What Is Event Photography and How Can You Use It?

Advertising your company doesn’t just have to involve product or commercial photography. One of the most overlooked ways of elevating your brand is using event photos as part of your marketing campaign. And contrary to what most people think, event photography isn’t just about taking photos of people. Event photographers capture the atmosphere of the event and tell a story as the event unfolds.

Why Event Photography Is Important

Event photography can play a pretty big role in getting your business seen. It’s an especially effective tool if you have a boutique company with niche products. Here are some ways event photography can be important for your business or brand.

Builds Your Brand’s Credibility

High-quality photos that show your business interacting with customers at business gatherings or social events can build trust with clients and potential customers.

Humanizes Your Business

With event photos, your business isn’t just a storefront or a name on a website anymore. It shows customers that you’re connecting with real people and humanizing your brand.

Shows Your Company’s Culture

Are you proud of your team members and the company’s culture you’ve worked so hard to develop? Event photography can capture this culture with candid photos.

Helps With Media Coverage

Media outlets, such as local magazines and newspapers, are more likely to include your events if you deliver professional photos.

Captures Milestones

Whether you’re launching a new product or throwing a 10th anniversary party for your employees, a professional event photographer can capture both the event details and the crucial moments.

The Different Types of Event Photos

There are different types of events, and each one calls for a different type of photography. Whether you’re planning a corporate gathering or a sports event, every event has its own purpose, energy, and audience. Here are some common events that photographers can photograph for you.

Corporate Events

Corporate photographers typically produce polished photos of corporate gatherings, business gatherings, and corporate gala awards events. Corporate event photography may also include:

Conferences
Seminars
Corporate retreats
Training sessions
Networking events
Trade shows

Fundraising Events

Charity event photography focuses on fundraising events by non-profit organizations, foundations, or community organizations. Charity events can include:

Silent auctions
Marathon walks/runs
Fundraising dinners
Volunteer drives

Concert Events

Concert photography is another popular category of event photography, and professional photographers can capture stunning photos of a concert or a performance in order to showcase the dynamic performances and tell a compelling visual story. Besides the performance, concert event photographers also capture:

Audience reactions
Behind the scenes
The vibe of the venue
The event space
Unique lighting and effects

Sports Event

Sports event photographers shoot action-packed sports competitions and related sports activities. Because of the fast-paced games and high levels of activity, sports photographers must have the technical skills to freeze key moments. Some of the photos sports photographers capture include:

Key moments, such as goals, finishes, and touchdowns
Live action shots of athletes during the game or competition
Crowd reactions
Team dynamics and reactions

Festival

Festival event photographers capture the energy and atmosphere of a festival, whether it’s the attendees, the decor, or the behind-the-scenes moments. Some shots festival event photographers capture include:

Performances
Speakers
Decor, such as signage and merchandise
Event venue space

Private Parties

Many people don’t think of hiring an event photographer for private parties, such as birthday parties or anniversary parties, but a professional photographer can bring a lot to the table. Here are some photos an event photographer can capture:

Intimate moments
Key moments, such as gift giving, surprises, cake cutting
Group portraits
Candid moments

Benefits of Hiring an Event Photographer

If you’d like to capture your event through photographs, hiring an event photographer is the way to go. Not only will you get professional images that accurately capture the event, but you’ll also gain additional benefits, such as:

Capturing Special Moments

Your event will be packed with lots of emotions and memorable events, but as the host, you’ll probably be too busy enjoying it or managing the details to pick up a camera. An event photographer is your second eye – that fly on the wall who can capture all the candid and authentic moments that unfold over the night.

Creating Event Memories

Your event is special, and that means you’ll want a record of the crucial or memorable moments. Professional event photographers usually work closely with the event planner or host to identify highlights ahead of time, ensuring important details aren’t missed.

Getting High-Quality Photos

If you’re thinking of hiring your niece to shoot the event on her iPhone, think again. An event photographer will give you high-quality photos that you can blow up to just about any resolution. Professional photographers will also take into account the lighting conditions and be prepared with small, hand-held lighting setups.

Increasing Event Attendee Engagement

Let’s face it. People love seeing themselves in photos, especially when professional photographers capture them all dolled up. Showing these professional, fun-filled photos on your website or in a local magazine can make a big impact. Plus, lots more may turn up for your next event, especially if it looks like the attendees had a blast!

What You Should Look for When Hiring an Event Photographer

Now that you’re ready to hire a photographer to shoot your event, the next step is to choose the right photographer. Professional photographers have different eyes and artistic approaches, so it’s important to find one whose voice reflects the style you need. Here’s a breakdown to help make hiring one easier.

Decide What Kind of Event You’re Holding

Start by identifying what kind of event you’re holding, and then find a photographer whose portfolio matches that style. Planning a corporate conference? Hire a corporate event photographer. Putting together a fundraising event? Seek out a charity event photographer. Choosing a photographer with the right portfolio will ensure they can best tell your story.

Prepare a Budget

Next, prepare a budget just for photography services. While you don’t have to go overboard with your spending, do try to set aside enough to secure a professional photographer who can capture what you need.

Talk With Prospective Event Photographers

Lastly, make a list of prospective event photographers and talk with each one about your budget and your needs. You’ll also want to go through their event photography portfolio to see what kind of images they shoot and if their vision matches yours. Furthermore, find out what their editing workflow is like and how long it will be before you get the images back.

After choosing your photographer, make sure to review the event photography shot list to finalize what kind of event coverage you’d like and which moments you’d like the photographer to capture.

Hire an Event Photographer in Miami

If you’re planning an event and want to capture every detail professionally, contact Miami photographer, Daria Koso. And to make the most of your event session, read “how to prepare for a photoshoot” on our blog to ensure you and your team are ready to shine on the day of.