levels. In addition to the training discussions during the pre-event Orientation Training and all the training content you have access to, you have the opportunity to attend focused, skill-boosting workshops during SXSW that apply specifically to the kinds of assignments you will cover. These are led by veteran crew member and Crew Chief, Benedict Jones, who is joined by a select group of mentors, crew members and special guests, all of whom have vast experience in the subject they’re covering.
Date (time): Wednesday, March 5 (12:00 - 1:30 PM central) - virtual online session
Friday, March 7 (10:00 - 11:30 AM)
Type: Photo Crew Workshop
Level: Beginner
Leader(s): Benedict Jones - Crew Chief / Jim Antich - Crew Chief
Location: Meet outside Photo Crew HQ
This is a special workshop for all NEW crew members, and those who would like a refresher. The first half of this workshop will include an in-depth conversation about shooting step-and-repeats, film Q&As, comedy, and conference content. In the second half, you’ll break out your camera gear and practice shooting everything we discussed. There will be time for Q&A and review of your work. Expect to be challenged (a little), but mostly expect to have fun as you begin your SXSW experience.
Date (time): Sunday, March 9 (10:00 - 11:30 AM)
Type: Photo Crew Workshop
Level: Beginner
Leader(s): Benedict Jones - Crew Chief / Jim Antich - Crew Chief
Location: Meet outside Photo Crew HQ
This is a special workshop for all NEW crew members, and those who would like a refresher. The first half of this workshop will include an in-depth discussion about working your music assignments, including pit etiquette, tips and tricks for getting the best shots, and valuable insight from veteran crew members. In the second half, we will have a mock “pit” setup and simulate some of the challenges you will encounter in real-life when out in the field.
Date (time): Tuesday, March 11 (10:00 - 11:30 AM)
Type: Skills Workshop
Level: Intermediate
Leader(s): Chris Saucedo - Getty Team / Shannon Johnston - Photo Crew
Location: Meet outside Photo Crew HQ
This workshop will take the group to two locations downtown to practice your low light photography. You will be pushing your ISO, adjusting your white balance, shooting at low shutter speeds and wide-open apertures, and playing with the differences between manual and auto flash settings. You will also have access to a variety of flash modifiers to see how each works and discover which ones you prefer. By the end, you’ll have some iconic shots with each other and downtown Austin.
ATMOSPHERE: CAPTURING THE MAGIC
Date (time): Monday, March 10 (10:00 - 11:30 AM)
Type: Skills Workshop
Level: Intermediate
Leader(s): Tico Mendoza - Atmosphere Team
Location: Meet outside Photo Crew HQ
Want your atmosphere shots picked up by SXSW? Let long-time Photo Crew member, Tico Mendoza, show you how it’s done. As a member of the SXSW atmosphere crew (and a world traveler), Tico is a master at not just finding, but CREATING magic moments. He is a gifted visual storyteller and his warm personality instantly makes his subjects comfortable. Join him as he takes us on a walk through the festival to share how he approaches an assignment, works with his subjects, and creates images that evoke joy and energy. He’ll discuss what he looks for in framing his shot and how to make approaching complete strangers a fun experience.
MUSIC: IMAGES THAT ROCK!
Date (time): Monday, March 10 (10:00 - 11:30 AM)
Wednesday, March 12 (1:00 - 2:30 PM)
Type: Skills Workshop
Level: Intermediate
Leader(s): Adam Kissick - Getty Team / Shannon Johnston - Photo Crew
Location: Meet outside Photo Crew HQ
Ready to rock your concert photography game? Join us for the ultimate hands-on music photography experience! This isn't your typical workshop - you'll be right in the action, shooting shoulder-to-shoulder with a master of the craft at a live SXSW stage. Watch how a professional works their camera magic, feels the rhythm of performers, and captures those iconic music moments that tell the whole story. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting your concert photography journey, you'll discover the secrets behind getting "the shot" from someone who lives and breathes music photography. Warning: their passion for photography is seriously contagious - you might just leave this session with a new superpower and a serious case of inspiration! (No wonder photographers keep coming back year after year for another dose of this magic!)
LIGHTROOM: EDITING FOR SKIN TONE
Date (time): Thursday, March 13 (4:00 - 5:30 PM)
Type: Skills Workshop
Level: Intermediate
Leader(s): Michael Pliskin - Photo Crew
Location: Meet outside Photo Crew HQ
Tired of your subjects looking more Martian than human? Master the art of rescuing skin tones from the attack of rogue color casts! In this essential workshop, we'll tackle one of photography's trickiest challenges: keeping people looking like people, even when they're bathed in SXSW's technicolor light show. From conquering magenta mayhem to battling blue-light battles, learn the Lightroom techniques that'll transform your purple people back to their earthly glory. Whether you're dealing with moody venue lighting or full-on color chaos, we'll show you how to make skin tones sing while keeping the vibrant atmosphere alive. Because let's face it: the only aliens at SXSW should be in the sci-fi films, not your photos!
ADVANCED SKILLS: GETTING IT RIGHT IN CAMERA
Date (time): Tuesday, March 11 (2:00 - 3:30 PM)
Type: Skills Workshop
Level: Advanced
Leader(s): Amanda Stronza - Getty Team
Location: Meet outside Photo Crew HQ
Want to spend less time editing and more time shooting? Join our veteran pro as they spill their secrets for nailing the perfect shot straight out of camera! From smart camera setups to JPG mastery (yes, you read that right!), discover why 'fix it in post' doesn't have to be your mantra. Whether you're dreaming of wire service glory or just want to deliver social media gold without the editing marathon, this advanced workshop is your fast track to pro-level efficiency. We'll dive into the good stuff: back-button focus magic, metering mode mysteries, custom white balance wizardry, and flash mastery that'll make your shots sing. Come learn why the pros do what they do, and transform your workflow from 'post-heavy' to 'picture-perfect'!
STRATEGY: STAYING ORGANIZED AND POST-FEST PLANNING
Date (time): Tuesday, March 11 (4:00 - 5:30 PM)
Type: Skills Workshop
Level: Intermediate
Leader(s): Andy Wenstrand - Getty Team
Location: Meet outside Photo Crew HQ
Drowning in details? Let's turn chaos into calm! Join one of our seasoned SXSW photographers as he reveals his battle-tested secrets for staying organized in the festival frenzy. From managing multiple assignments to keeping your gear (and sanity) intact, discover practical tips and tricks that'll transform your festival experience from frazzled to focused. Whether you're a planning pro or your current system is 'wing it and hope,' this workshop will help you craft a personalized approach to tackling SXSW like a boss. Because when your day runs smoothly, your creativity can run wild!
ASPIRE: HOW TO KEEP WORKING BEYOND SXSW
Date (time): Thursday, March 13 (1:00 - 2:30 PM)
Saturday, March 15 (1:00 - 2:30 PM)
Type: Special Topic Workshop
Level: Intermediate
Leader(s): Miguel Esparza - Photo Crew / Travis Ball - Getty Team
Location: Meet outside Photo Crew HQ
So SXSW was a blast... but now what? Don't let your camera gather dust! Join us for 'Aspire: How to Keep Working Beyond South by Southwest' – your guide to turning festival-season momentum into year-round success. We'll dive into the secrets of building a knockout portfolio, mastering the art of media pass requests (because who doesn't want backstage access?), and marketing yourself like the photo pro you are. Whether you're shooting concerts, conferences, or corporate events, learn how to keep those paid gigs rolling in long after the last food truck leaves Austin. Come transform your passion for photography into a sustainable career that rocks all year long!
ASK THE EXPERT: LIGHTING
Date (time): Sunday, March 9 (4:00 - 5:30 PM)
Type: Coaching Session
Level: n/a
Leader(s): Caleb Pickens - Photo Crew
Location: Meet in the Photo Crew HQ
Feeling left in the dark about lighting? Our resident lighting guru is here to illuminate all your photo puzzles! Whether you're battling moody venue lighting, wrestling with step-and-repeat setups, or just want to level up your lighting game, bring your burning questions to this "Ask the Experts" session. From working with what you've got to deploying pro lighting kits, no question is too basic or too technical. Come shed some light on your lighting challenges!
ASK THE EXPERT: CAMERA SETTINGS
Date (time): Wednesday, March 12 (4:00 - 5:30 PM)
Type: Coaching Session
Level: n/a
Leader(s): Benedict Jones - Crew Chief
Location: Meet in the Photo Crew HQ
Ready to break free from auto-mode? Join our camera settings guru for a judgment-free deep dive into making your camera work for YOU! Whether you're a natural shooter looking to add some technical tricks to your toolkit, or just wondering what all those mysterious dials actually do, bring your questions and curiosity. From demystifying manual mode to mastering the exposure triangle, we'll help you unlock your camera's full potential. No more letting your camera make the creative decisions - it's time to take control and level up your photography game! (And yes, we promise not to judge if you've been shooting in auto. We've all been there!)
ASK THE EXPERT: LIGHTROOM
Date (time): Friday, March 14 (2:00 - 3:30 PM)
Type: Coaching Session
Level: n/a
Leader(s): Akash Kataria - Shift Lead
Location: Meet in the Photo Crew HQ
Lost in Lightroom's labyrinth of sliders and settings? Our editing expert is here to be your guide! Whether you're drowning in presets, puzzled by the difference between vibrance and saturation, or just want to streamline your workflow, this session will help you master the magic of Lightroom. We'll cover everything from quick-fix tricks to preset perfection, helping you transform good shots into gorgeous submissions. Bring your editing headaches and workflow woes - we'll show you how to make Lightroom work smarter, not harder. Because let's face it: after capturing amazing moments at SXSW, your photos deserve to shine their brightest!
WELLNESS MEETUP: RELAX & RESTORE MEETUP
Date (time): Saturday, March 8 (5:30 - 6:30 PM)
Monday, March 10 (5:30 - 6:30 PM)
Wednesday, March 12 (5:30 - 6:30 PM)
Friday, March 14 (5:30 - 6:30 PM)
Type: Meetup
Level: Chill
Leader(s): Maggie Dubey - Crew Chief
Location: Meet outside Photo Crew HQ
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival, and take a moment to re-center and re-focus. Using the expertise of the leading mindfulness app, Headspace, we will gather to sit and allow the stressors of the day to melt away. We will start each session by learning tips about meditation techniques, then move into a guided meditation that will run approximately 10 minutes, followed by personal time for stretching, focused breathing, and intentional relaxation. All levels are welcome, we only ask that you come willing, with an open mind, and you leave your cell phones behind.
“Meditation is both a skill and an experience that can positively impact your overall health and happiness. Be kind to your mind.” - Headspace
CREW MEETUP: TOAST, GROUP PHOTO AND SEND-OFF PLEASE JOIN US!
Date (time): Saturday, March 15 (2:30 - 4:00 PM)
Type: Meetup
Level: n/a
Leader(s): Jamie Miller - SXSW Staff and Crew Chiefs
Location: Meet in the Hilton 6th Floor, by the skybridge
Every year we close out the event with a group toast and photo. You are invited to come by the crew HQ to be part of the festivities!