Why you need a professional photographer at your next event (and how to choose one)
Good event photography is something that lives on well past the event. The photos give attendees an opportunity to reflect on the event once it’s done and show others what they missed out on. They can be used to advertise the next event, or to liven up your social media channels.
While many people take photos these days on their smartphones, chances are these aren’t of the highest quality. When you want to ensure you have captured your event well, you need to hire a professional photographer.
A professional photographer will expertly document important event moments such as capturing the guests as they arrive, speeches, ceremonies, or other important interactions.
Here are some reasons why hiring a professional photographer is the best choice for your event:
They are committed to the event
A professional photographer isn’t there to enjoy themselves like everyone else is, and they likely don’t know any other guests, so their focus is solely on your event and capturing it from every angle.
They are experienced
Professional photographers have years of experience under their belt, along with an assortment of high quality equipment. This means they know exactly how to shoot in various lighting conditions, weather or locations, and it also means they won’t waste time on the job figuring it out.
Good photos speak volumes
If a picture says a thousand words, you can imagine what that means for a bad photo. Good photos are crucial for representing your brand well. Event photos can be used on social media, in marketing collateral, or to advertise your next event – all places that showcase how professional your brand is…or not.
With the world becoming more and more reliant on visuals to inform us, it’s now more important than ever to ensure you’re visually representing your brand to the highest quality.
So, how do you choose a photographer for your next event?
There are many different types of photographers out there, each with their own style and approach. To make sure you’re hiring the right photographer for your needs, consider the following:
View their portfolio
A professional photographer will have a portfolio or gallery of past events and shoots. This will give you an idea of the quality of their work and their range. Often you’ll find this on their website and social media channels. You’ll quickly be able to see whether they are good at capturing moments from different angles, or whether they just offer the usual same old photos.
Ask questions
If you don’t ask, you won’t know, so don’t be shy when it comes to finding out as much as possible about your potential photographer and their suitability for your event. Who are some of their past clients? How will photos be given to you after the event, and will they be edited? What are the costs involved? How long will they be at the event?
Meet with them
It’s a good idea to meet the photographer prior to the event. This way you’ll be able to ask them questions directly, and see how they interact with you and your team. This is important as it’ll give you an insight into how they handle other people and how they will act at the event. A photographer needs to be professional, approachable and friendly, as they will be approaching your guests throughout the event.
Want to create an event worth capturing? Talk to AVPartners today about how to create a visually stunning event.
