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Festival & Event Photographer

@michielton

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🤩 I'm a memories making machine
📸 Helping other Festival & Event Photographers!
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Collaboration Appreciation Post! 🤝 😎⁠
Looking back at April, one word comes to mind: Gratitude 🙏⁠😊⁠
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I feel very thankful for all the creatives I got to work with over the past month. 🏆 From training days to trade fairs, festivals to photoshoots… collaboration has been at the centre of it all.⁠ ❤️⁠
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In total, I collaborated with 74 different professionals 🤯⁠
▶️ At @siamsongkran, I got to build my own team of 4! 📸 🙌⁠
▶️ During BAE, I again formed a dream team of 6⁠ 🥳⁠ 📸 & 🎥⁠
▶️ At @radio538 and in London, I had the joy of joining existing teams⁠ 💪⁠
▶️ I also outsourced over 6 assignments to amazing colleagues I truly trust 🙏⁠
▶️ And I’ve helped over 11 photographers get new assignments with my frame works 💯

Whether I was leading or supporting — one thing will always be crystal clear to me:⁠ -> Alone you tent to go faster, but together you go further.⁠ 🚀⁠
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Let’s keep creating & collaborating.⁠ 😁🏆⁠
Thank you all the people I had the pleasure of working with for making April a meaningful month 🚀⁠🙏⁠

1st pic by @rachelecclestone
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#photographycommunity #collaboration #creativework #eventphotography #photographerlife #teamwork #grateful by @michielton

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15

a year ago

BEDANKT ❤️‍🔥 Wow, wat een mega geslaagde editie was dit! 🥹💘 Na regen komt zonneschijn - wat hebben we geluk gehad met het weer.

Inmiddels is het strand weer opgeruimd, maar de herinneringen blijven. We hebben genoten van jullie energie, liefde en vele dansjes.

Tot volgend jaar: Zeevonq ‘27 Strandopening met Hemelvaart 🌊✨

💌 Prachtige foto’s zijn van @michielton

#zeevonq #zeevonqoutdoor #strandopening taken in Beachclub Breez by @michielton

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5 months ago

AI is changing everything. 🤖 But here’s why I’m not scared as an event photographer. 😁⁠
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I had the privilege off photographing an event for Google during the launch of the new Pixel 10 phone. 🚀⁠
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It’s bizarre (and impressive) how fast technology is moving. Phones are no longer just phones, they’re packed with AI tools that can edit, enhance, and even coach you in creating the “perfect” shot. 📲⁠
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People ask me:⁠
“Michiel, aren’t you afraid AI will take over your job?”⁠
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Here’s my answer 👇⁠
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The more AI becomes a part of our daily lives, the more people will question what’s real and what’s not. 🤔 That’s exactly why authenticity will only grow in value. 📈⁠
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Event photography is proof of authenticity. If you host an event, having a real photographer there signals:⁠
✅ This really happened.⁠
✅ These are real people.⁠
✅ These are genuine emotions.⁠
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You can’t fake that. 😊✌️⁠
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So, I don’t believe AI will replace what I do anytime soon. In fact, I think event photography might be the last form of photography to disappear. Because when people gather, celebrate, and connect, they want proof that it was real. 🎉⁠
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One thing I do believe: the world is changing rapidly. And instead of resisting it, we should learn, adapt, and find ways to use these tools to move forward. 🏆 ⁠
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Because if there’s one thing stronger than technology, it’s the human need for real connection. And that’s what I’ll keep photographing. 📸⁠
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If you are interested in learning how I use AI in my photography business. Reach out! 📥 I would love to show you 😊⁠
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#EventPhotography #GooglePixel10 #EventPhotographer #BehindTheScenes #PhotographyInsights #AIandCreativity #EventLife #AuthenticityMatters #MakingMemories #FutureOfPhotography by @michielton

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1

a year ago

Yes, I took a selfie with 100+ doctors in Milan. 🇮🇹 Here’s why: ⁠
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This summer I was flown to Italy to photograph two conferences for an international group of doctors. 👩‍⚕️ People dedicating their lives to fighting one of the world’s toughest battles: Curing cancer. ⁠
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A serious mission. But sometimes, even during serious moments, a little laughter helps. After I took a big group picture, I said: “Wait, one more important photo…” and pulled out my phone for this giant selfie. 📱😂🤳⁠
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Instantly, people laughed, smiled, and from that moment on, they were even more at ease with me. 😁🙏 Which meant I could capture more natural, spontaneous moments throughout the rest of the event, resulting in some of my favorite photos for this client so far. 🏆⁠
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👉 As a photographer, you’re not just working with cameras. You’re working with people. And people open up when they feel at ease.⁠
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#EventPhotography #ConferencePhotography #BehindTheScenes #EventProfs #EventPhotographer #MakingMemories #MilanEvents #PhotographyTips #EventLife #TeamWorkInAction #IMF by @michielton

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a year ago

I used to beat myself up for missing “the moment.” 🙃 Not anymore. ⁠
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📸 Now, when I’m too late to catch the perfect cheers 🥂 or a candid moment, I just walk up, with a big smile 😁, and say: ⁠
🙋‍♂️“Can we do it again?” ⁠
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✨ If you approach with good energy, other people feel it. And they might match it. 🏆 ⁠
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📸 And the photo?⁠
It looks spontaneous… because it is spontaneous. 🤩 Just in a different way. 🔄⁠
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✅ Moments can be recreated.⁠
It’s not about faking it. It’s about creating a scene where other people feel comfortable to recreate. ✨⁠
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💬 Did you ever stage a moment that turned out even better? Drop your story below 👇⁠
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#EventPhotography #FestivalPhotographer #PhotographerTips⁠
#CandidShotHack #PhotographySecrets #Events⁠
#AmsterdamPhotographer #PhotographyTricks⁠
#TheNoLookingMethod #HowToShootEvents by @michielton

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2

a year ago

A once-in-a-lifetime: photographing a festival on the A10 highway 🛣️⁠
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Amsterdam turned 750 this year, and to celebrate, the city closed down the A10 for one day only, turning it into a full-blown festival. 🎉⁠
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Backbone International hired me in to capture the build-up the night before the festival, cycling over a highway before felt surreal. Knowing that the next days this road would become a massive party gave me goosebumps. 🚲🤩⁠
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And now, every time I drive over the A10, I can’t help but smile. 🚗😁 Because of the amazing memory this assignment has given me ❤️⁠
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#Amsterdam750 #EventPhotography #FestivalPhotography #BackboneInternational #EventProfs #BehindTheScenes #OnceInALifetime #MakingMemories #AmsterdamEvents #HighwayFestival by @michielton

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0

a year ago

International bring-your-girlfriend-to-work day. ❤️⁠
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During the ICPM congress in London 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 I was busy capturing memories for the international guests in some of the city’s most iconic locations. 🏛️⁠
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Meanwhile, my girlfriend explored musicals and the city. And she even joined one of the evening drinks, where the organization welcomed her with open arms. 🤗 🥂⁠
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To be able to travel for work, photograph inspiring events, meet amazing people, and share this with one of my favorite people in the world. Is a dream come true. 🤩❤️⁠
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Sometimes I still have to pinch myself that this is real. Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it. 🙏⁠
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#EventPhotography #ConferencePhotography #EventLife #LondonEvents #MakingMemories #EventPhotographer #GratitudePost #BehindTheScenes #WorkAndTravel #InternationalEvents by @michielton

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2

a year ago

Putting the people who made the party possible in the spotlight. 😁🔦📸⁠
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At @siamsongkran, I wanted to give something back to -> the crew. 🎪⁠
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We created team pictures, printed them on the spot, and handed them out. 🎁 The smiles when they saw themselves captured, is one of the reasons why I love what I do. 😊⁠ 📸 ❤️⁠
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Because the truth is: without them, there is no festival. 🎉 And memories aren’t just for the visitors, they’re for everyone who builds the stage, runs the lights, and keeps the whole machine alive. 💪⁠
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👉 Thank you for smiling | @ajayyr | @ajayyr | @lingice.jpg | @u.u_ | and the whole @oneasia.ventures crew 🏆 | ⁠
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#instax #FestivalPhotography #EventProfs #BackstageHeroes #EventPhotography #SiamFestival #BehindTheScenes #MakingMemories #FestivalLife #TeamWorkInAction #EventPhotographer #Siam #oneasia ⁠@instax.nl⁠ by @michielton

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8

a year ago

The last photos I ever took with my old camera setup… 🙂‍↕️⁠
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CyberSec Europe in Belgium should’ve ended like any other event I’ve photographed. With a heavy camera bag on my back. Instead, my worst nightmare as a photographer came true. 😱⁠
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At the end of day one, someone broke into a closed office and stole my equipment. 💔 The moment I realized, my stomach dropped. My world flipped upside down. ⁠
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But here’s what kept me going: community. 🙌⁠
The Jaarbeurs team supported me, the police got involved, and most importantly, a @bram.van.roy photo friend and colleague from Belgium stepped in. 🇧🇪 He not only joined me the next day but even arranged borrowed gear from @roel_poelmans_photography another photographer nearby. Thanks to them, I could still capture day two. 🙏⁠
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Losing gear hurts. But gaining proof that you’re surrounded by people who’ve got your back? That’s priceless. 🤩⁠
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👉 Want the full story (and what I learned from it)? DM me — I’ll gladly share the full story video.⁠
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#EventPhotography #ConferencePhotography #BehindTheLens #EventProfs #CyberSecEurope #TeamWorkInAction #PhotographyCommunity #EventLife #ResilientCreative #NetherlandsPhotography by @michielton

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a year ago

Less deadlines, more growth. 📈⁠
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Past month I pressed pause on shooting and pressed play on myself. 🎧⁠
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I invested in systems for my business, attended a conference that fueled fresh ideas, 💡 and gave myself the space to reset. 😊⁠
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Now? September feels like game time. ⚡💪😁⁠
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I’m ready to dive into events, build strong teams with fellow photographers, and deliver the best result for all my client. 🏆⁠
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Sometimes slowing down is what makes you faster later. 🚀⁠
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Here’s to a September full of stories worth capturing. 📸⁠
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Picture by: @robertwaasdorp ⁠
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👉 What’s one thing you’re focusing on this September?⁠
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#EventPhotography #FestivalPhotography #BehindTheLens #EventProfs #ConferencePhotography #TeamWorkInAction #AmsterdamEvents #NetherlandsPhotography #CreativeBusiness #BackToWorkSeason by @michielton

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15

a year ago

Back shooting at @lovelandnl this weekend. ❤️

Where most vistors aren’t just dancing, 💃🕺 theyare radiating positive energy! ✨ And my job? To capture this 😁📸

To me festival photography isn’t only just about pretty lights and epic stages, 🎉 it’s about the energy the vistors bring 👭🫶

After a decade of shooting high-energy events, here are 10 important things I’ve learned when it comes to energy at events. 👨‍🏫

1️⃣ Entrance = excitment zone 🚪
Most visitors are most excited, the moment they arrive.
2️⃣ Heat kills hype ☀️
If it’s too hot, visitors will reserve their energy.
3️⃣ Music can be your indication index 🎶
The beat influences the vibe. Listen to anticipate the highs. 🙌
5️⃣ Familiarity = fuel for fun 🎤
Crowds go wild when they know the song — even if it’s a remix.
6️⃣ Small groups = maximum emotion 👯
Look for fun friend clusters. Drop mental pin points on people with fun energy 📌
7️⃣ People mirror performers 🧑‍🎤
If the DJ hyped, the crowd usually follows.
8️⃣ Cameras shift energy 📸
Some people dance harder when they see a lens. Others shy away. Learn to read both. 👀
9️⃣ End-of-night euphoria is unmatched 🌙
Right before the last track hits — tired bodies, full hearts. Don’t miss that magic.
🔟 Joy is contagious — let it catch you too 😄
When you feel it, they feel it. It’s not a bad thing to also focus on having fun yourself! ✨

🎪 These are more than just photos — they’re memories with motion.

#festival #festivalphotographer #festivalphotography #loveland

Which tip do you use (or want to try) most? Let me know below ⬇️ by @michielton

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1

a year ago

🔥 Dual Camera Festival Photography Trick! 🔥

During the closing show of @siamsongkran, there was everything happening at once:

🕺 Dancers — 🚁 Drones — 🎆 Fireworks — 🎭 Performers

As a festival photographer, I want to capture as much of the magic as possible. ✨
That’s why I shoot with two cameras:
📷 1x wide (Canon RF 15-35mm)
📷 1x tele (Canon RF 70-200mm)

To make this work, I use an action pod (“A statief” 😂 - I couldn’t find the right word at that moment.)
✨ Learned this trick from legend @rudgrcom 🏆

🔒 Advanced Trick – Interval Timer Shooting
Want to free up your hands while still getting epic wide shots?
Set your second camera to interval timer mode:

👣 Step-by-step: (Canon R5 II)
1️⃣ Go to menu - Shutter contole → Select Interval Timer
2️⃣ Choose your settings:
• Interval = exposure time + buffer
→ e.g., 30s exposure = 35s interval
• Number of shots = fixed or unlimited
3️⃣ Add a 2s or 10s delay to start
4️⃣ Let it roll while you focus on your main cam 🎯
—

🎥 Save this for your next big gig & level up your shooting game!
Got questions? Drop them below 👇

#FestivalPhotography #DualCamSetup #PhotographyTips #CanonRF #ShootingTricks #BehindTheScenes #Siamfestival taken in Bangkok by @michielton

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a year ago