Planning Your Event Photography

LOOK AT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHERS BACKGROUND: A social photographer specializes in weddings, bar mitzvahs and birthday celebrations, whereas a corporate event photographer's experience is in event coverage, tradeshows, conferences, and other business related events. Don't assume that any experienced photographer can capture the images at your upcoming annual conference. Event and location photography is different than studio, wedding, or family portraits. The demands are different and the number of time critical coverage requirements are different. Select a photographer who has the equipment and experience to cover the type of event that you are planning.

COMMUNICATE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY NEEEDS TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Communication is vital when working with or researching a photographer. Look at past work, note the style, and make sure you and the shooter know what you want. Photography styles range from photojournalistic (lifestyle) to traditional (classic), which focuses on formal portraiture. Show sample images from previous events or magazines to make your style choice clear to your photographer.

The photographer should ask specific questions about your event in order to get a clear picture about expectations. Good photographers will be taking note for later review and confirmation. Be sure to communicate key events to the photographer. Are tthere presentations, tradeshow booths, stage performances, or key people who need to be photographed.

As you define the schedule do you see coverage overlaps? Is the photographer prepared to cover those simulatneous events.

FILM PHOTOGRAPHY VS DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: We are a digital only studio. While film still has some slight advantages over digital the differences are becoming so slight that the creative and corrective options outweigh any benefit.

HAS THE PHOTOGRAPHER WORKED IN SIMILAR VENUES OR ENVIRONMENTS? Photographing a daytime event is extremely different from photographing an event in an convention hall or maybe an elegant venue with mirrored walls and metallic surfaces. Make sure that the photographer is aware of the environment and seems confident that they can overcome any obstacles.

Again I want to underscore the importance of communication. Making sure that your photographer is aware of environmental issues, location issues, and personnel or security issues will help assure smooth coverage.

IS PRICE A DETERMINING FACTOR: Of course it is. You have budgets to work within. Don't let price be the main factor in your decision making. There are no second chance to photograph your event. A photographer's compensation is based on shoot time, experience, the finished product and the way in which images will be used.

In today's environment a person can buy a camera and flash for less than $2,000 and these will produce reasonable images for your family.. On the other hand, a professional will have more money that that invested in one camera body and lens.

ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Does the photographer have backup equipment and an alternate shooter available should unforeseen circumstances arise? Can the photographer adapt to accommodate your needs? You may decide last minute that you would like a 100-person group photo taken at your event. Is your photographer equipped with lighting, an assistant, risers and other necessities to capture this shot? A photographer needs to have reliable resources for retouching, onsite downloads and onsite printing. Also, make sure your photographer can provide after-products such as quality prints, custom-designed albums and high-resolution CDs.