Our Take on Photographing Events at The Clifton Club in Bristol

Shooting Style and Sony Gear:

The Clifton Club in Bristol is one of those venues that immediately inspires you as a photographer and we've been lucky enough to photograph events here for years which means we know this space really well. The Georgian architecture, ornate interiors, and warm atmosphere offer the perfect backdrop for elegant events. But shooting here isn’t just about showing up with a camera — it’s about understanding the space, the light, and how to get the most out of your gear. For us, that means trusting our Sony system to deliver in often low light conditions.

My Kit for the Evening

For this particular event — a formal dinner with about 100 guests — I shot primarily with:

• Sony A7 – Our go-to body for events. It’s got that sweet spot of resolution and low-light performance, and the autofocus is very reliable even in dim, moody lighting.

• Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 – Versatile lens. Perfect for wide room shots and tighter candid portraits without having to switch lenses constantly.

• Sony 50mm f/1.8 – Our secret weapon for discreet, creamy portraits. Lightweight and sharp, and that f/1.8 aperture really helps when the lighting drops.

• Godox V1 (Sony) – We always bring a flash just in case, but use it sparingly, mostly bounced off walls or ceilings to maintain a natural vibe.

Low Light, High Drama

The Clifton Club has a beautiful old-world glow in the evenings — think candlelight reflections, and rich wood tones. But for a photographer, that means low light and mixed colour temperatures. We shoot RAW only, with manual white balance as much as possible — auto WB can get confused with tungsten-heavy scenes, and we prefer consistency across a series.

Silent Shooting & Stealth Mode

Another huge win with Sony: silent electronic shutter. The Clifton Club is an intimate venue. The clack of a shutter in the middle of a speech or during a quiet toast? Not ideal. Silent mode lets us work invisibly, almost like a guest with a camera, rather than a spotlight on the scene.

Post-Processing & Colour

Sony files give us plenty of room to play in post. We lean into warm tones and soft contrast to match the elegance of the venue. We apply a custom Lightroom preset I’ve built for historic interiors: gentle blacks, lifted shadows, and muted highlights. It helps bring out the texture of the walls and furnishings without over processing.

Final Thoughts: Why Sony + The Clifton Club Works

Shooting at the Clifton Club is a lesson in restraint — letting the scene unfold naturally, knowing when to shoot and when to hold back. Our Sony kit allows us to work quickly and quietly, without sacrificing quality. It’s a system that adapts to the space, rather than forcing the space to adapt to the gear.

If you're a photographer considering a setup for event work in venues like this — heritage properties with mood lighting and dynamic moments — a Sony mirrorless setup offers all the flexibility and performance you need.

If you're looking for a photographer in Bristol, don't hesitate to get in touch. We'd be thrilled to work with you.