If you have a corporate event —conference or convention— you'll most likely need good photos to tell the story of your event to promote future events. From a few hours to multiple day events a good photographer can assist you with this.
Here are 5 tips to guarantee you’ll get the best coverage you need:
Find a Corporate Event Photographer
You can easily find lots of photographers in any major city but finding a good corporate photographer is key. A wedding photographer understands events and usually event lighting but doesn’t always understand the flow of a corporate event. Finding a good corporate event photographer is key.
Work With Your Photographer Before the Event
Don’t just hire a photographer and check it off a list. Make sure you and the photographer are on the same page before the event. Chat with them (face to face, via zoom or phone) to discuss the outline of the event—especially if it’s a multi day event. Often you are seeing things one way and your photographer—who is outside of your company—is seeing things another way. Be open to suggestions from the photographer. If you are trying to keep the budget down explore ways to have the photographer on site fewer hours. For example—if you have a reception following a day of presentations—even if the reception is scheduled to last two or three hours for your attendees— have the photographer cover it for one hour. Often that is all that is needed to get the photos you are looking for. So reviewing the schedule so everyone is clear about what is expected is important. Help the photographer understand your vision for the event.
Let Photographer Know of the Event Flow
Do they understand what’s happening when? Make sure you are clear on what’s happening so no one is surprised. If there is an unusual request the photographer may need to bring additional gear. Worst thing you could do is spring something unusual on them. It may not seem unusual to you but make sure you explain everything. For example if you know that there will be someone or a few people that you also want headshots of while at the event make sure your photographer is prepared with the proper equipment.
Before the Event Spell Out Your Timeline for the Photos
Do you need them rushed? If so know that it will cost a bit more as the photographer must quickly select and edit some images if you need them right away. Spell out what you want and when you need it (following the event) this will keep everyone on the same page and much happier as a result.
Have A Contact Person for the Photographer on Site
Having one go to person is a must. This helps both parties and keeps messaging on point. If there are multiple contacts it will most likely confuse everyone. Keep things simple and straight forward. Having a good outline and shot list that you can provide is even better.
This will help your organization or company have the best possible images of your event.