6 tips for Great Event Photography

Event photographer Reading | Event photographer Berkshire | Commercial event photographer

With party season creeping up on us, hopefully many businesses are planning on having an event photographer to capture colleagues and clients having fun and celebrating the end of a somewhat 'interesting' year.

So I thought it might be useful to publish 6 quick tips for briefing your event photographer - giving a clear brief prior to your event, you are much more likely to have fun, exciting and engaging photos which you can use on your social media, website and even your invite for next year's event!

• Tip 1 - 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 just an end of year party or an opportunity to get everyone together to announce changes/promotions etc. However, also sometimes corporate events are held to boost morale at times of uncertainty. Either way, it's always good to be given the context in which the event you are photographing is be held.
  
• Tip 2 - Where are the photos going to be used - event photos are sometimes used on social media/'About Us' pages to reinforce company values - but also, sometimes, event photos are used tactically in the press, brochures, marketing activities etc. 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 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 key note speeches 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' too - I've had events where the CEO jumped out of a cake and no one had pre-warned me. Luckily.....I was in the right place to capture it, but boy, would I have known about it if I wasn't!!

• 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? 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 couple of days. As long as this is communicated and agreed in advance, the photographer can pre-plan the editing time.
  

Being an event photographer for over 13 years, I have been fortunate enough to shoot at such amazing venues as The Royal Albert Hall, Westminster Abbey and The Victoria and Albert Museum 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 - 07715 7889457. I look forward to hearing from you.

If you'd like to read my other blog about being an event photographer - click here