GASP!
My mum doing my hair and my brother taking a quick break from his role as wedding photographer, May 2003.
Yes, I admit it. About 12 BC (Before Camera) I organised my DIY wedding on a tight budget and, at the last minute, asked my brother to take photographs on the day. Then I swished off in my dressing gown to have my hair tamed by my mum. (Luckily hair and photographs were brilliantly done - thanks both!).
There wasn’t even a selfie backup brigade then - 2003 was the year of the Nokia 1100 - there must have been a few camera phones around - but I don’t remember anyone holding a mobile in the air. Why am I telling you this? Because, fast forward 20 years and I’m a staunch advocate for professional photography at events (things change ya know!).
Portrait of Annabel and Adam Rattab at their wedding last summer. Photographing weddings has made me appreciate my brother’s effort even more over the years.
Five reasons why a professional photographer is a must-have at your event
Much like cocktails and canapés are inseparable, these days guests and their phones are guaranteed to arrive together, offering instant captures and shares for your event. So, you may be forgiven (and I would be the first to forgive you!) for thinking a professional photographer for your conference, product launch, awards ceremony, client/staff or even private event - is not essential. Cancel that. I’m here to give you five reasons why it’s a YES. (Oh boy, I’ve come a long way in two decades on this subject!)
Awards event held at the Mayfair Hotel, London, by the World’s Toughest Row. Rowers are celebrated for completing this premier endurance challenge. Pictured are Five-in-a-row, an Irish team who smashed the record for the fastest team of five to cross the Atlantic in 2022.
first, Look after your brand
The event media will influence your clients, staff and other stakeholder’s perception of your brand. While selfies deliver on authenticity and immediacy, hiring a professional photographer gives you an opportunity to reinforce your brand with quality imagery. A good photographer will capture your values and culture through the event narrative - candid moments, the buzz in the air and the essence of what sets you apart.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation - a charity that supports serving and retired police dogs - is supported by Animal Friends Pet Insurance. This strong use of branding at the annual award dinner is great for partners. Patricia Gardiner, Chief Sales and Marketing speaks to the support for the charity.
SECOND, NURTURE THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION
Bringing people together to share an event experience creates emotional connection, the basis of loyalty and buying decisions. One of the reasons sports sponsorship is popular with businesses. It makes sense to capture and preserve these connections - which transport people back to the event, and act as social proof of the “togetherness” and positive interactions.
Chris Bertish when he stepped ashore after completing his crossing of the Atlantic on a SUP in 2017, having spent 93 days at sea His crossing was sponsored by Carrick Wealth. Seven years later and I remember exactly how I felt at this moment, tears streaming down my face.
Third, it’s all in the detail
All the courteous detail you’ve invested in to make your guests feel welcome, special and make the occasion memorable is captured and shared by your photographer.
This couple, Mr & Mrs Jones, must have felt special walking into the charity ball on a red carpet.
Fourth: The business end of the wedge
The event photographs are marketing gold and can be used both internally and externally to share the event narrative. Reach on social media and in the press will achieve a return on your investment, not counting potential use of the images in company brochures or flyers, as well as future events.
Fifth, telling our stories
Sharing the images with your guests immediately after the event means they will treasure them, reliving the fun and camaraderie long after the event wraps up, share anecdotes with people they know and publish them on their own social media channels - exponentially extending your reach.
Swiss Re put together two teams of clients to take part in the Nedbank Tour de Tuli 2022 - a four day ride on wild animal tracks spanning three African countries. I attended as a volunteer photographer for the event, which is in aid of Children in the Wilderness.
Team Pacific Discovery telling the story of their journey on World Mental Health Day in Zurich. The event was streamed live across the world. You can watch it here.
Its a wrap
So, there you have it—the story of how Penny Bird has changed her view on event photography from ‘let’s DIY’ to a LOUD yes. Your event will go from great to unforgettable.
PS: Check out my event photography portfolio here. If you have an event coming up and would like to chat - please click on the green button to send me the details.