There is no such thing as the ultimate event photography software, event photographers use what suits them best, and the choice is as individual as the style of your photography, so what are event photographers using?
Express Digital
Without a doubt, the only PC software that was designed from the ground up to suit the work of event photographers is Express Digital, which comes in multiple versions, 2 of which are the Core and Pro versions. Core is a standalone version. which enables the use of Chroma-Key (green screen), templates for logo overlays up to full magazine covers. There is basic image editing available and it integrates easily with Photoshop for more advanced editing.
In the business environment, you can design and price printing packages, a fully integrated system. One of the main advantages is that in minutes almost anyone can learn the basic functionality they need to know to start selling your event photography images. It is possible to use a multi-monitor setup where the customer only sees the image and the operator can see all of their tools. Built in FTP, the use of Hot Folders, as well as built-in camera docking, means that you will never be short of a way to get images into the program.
The closest you can get to this specifically designed for Apple MAC is TEPS-X
Adobe lightroom
With the release of version 3, this is becoming extremely popular with various event photographers. It is possible to configure a second monitoring system similar to digital express, as well as the ability to configure print packages and different page layouts. While you can’t create a magazine template, you can easily configure it to overlay a corporate logo.
Lightroom has one of the best auto white balance tools out there and if you’re shooting in tough conditions like indoor riding, all it takes is one click to figure things out quickly. This is where Lightroom scores over many other programs, the power and precision of its editing tools are second to none. If you want a specific image effect, create one or download one of the many available.
There are other tools built in, such as automatic import and the ability to use keywords as the image is imported, along with the ability to configure all kinds of image export levels, which is ideal for digital media delivery.
Looking for something similar for a MAC and then look Opening gold Photo station which is available for Windows and MAC.
Picassa
If you want simplicity and you want it for free, then you will be amazed at how easily you can integrate this FREE software into your workflow. This does exactly what is required of many event photographers, and while it lacks the whistles and bells of expensive paid software, it is highly effective. Need to crop, quickly switch to black and white, or increase contrast? Well, you can do it with ease. Available in Windows and MAC versions.
Photoshop
The great father of image processing also has its place in event photography. The real trick is knowing how to harness power quickly and effectively for general use, letting the power of a steam hammer solve tough problems. Photoshop users have always used shortcut keys to speed up workflow, but it hides the ability to program function keys; set them up for quick access to the features you need and you’re on your way. There is no other program that touches you when it comes to retrieving images, but hopefully, as a good event photographer, these incidents will be few and far between.
Filezilla
When it comes to getting the image to the computer, filezilla is one of the most widely used FTP server programs that will allow easy connection to a wireless transmitter. As free software, it does its job perfectly. Filezilla is also available as an FTP client if you only want to upload images to a website or server.
There are many similar programs like Blackmoon FTP gold Cute ftp.
Green screen wizard
Several programs offer built-in Chroma Key (green screen), such as Express Digital or TEPS-X, but none of them are as powerful as dedicated software like Green Screen Wizard. Complete magazine templates can be created, including multiple overlapping and overlapping layers. Recent additions have included the ability to add realistic shadows and an automated events mode.
A highly respected alternative is FX Pro
Training ground
Like the idea of running PC software on your Apple MAC, what you need is an emulator and there is probably nothing simpler than using Boot Camp, which is included with recent versions of Apple MAC operating systems.
You have an older MAC OS and then look Parallel
Breeze systems
It is not a single piece of software, but rather a collection of programs written by Chris Breeze that includes Downloader Pro, a utility that allows a photographer to download, organize, and rename images and image data automatically. There are various pieces of software like Nikon DSLR Control and Canon DSLR Control (DSLR Remote Pro) that allow control of a DSLR via computer or Hotfolder Prints that will automatically print any image loaded in the selected folder. Add to this BreezeBrowser Pro, which is an image display viewing and editing utility, and you have a complete collection that can be used in various workflows.
