The 2019 Charlotte Pride Festival and Bank of America Pride Parade held in uptown Charlotte was a fun for all event that encompassed diversity and cohesion. The Parade which was held Sunday August 18th, included a mix of families, youth groups, churches, organizations, and lots of color. As a photographer, capturing a sense of community can be a surprisingly challenging but rewarding venture.
Photographer Tip: for events like parades and other public events, arrive early and search for a spot that is preferably shaded where you can shoot with the sun behind you.
Bank of America’s presence dominated the parade, while other large entities such as American Airlines, Tito’s Vodka, and even US Bank marched along with colorful floats and even a giant rainbow flag. If you are shooting for editorial reasons, it doesn’t hurt to reach out to the organizations that you have photographed. You should always be thinking about how to get your name out.
Ernst & Young, a new sponsor, marched around their vividly decorated float. Mixed with youth, family, diversity, it was hard to not feel their positive presence.
Editorial photography like this, where the mission is to capture the joy and excitement, can be some of the most rewarding work you do. It can also be stressful if you are not properly prepared.
Some final tips for photographers:
- Check the weather updates.
- Arrive early enough to find a prime spot.
- Look for secure spots to shoot from up above.
- Bring lens options, or carry more than one camera to shoot with.
- Well before the event, check the website for a media contact and request press passes.
- Bring a friend(s), they can assist and will enjoy the day.
- Don’t stand in one position taking the exact same photo; change perspectives, shoot high, shoot low, get close ups, etc.
- You are not cataloging the parade so try to capture what’s going on, including what the spectators are doing.
St. Peters Episcopal Charlotte 
Rocky Horror “That Type” Concord Mills 
