Event photography is a key part of any event’s success, as the right images can capture the energy, emotion, and atmosphere of the day, helping to create lasting memories and valuable promotional material. Whether it’s a corporate conference, a trade show, or a special event like a product launch, getting professional event photography can make all the difference. But what should you expect, and what should you avoid when hiring a photographer for your event?
At Innobella Media, we provide expert event photography services that ensure every important moment is documented professionally and beautifully. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential dos and don’ts of event photography to ensure your event is captured in the best possible light.
Do: Hire a Professional Event Photographer
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your event is selecting the right photographer. Event photography requires a specific skill set, including knowing how to capture candid moments, working with different lighting environments, and managing time effectively. Hiring a professional, like our team at Innobella Media, guarantees that the photographer will have the experience, equipment, and eye for detail needed to capture your event to the highest standard.
Don’t: Rely on Amateurs or Staff with a Camera
While it may be tempting to save costs by assigning a staff member or friend to take photos with their camera or smartphone, this can backfire. Without the right experience or equipment, you risk ending up with blurry, poorly composed, or low-quality images that don’t do justice to your event. Professional photographers come with top-quality cameras, lenses, lighting equipment and (most importantly of all) the knowledge, experience and expertise to use the tools of their trade in the best way possible, ensuring your photos look polished and professional.
Do: Plan Ahead for Key Shots
Planning is critical in ensuring all key moments are captured. Discuss with your photographer beforehand the most important aspects of your event that need to be covered. This could include key speakers, product unveilings, crowd shots, and any specific branding you want highlighted.
For example, when Innobella Media covered the NAEO conference, we worked closely with the organisers to ensure that all key moments, including speeches, awards, and networking, were captured in the most engaging way possible. By working with the photographer to establish a shot list, you can be confident that nothing is missed.
Don’t: Forget About Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important elements of photography, and bad lighting can ruin even the best moments. Make sure your event venue has adequate lighting or consider hiring lighting services. Professional photographers can work in low-light environments, but even they can struggle if the lighting is too poor.
At Innobella Media, we always bring lighting equipment to ensure the best results, but it’s important to consider the venue and schedule photography for well-lit parts of the day if possible.
Do: Capture Candid Moments
Candid shots are often the best way to capture the real essence of an event. These moments, taken in real-time, can portray the energy, emotion, and authenticity of your event. Professionals know when to anticipate these moments, ensuring that they catch the natural reactions and interactions that make your event unique.
Candid moments can be some of the most engaging visuals, whether it’s an exciting conversation between attendees, the audience’s reaction to a keynote speaker, or a spontaneous celebration.
Don’t: Focus Only on Staged Shots
While posed photos and group shots are important, they should not be the sole focus of your event photography. Focusing too much on these types of images can make your photo gallery feel stiff and uninspiring. A balanced mix of candid, posed, and wide-angle shots will provide a well-rounded depiction of your event.
Do: Consider the Branding and Theme of Your Event
If your event has specific branding or themes, make sure to communicate this with your photographer. It’s essential that the photographer captures photos that are aligned with your brand identity and promotional goals. This could include branding signage, sponsored areas, or even specific colour schemes and decor that reflect your company’s image.
Don’t: Neglect Post-Event Photo Use
Once the event is over, don’t let those amazing photos go to waste! Event photos can be repurposed for marketing materials, social media posts, email newsletters, and future event promotions. For instance, our clients at The NAEO used their event photos to promote their next conference, making the most out of their investment.
Innobella Media can help you not only capture your event but also use those images effectively across various platforms.
Do: Invest in Post-Processing
Professional event photography goes beyond just taking pictures—it also involves post-processing. A skilled photographer will edit the images to ensure that lighting, colours, and composition are all perfect. At Innobella Media, we use industry-standard editing software to enhance the final product, ensuring your event looks its best.
