Guide: How to get the most out of your corporate event photographer
Hiring a professional photographer for your corporate event is an investment in documentation, communication and branding. But it's not just the photographer's equipment and experience that determines the outcome - it's all about the collaboration.
As a communications manager or event coordinator, you have a key role in ensuring that the photographer has the best conditions to deliver relevant and usable images. Here are five concrete tips that in my experience can make a noticeable difference.
Be clear in your communication with the event photographer
1. Brief clearly - and in good time
Share the purpose of the shoot: will the images be used on social media, in an annual report, for internal communication or perhaps in press releases?
Give the photographer an idea of what moods, people and situations are most important to capture - and whether there is anything to avoid.
A good brief can be concise and contain:
Event purpose and target audience
Names of key people
Examples of desired image style
Schedule and key highlights
2. Have a contact person on the day
Especially during larger events, it's a great help if the photographer has a contact person who can:
Answers to quick questions
Help with access to premises or people
Point to where something relevant is happening
This ensures a more focused workflow and less wasted time. Places like Bella Centre are so large that knowing who you can find where can quickly save valuable time.
3. Think communication before the event
Where and how will the images be used? SoMe in real time? Press? Intranet? The earlier the photographer knows, the better the angles and formats can be adapted. If the images are to be used on social media on the same day, it's important to agree this in advance. This also applies to image formats: should both horizontal and square images be delivered? Which channels should the images be adapted to?
The more the photographer knows about your publishing channels and needs, the better he or she can plan and deliver on target.
4. Plan for the unexpected
The best images are often created in the unplanned moments: a laugh during a break, an impromptu conversation, a special mood. Give the photographer the freedom to move, observe and react - and don't lock the entire assignment into a shot list.
Trust and flexibility create better results. It's also my experience that the unexpected situations are the ones that produce the best images. When people don't have their heads up, you can get beautiful and authentic images.
5. Follow up and share feedback
After the event, it's a good idea to follow up:
Was there anything you were missing?
What worked well?
Was there anything that could be improved next time?
This kind of feedback makes future collaborations even better - and makes it possible to build a strong visual communication partner over time.
I've photographed everything from small networking meetings to ministerial visits and international conferences.
Read more about my solutions for corporate events and conferences