6 tips for Great Event Photography 

Event photographer Berkshire | Event photographer Reading | Commercial event photographer

As an event photographer based in Berkshire, I am really pleased to see conferences and business get-togethers very much back on the agenda. My favourite kind of event photography is to capture colleagues and clients enjoying meeting face to face or to catch a speaker delivering their presentation to an engaged audience. In previous blogs ( here ), I have written about how you can use event photography to market your business.
However, I thought it might also be useful to publish 6 quick tips for briefing your event photographer in order to make sure you get the most out of them. Giving a clear brief prior to your event, you are much more likely to get fun, exciting and engaging photos which you can use on your social media, website and even your invite for next year's event! So, here goes:

• Tip 1 - Where are the photos going to be used - event photos are often used on social media and 'About Us' pages to reinforce company values - but also, sometimes, event photos are used tactically in the press, brochures, marketing activities etc to gain publicity. So, in order to get really great event photos, make sure you let your photographer know where they are going to be used. This may change the way they shoot your event.
• Tip 2 - The Context - what is the event and why is it being held? I have photographed all sorts of different types of events - sometimes it's an opportunity to get everyone in the business together to announce changes/promotions/celebrate achievements etc. However, also sometimes corporate events host keynote speakers and interactive sessions or present awards. Either way, it's always good to be given the context in which the event you are photographing is be held.

• Tip 3 - The running order and key timings - often as an event photographer, there are lots of different things going on at the same time, so it's always essential that you give a running order so they are in the right place at exactly the right time. Things like keynote speeches, break out sessions or if there are any awards are really helpful to know so that the photographer can get in position to get the best shot. Or - if you have any 'surprises' - again, it's about the photographer being in the right place at the right time to get those spontaneous reactions.

• Tip 4 - The 'must haves' - are there any specific people you want photographed? Maybe high profile VIPs or high ranking execs who it would be good to get some more informal photos of? Or even to update their headshots. If so - make sure these are pointed out on the day/night so that the photographer can make sure they get those shots. Perhaps even consider getting these done before the event starts. Equally, if there is anyone who has asked specifically not to be photographed, then let the photographer know too. We don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
  
• Tip 5 - The Location - sometimes as an event photographer, you have the luxury of doing a venue recce before the event, but often this isn't possible. However, I have had some clients send me a few photos they took on their phone when they visited the venue - these can be really useful just to get an idea of the space you will be photographing in or any limitations in lighting etc...
  
• Tip 6 - The deliverables - In short....what do you need and when do you need them? It is important to communicate with your event photographer when exactly you need your photographs. I have sometimes had clients who need a selection of highlight photos the morning after the event for social media, then the rest of the images within a co uple of days. As long as this is communicated and agreed in advance, the photographer can pre-plan the editing time.
  

Being an event photographer in Berkshire for over 13 years, I have been fortunate enough to shoot at such amazing venues as The Royal Albert Hall, Westminster Abbey, The Victoria and Albert Museum and Twickenham Rugby Stadium but wherever your event is held, the success of having beautiful, atmospheric and engaging photos afterwards is in briefing your photographer with the right information. If you would like to see more of my work as an event photographer, please click here or feel free to pick up the phone for an informal chat on 07715 7889457. I look forward to hearing from you. Pennie