Corporate Event Photography article answers questions such as. How big is the Sydney Corporate Event Market? What are the top 20 event photography shot list ideas? Event planning and how it’s essential. Which are the best Corporate event venues in Sydney? What are the 6 types of Corporate event photography?
Also, tips for your photographer brief. Stock photos and what will they do to your brand? And, how will a specialist corporate event photographer benefit your business?
If your running an event for a small business, small to medium (SME), or Corporate Enterprise this article is for you.
Some people immediately think head-shots when they see the words ‘Corporate Photography’. We think head-shots are better described as (business) portraits, rather than Corporate photography. We may cover that in the future. This page focuses on photography for business, mainly the 6 sub-genres of event photography directly servicing the local business and Corporate markets.
The Sydney NSW Business Marketplace
The City of Sydney is made of 33 suburbs. On average every day approximately 615 000 people visit the area. A proportion would travel in to attend business meetings, training workshops, summits, seminars and expos.
The population growth in the City of Sydney over the last 10 years is 38.9%. Outer Sydney grew by just 18.6% in comparison.
How closely does this relate to Corporate events? Over the last 10 years, the number of hotel stays has increased by 1 million a year. In 2019 the Sydney City will have over 4.5 million hotel visitors. A proportion is just holiday travellers for sure, many combine business while here. Taking just one event venue as an example, The Sydney ICC, some trade show expos have over 10 000 people.
With 21,500 businesses in the Sydney City area and a large number of the top 500 companies in Australia are located just down the road. A proportion of the top 500 (41%) that are located in the State of NSW would hold events in Sydney CBD Area. (data City of Sydney ↗)
Qualities of a Corporate Event Photographer
There are various qualities to look for before you hire a corporate event photographer. It helps to understand what to look for and what to expect when you hire one.
Professionalism is a given if you’ve hired a photographer based on their reputation, work and passion for photographing corporate events. Your photographer will be friendly to your guests and have the know-how to get along with different types of people. If you see photographers moving a thing or two around the venue; they’re most likely staging the scene, for example, the lighting or composition, so everything looks at its best.
What really makes a difference in Corporate event photography are the small elements, grouped together to make a big impact. Whether your business is participating in a trade show or preparing for a product launch. Your Corporate event photographer has an important role to play in the planning, before, during and after the event.
Photography Lists, Tips & Guides
Below we touch on all the major categories of corporate photography. Also, we provide various lists event manager and photographer may or should take into account when planning their events for it to be successful, including maximising the post-marketing potential.
Whether big or small, these events are testimonies to how you function as a team, what you do and what your company stands for. The most cost-effective way to capture these moments is to hire a professional corporate photographer. When it comes to business and corporate photography, professionals will have the appropriate skills and photography services from which to choose.
Guide to Corporate Event Photography
Event Planning
For both event planners and photographers, what happens before the event is just as important as what happens during it. Excellent preparation in the event planning stage of the process can make things run as seamlessly as possible.
The photographer starts with getting to know the purpose of the business or corporate event. For example, some events are held just for the purposes of marketing and promotion, while others are conducted for team building and employee development. Many in Sydney’s CBD are to thank their business clients with a party to celebrate and thank them for their support.
To ensure that you get the most value possible, your photographer will want to know where you plan on using the images from the event. This helps to guide her/him when choosing various types of shots. A professional photographer will know to shoot close for LinkedIn photos, for example, and compose wide for long narrow web banners.
An easy way for photographers to get an idea of what you expect is by asking for examples of photos you like or have used in the past.
Photographers are incredibly visual, so images are a great way to get them to deliver what you’re asking for. Images illustrate the right focus, tone and/or subject matter. This could be done simply by making them aware of a previous event that you have posted on your website or created brochures and other marketing collateral.
List of Corporate Event Venues in Sydney;
Stock Photos
This subject needs a mention. Don’t risk your business on the mistrust that stock images tend to always bring. Big, SME or any established business wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing.
If you’re a no-budget startup, use a phone to take a few shots and dare to be you, and be unique because you are. That is important.
Professional photos will help you get your message out much faster and your genuineness will be long remembered. Say no to stock photos.
Stock photos steal your brand’s voice. It undermines your brand’s authenticity.
More scary details at Entrepreneur.com Stock Might Be Killing Your Small Business Brand article ↗
Duplicate Photos Online
If that’s not enough, there’s a very recent and rare study (mid-2019) by Shai Aharony from Reboot Online ↗
They went into great detail about stock photos. My thinking says that there’s the possibility of google ‘seeing’ stock photos as a duplicate content. As machine learning and image recognition gets cleverer about deciphering what photos are actually representing the risk increases.
Think it’s way ahead in the future? Some social media platforms can face match hundreds of people in less than a minute. If the bot A eye sees the same photo over and over again, possibly many hundreds of times online. Thin content can become a real concern.
Is buying stock photo licenses outright an option? Exclusive photo licences are usually very expensive, re hundreds of dollars each.
It may appear a small risk today but thin content just may play a greater role in the next algorithm update.
So if the authenticity of your brands message is still intact after using them, adding another risk to being invisible and blind to searchers online is not going to be good for business.
Create the photos yourself or hire a photographer to take lots of photos in a single session, then use them over a long period.
Attention to Detail
If this is your first major event, reference other websites and social media with similar events and see if any photos stand out to you. Your photographer also needs to know what will be happening when and where. As such, you can expect him/her to ask about the layout of the venue and key areas, a photography shot list, who the VIPs are, where they are sitting, sponsors tables, guest speakers and presenters.
Details regarding the key people at the event are very important. If you are working with an Event Planner or PR Company, they may create this for you. If not, just simply have a phone meeting with the photographer if there are specific people at the event who must be photographed. The same applies to other vendors if they are closely aligned with your brand.
Professional event photographers are used to and are normally happy to work with a shot list. If you haven’t developed one yet, established Corporate photography services providers would be happy to collaborate with you and/or your Event Planners and PR people.
The type of photos required will determine the type of gear the photographer may need to have with them at the event. They should carry a pretty comprehensive kit anyhow. If you and photographer exchange as much information as practical beforehand the greater the flow of the night for everyone.
After all Corporate events are meant to be about bringing a community together in a relaxing and fun way.
20 Shot List Ideas
20 shot list ideas for Corporate event photography
- Getting ready photos
- Stage shots
- Photos of speakers presenting
- Pictures of staff working
- Photos of guests engaging and networking
- Artistic images of food and drinks
- Interior of the venue and branding
- Reportage style photos
- Staged portraits
- Photographs of the general location, i.e. Sydney Harbour
- Photos of the program, flyers or other collateral.
- Full room photos
- Images of the details and close-ups
- Candid shots of participants
- Exterior photos of the venue
- Images of staff networking
- Event signage
- People having fun
- Event guests at the Media wall
- Photos of other vendors and service providers
For those that haven’t come across this term before. The history of the word “Shot List” comes from film making. To go way back to the very early days it was the old film cameras that needed to be cranked by hand like an old machine gun and it fired ‘Shots’. Now it’s simply a list of cuts for film or frames for stills photography.
The Shot List helps both the Event Managers and their media and marketing teams deliver their post-event marketing strategies. It also helps the photographer to better understand what the client’s teams are looking for.
Having said that and having provided the shot list above. Rarely a single photographer will be able to capture everything on the list. Some of the reasons might be that various activities are happening at the same time located too far apart at the event. It could also be that the actual activity didn’t happen, making it impossible to capture. And that happens fairly often. There are some workarounds but not in every case.
Hopefully, this list gives you some inspiration to add to your Shot list or just simply leave it to a professional photographer as they would typically capture most of these moments at major events.
As you may have gathered, early preparation will help the photographer to consider these and other factors such as dress code, lighting (particularly if the event is held indoors or at night) and the intended final use of the photos.
Same But Different – Corporate Events
Types of Corporate and Business Events
Conferences, Seminars and Summits
Conferences and seminars are about building or strengthening bridges between businesses, so a photographer has a vital role to document your most important events. The typical conference will have a schedule of events and speakers that have been arranged to ensure there’s a seamless flow of activity.
Conferences which are typically larger than seminars, gather like-minded people to discuss related topics. While conferences differ from other types of events in terms of size and purpose, it is still an important gathering for delegates representing all associated groups. Many of which rarely come together except at yearly or biannual events.
Professional photographer’s images are an essential way for the delegates to relay the essence and narrative of the day to their respective professional circles.
The photographer’s job is to try and make someone who wasn’t at the conference, seminar or summit know what the event was all about, who attended and where they should be the next time. And in so doing, he/she will watch out for themes, logos, details, colours, and features that make the conference unique or different from others.
Often at these types of events, the photographer has to deal with a variety of lighting conditions, some of which can be harsh. Moreover, multiple activities could be happening at the same time. Prioritisation is therefore essential to make sure the photographer captures everything required. A photographer with experience is necessary if they are to tell your story and advance your brand’s image.
If you can find a professional photographer that has the personality and business experience your guests will relate to, even better.
One benefit of hiring a competent photographer is, of course, to sell more tickets and increase the number of attendees to your next conference or seminar.
Often the photos are used immediately for social media promotion or in future for PR and advertising.
Sweet Success at Award Nights
Presentations & Awards Nights
After months of planning, getting things in order and making necessary preparations, it all leads up to the big day, the presentation and award ceremony.
Also, the award night might include speeches and maybe a few stage interviews. Photographers have a huge role to play in capturing the most important moments throughout the event. With proper preparation, a seasoned events photographer will leverage their creativity to capture the emotions of the crowd and find the right moments for the perfect shots.
By understanding your expectations, professional photographers place themselves in a position to best capture the excitement, attendance and entertainment that define the award ceremony.
7 Media and Photography Checklist at Awards Nights
- Will any other media be present?
- Have you sent out press invitations?
- When do your Marketing or Media teams require the photos?
- Is there a list of the panel of judges and the winners?
- Will influencers be using the photos to create brand awareness?
- What are the rules for the use of the photos?
- Can we use flash photography, re churches and heritage buildings?
It is essential that the awards night photographers work together with event planners so they can create the perfect setup and capture the best shots of the award winners and other important people. When it comes to photographing award ceremonies, timing is very important, especially if the event is running ahead or behind schedule, so it helps to have the right information and prepare well. Great two-way communication is a key element in getting the photos you need.
Local Industry Expos
List of tradeshow expos types:
- Franchising expos
- Fitness expo shows
- Lifestyle-focused trade shows
- Building and Construction Expos
- Health and Wellbeing
- Food and Beverage
- Security and Safety trade shows
- Technology expos
- Independent Living shows
- Government services show
Industry expos and other large business functions provide great platforms for B2B networking as they’re often large in scale and scope. Most industry expos will have public exhibitions of various commercial or industrial products.
Photography is the perfect media tool and should be at the centre of your marketing program. Expos vary in style, i.e. indoor or outdoor. An experienced photographer knows the ins and outs all too well. Given the potential for industry expos to be huge, professional photographers will work as a team of several photographers to capture various aspects of the event simultaneously. Or for example, if it’s in one of the halls at the ICC, one photography may be all you need.
Trade Show Event Photography
Commercial and Trade Shows
You’ve just secured a space at an exhibition, and you’d like to document your participation. Paying for your space is just the beginning, and you would want to maximise the ROI on this often-substantial investment in money and other resources.
Depending on the event, the expo may last for several days to weeks, so your photographer has to be well organised and capable of meeting your needs.
Documenting all the milestones at the trade show is where you can count on a professional photographer. With the right photographer on your side, you can let your staff focus on their job and worry less about capturing the right moments on their phones.
Professional photos can be used for everything from entering new markets to promoting your presence at future shows and increasing your brand awareness. Sharing regular content to your audience means you will not be forgotten amongst all the messages your competitors are sending out.
There are plenty of photographers out there, but sending anyone other than an expert in trade show photography is taking a risk. Sure, a studio portrait specialist may have the right equipment. But business photography presents unique challenges that can have a good portrait or general photographer struggling.
Before the event, you and the photographer will need to discuss the scope of photography services, which includes the number, type and variety of photos you want (see the Shot List example discussed in this article). Typically, your photographer will work with you and the venue management to discuss any specific conditions before or after the event.
Experienced business photography specialists will work with you to meet your particular requirements.
Gala Dinner Photography The Details
Gala Dinners & Awards Nights
Once a year, your team, clients and supporters dress up for a night of wining and dining to celebrate. You have to put in some hard work to create a stellar experience, but one of the most important things is to ensure you hire the right photographer.
Gala dinner types of events are often bursting with anticipation and filled with excitement. Many old business friends gather and new connections are formed. Through photography, your photographer can capture the atmosphere, stunning stage designs, lighting displays and of course, the guests enjoying themselves.
Example Gala Dinner Program:
- Drinks and canapes with networking to start the evening
- MC for the night welcome message and introductions
- Guests take a seat usually at tables of 10
- Sponsors’ messages
- The main course served
- Entertainment
- Award presentations – what everyone has been waiting for
- Networking time
- Entertainment
- Networking and final drinks
Like most corporate events, annual galas and dinners present the photographer with a photojournalistic challenge in that they must capture natural, candid moments without making guests feel awkward. For instance, an experienced gala dinner photographer knows to avoid taking photos of people as they eat because it makes them uncomfortable. Not to mention, nobody wants their photo taken with their mouth wide open or with a glass of wine to their face.
Here experience with business events is a must, and when to take photos is just as important as when not to take a photo.
While the main meal is being served presents an excellent opportunity to take full room photos, demonstrating how well the event is attended and show off the venue in its best light.
Product Launch Events
Product Launches
Product launch events are necessary in today’s businesses world, but for startups, they are even more critical. Product launches aim to create product and brand awareness as well as publicity for a particular product or service. You want to generate lots of buzz and excitement and get the online world talking about it.
In today’s world of online shopping, the price is a key determinant when making purchase decisions. Nonetheless, you can’t afford to discount the value of great photos at your product launch event. See this page for a detailed guide of photography prices and rates.
The majority of your clients and supporters will want to see photos from your product launch if they can’t make it in person.
A great place to use the photos is for e-news on your website or for your email newsletter campaigns. Words are great but including photos will add value to your message.
You could have your in-house marketing staff taking photos, but poor-quality images may be more detrimental to your brand than having no photos at all. That’s why you should hire a professional event photographer to capture high-quality images.
For product launches, be sure to have enough photos for digital marketing. Having a wide variety of shots to choose from helps to create continuity across different channels with similar photos. Consistency in imagery, tone and voice of your marketing messages will have you standing out from your competition.
Quick Tips on Searching for an Event Photographer
Choose a good search and screening mechanism, obvious first tip. Are you going to use Google search, what key search terms are you using? Key search term we recommend is; “SYDNEY EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY”. This should capture all the top ranking services providers.
Often there are a number of options. We recommend being cautious if you’re using an aggregation website. Besides the website taking a huge chunk of money from the photographer for the booking, it also means the photographer is possibly not earning enough to have professional level camera gear. Or have back gear, which is essential in our view. Very low earnings could also mean they can’t invest in improving their skills. Some may just be having fun with their hobby, and nothing wrong with that from their point of view. We love photography and think everyone should have fun with it.
There’s a big difference between having fun with photography and being a specialist event photography services provider, they should all have their own independent website at the least.
Another tip is, if at all possible, book early, 4 weeks or more is great. We’ve taken same day bookings, not ideal but doable. With a long lead time, we may be able to help spread the word about your event.
Developing a photography shot list is also advantageous. Check out this very page for ideas.
Is the Photography Services provider located close to your venue? You can minimise the risk of travel delays and save on travel costs by booking them close by if you can. Understand not always possible or needed but local event photography service providers will know the area very well.
A professional photographer will?
- Capture the key moments
- Ensure the event is reported in its full visual glory
- Justify your spend in hiring them for the job
- Raise awareness of your company to a new audience
- Build relationships with new prospects
- Increase your network of contacts
- Showcase your new products and services to new markets
- Position yourself as an industry leader by presenting yourself as valuing your image
- Increase your visibility
- Enhanced brand awareness
- Be consistent with marketing campaigns
- Online exposure through all your media channels
- Expand your online/web presence to drive traffic to your website
- Maximise sales opportunities across all your sales funnels
These may appear basic but sometimes reminders about the basics are what’s required. Having concise lists to check and double check all points of opportunity for both photographers and clients is a great way to gain a greater understanding of the responsibilities of both parties and the expected deliverable.
From the client side, it may also help to maximise the full potential of the photos to your business. Both clients and photography services providers may also find these lists useful when drafting hiring contracts. There may be some cross over with this list and others on this page or on our other primary pages. Hopefully, this list is the one that strikes a cord and is useful to you.
Our Photography Services Gives You the Opportunity to:
- Increase your company/brand profile
- Increase sales turnover
- Launch new products
- Educate customers
- Support distribution channels
- Generate Leads
- Increase your customer database
- Gain more visibility
Our Professional Photography enables you/r client to be reassured they are associated with a supplier of choice.
Great photography is also about finding ways to portray the look and feel of the occasion to your attendees and those who were not there.
Corporate Event photography is a unique art form. Live events are often high-pressure environments for photographers so they must run a tight ship. Everything from the difficult indoor lighting and expectations of the guests to the etiquette and length of the event requires early preparation, a unique set of technical skills and a high level of organisation skills.
Choose the right photographer, and you’ll end up with great corporate event photographs that can be used to “Help you to stand out from the competition with images that speak strongly of your brand”