Conference Photography for Private Equity Company and What to Capture on the Day
Conference Photography for Private Equity Company and What to Capture on the Day
It was good to see one of Piranha Photography’s photographs taken last week at this company conference in London being used to bring to life a LinkedIn post by the client.
The networking event was an opportunity for the private equity company to bring together a broad range of digital leaders and to discuss the current happenings in the industry.
Conference photography, has certain set requirements, which include: –
Photographs of the speaker
Taking photographs of the speaker may seem obvious, but some shots will be better than others. Ideally the speaker is animated and looking relaxed, sometimes the speaker can be describing a monumental deal but each image might be the same as the last just looking down at their notes. To help the photographer to take a more interesting set of photographs of the speaker, before the event the organiser should brief all speakers to look around frequently and become more animated if possible.
Lighting wise, there should be spotlights or at least good light on the speaker otherwise they will be in shadow. It isn’t a good idea for the photographer to use flash during a live event, so if during the recce, it is apparent that the conference speaker will be in shadow, then flash should be setup and used during the rehearsal when there is no audience.
Then the result will be a strong set of animated speaking images, which are great for PR or website use, without interrupting the conference itself later that day. The company logo should be printed either on the speaker’s plinth or mounted just behind his/her head, as a projected image or large TV can generate an interference or banding pattern with modern digital camera sensors which is not desired.
Audience reaction shots
Audience reaction shots should include people all looking attentively towards the speaker. This can take a while to achieve as someone tends to be looking at their phone these days, but perseverance does pay off, especially if the speaker makes a joke.
There are often gaps in the seating arrangements too, so a photographic angle that makes it look like a capacity crowd is always appreciated by the client. Getting shots of the audience clapping too, make a good positive PR image.
Wider shots of the event
Wider shots of the speaker including the presentation on display and the audience, both from the front, side and back. This shows a sense of environment and place, especially if it is a visually striking room or building, such as The Natural History Museum or similar.
Photography of breakout groups and reception
It is important as the photographer to capture the conference attendees networking over coffee or at the beginning or end of the day. These breaks give the photographer a chance to mingle and get close up portraits of speakers and guests.
Photography of conference at Lord’s Cricket Grounds in London
Sometimes there is the opportunity for a few shots at the venue to show something of the location and what makes it different.
There can be opportunities for some impromptu portraits, for example when the conference was held at Lord’s Cricket Ground and one of the directors was a huge cricket fan!
Conference photography should not be formulaic and staged but have a lively mix of creative images. Photographs should demonstrate a sense of place and environment and also reflect the people, presentations and personalities of the attendees.
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Audience reaction shots should include people all looking attentively towards the speaker. This can take a while to achieve as someone tends to be looking at their phone these days, but perseverance does pay off, especially if the speaker makes a joke. - Douglas, Photographer