Hiring a photographer for a wedding or a milestone birthday may seem like an obvious to-do item when you're planning for that event, but what about for other occasions? Maybe you're a conference organizer and having professional photography could substantially elevate the experience for your vendors and help you build your brand. Maybe you are planning a fundraising gala and need high-quality images to promote and share with donors. Or maybe you are planning a business Christmas party and realize this is a great time to get some photos for your social accounts and website, or an opportunity to have professional headshots done when everyone is looking their best.
Should You Hire a Professional Photographer?
As a premiere digital production agency connecting clients with the best photographers and video creatives around the nation we think the answer is pretty simple…
If you're thinking about using event photography as a tool to promote your business through social media, sales channels, emails, or another medium, it's important to make sure that the results actually align with your goals. Although Margie in cubicle two may wield a camera for fun, make sure you take a good look at what she's actually produced. And even if she takes wonderful pictures, does she know how to position your brand and tell your story with professional-quality photos?
Most professional photographers have invested a great deal of time and money in training, equipment, professional development, editing software, and perfecting their craft to make sure their clients look their absolute best and most natural selves, no matter where they are or what they're doing. While hiring a professional does cost more than paying your brother to snap a few candids, you should also consider how much you'll save with the realistic pictures of your staff in your own environment and the kind of detail shots that will save you hundreds on purchasing licenses for stock photos you can legally use for business purposes.
It may sound trite to say "A picture is worth a thousand words" but that truism bears out in marketing. "Photo posts get 39% more interaction. Not only do photo posts get more engagement than links, videos or text-based updates, they actually account for 93% of the most engaging posts on Facebook," according to Buffer.com and their organic marketing research gurus
So, if you realize that there may be an upcoming event where your business would benefit from professional photography, here are a few things to consider to help you get the most out of that decision:
Our Guide To Great Event Photography
-
Check Your Budget
While there is a spectrum of pricing out there for event photography, you should expect to spend between $1500 and $2500 for a full day of shooting, depending on your region. Can you find photographers who charge less than that? Yes. Make sure you take a good look at their portfolio. You might like their editing style, but do they have experience in your particular event type? Do they know how to take photos in dark conference spaces? Can they take the kind of photos you can use again and again to promote your business and engage with customers?
-
Have a plan
If you've determined that you're ready to invest in a professional, make a copy of the event schedule to ensure your photographer knows what's in the works and where to be when to capture the most important and high-impact shots. Giving them approximate times for key moments will help them follow the flow of your event and allow them to get set up to capture the best shots.
-
Make a shots list
If you know Great-Aunt Martha is going to be with all of her grandchildren for the first time in a decade and you want a Christmas gift that will score you all the best-relative points, make sure you let the photographer know before the event so together you can create the perfect shot. Or, if you're a business owner, and you know there will be a few key moments during your all-team quarterly meeting that would enhance your sales and promotions work, outline those and send them ahead of time. Working with your photography partner in this way helps ensure you get the most value out of your investment. If you don't have specific shots you want, you can also share a mood board or photos from previous events that capture the essence of what you're looking for.
-
Be a great host
When the big day arrives, make sure you have all the details taken care of. Let the photographer know where you've reserved a parking spot for them, if there's a secure place where they can store extra gear, where they can get refreshments, etc. Show them how much you value them and their services by making sure that you've thought of what they will need while they are with you. If they feel taken care of, you can bet they'll be even more motivated to give you their very best.
No matter what type of event you are planning, fundraiser or corporate, conference or retreat, professional photography can add to the experience by creating a lasting product–whether that's a treasured keepsake or the perfect photos for your promotional materials. If you have the budget for it, there are few investments that return the same level of value you receive when you work with an amazing photographer!
We hope these tips help you get the most from your experience whatever your next event may be. And if you need assistance capturing those moments, we're here for you.