Your Event Photography Cheat Sheet
Exterior shot of the venue
It's funny when you take a look at event photos, and you never see where the event was. These establishing shots are incredibly important to provide context and set the level of expectation by creating a sense of place.
Images of the event set up
Humans are interesting; while we love the glitz and glamor of excellent photographs of our faces, we also seem to enjoy seeing "behind-the-scenes." So take a handful of photos to show a bit of a magic that you normally wouldn't get, nor seek.
Welcome/registration desk
One of the most unappreciated groups from your team is those running the front end. Acknowledge them by showing off their registration and hosting capabilities. Another great photo is a close-up of rows of guest registration badges giving the viewer a sense of the event's headcount and size.
Close up Shot of program and event collateral
Again, it's about details and context; by taking photos of things like event collateral as well as other branded calendars and way-finding, you give the viewer a more intimate sense of where they were or what they missed.
Event signage, swag, & decorations
This often can be the high point or low point dependent upon the exclusivity of leave-behinds and swag. This often can be the high point or low point, depending upon leave behind's or giveaways' exclusivity.
Multiple Shot(s) of every speaker while presenting
The casual observer of event photography always seems amazed that you captured the moment. What does that mean in real life? It means that you took many photos of particular points in the event and cherry-picked them for the best. Shoot often — you're not burning film anymore.
Shot(s) of the organizer with Speakers and Panelists
Sometimes you might have been hired by the event, and sometimes you may very well have been hired by someone within the event. Do your due diligence and figure out the key players in the room and be sure to take photos with them interacting with speakers and panelists.
Candid/networking shots of attendees
I'm not about to begin to tell you how many bad drunk and photos I have of event attendees, but there are many. Again, try to get as much candid material as early on in the night, which will relieve you of trying to find images that don't have red-eye reflection and sweaty faces.
Formal/group (if applicable) shots of attendees
If you have an event director, ensure that you get an opportunity to get all the key players in an area for some quick group photos. These photos can be challenging simply since organizing a time where everyone is in the same spot seems almost impossible for humans.
Anything unique about your event
Want to be unique about your event? Well, it could be amazing lighting happening at the end of the day. It could be a vintage ballroom that simply looks spectacular. Or perhaps it's something as simple as the decorations crafting a somatic tone throughout the images. Take a little time and capture a few "B roll" photos. You'll often be surprised when your client likes them as much as the pics of people.
Back of room (full room wide)
Photography includes the speaker doing the presentation, and showing a room full of people seems like a bit of a no brainer. However, if you're in the back of the room looking forward to the speaker is small, and you certainly can't be on the stage with the speaker more often than not. Therefore, do your best to get a split view on the side, showing the size of the room, the headcount, and the speaker during the presentation.
Food and beverage (if applicable)
Gauge whether or not the food should be inclusive to your contact. Often the open bar, appetizers, and a meal are worthy of capturing to set the event's mood as a whole.
Sponsor photo(s)
Like we covered earlier in this article, make sure you've done your research, and you have captured all of the stakeholders in the room. These stakeholders should also include the leading players of the sponsors that are at the event.
Sponsor logo(s)
Regardless of circumstance, always take photos of any sponsor logos as they are printed. Sponsors now and reoccurring sponsors in the future are essential to forecast Sponsors now, and reoccurring sponsors in the future are necessary to forecast the growth of an event.
Culmination photo (awards, donations, grand finale)
Grand finale's, awards as well as closing speeches are incredibly important to capture. Remember to take an array of photos during these often short periods so you have a selection to choose from.
Post-event conversations (shaking hands, etc.), glad-handing, and after parties
Last but not least is the post-event photography. This one is incredibly tricky, and you should interface with your event director or the primary client in order for you to gather to right kind of images. During the day, people who are professional vs. after a tray full of drinks are different, to say the least. Never paint a bad picture of an attendee, nor empower your client to jeopardize your profession by showing an unintended photo.
