Planning a corporate event can be a tricky endeavor. Whether you’re planning a seminar, conference or a customer appreciation day, you probably have a long list of items to complete – venue, food, flowers, decorations, seating charts, speakers…the list goes on. But who’s going to capture all those moments during the event?
Special events for your business deserve the attention and eye for detail that only a professional photographer can provide. You only have one opportunity to capture your event in all of its glory. It can be difficult to convey the story of your event without great photos to back you up. As such, it is important to hire a professional photographer for your event.
Here are some things you need to consider when hiring an event photographer.
Photographic style
Every photographer has their own unique style. This “fingerprint” is what sets their work apart from everyone else. When hiring a photographer, take their photographic style into account. Do they focus on close-ups? Portraits? Candid moments? These are just a few styles to think about. You can’t hire a photographer and ask him to use a different style; it doesn’t quite work like that.
Check out some sample photographs from various photographers to determine whether or not their style suits your needs. This will also ensure that they’re the best fit of the occasion.
Portfolio
Before making a decision, ask to see the photographer’s portfolio. Some photographers feature their portfolios on their website. If so, spend some time and browse through those photos. Through the collection of photos, you’ll get a sense of the depth of a photographer’s work. If you like their work, go head: take the next step and reach out to them!
Testimonials
Skills and expertise are incredibly important in capturing great photos for any event. However, also consider how they work with their clients. What is their work ethic like? Are they punctual? Do they dress appropriately? This is where references prove invaluable in your decision-making process.
Ask the photographer for references, testimonials or endorsements, preferably previous customers, partners and fellow photographers. Get in touch with these people to see what they think of the photographer. Also, ask previous clients whether or not they are satisfied with the work. A true professional will have no problem offering as many references as you need. You may also want to search online for any potential negative comments.
Budget
Of course, you must keep your budget in mind when choosing a photographer for your event. We all need to operate on a certain budget. As such, it is important to hire a photographer that can deliver the job, while staying within budget. That being said, be sure to have a realistic budget for your needs and location. Like most things in life, you usually get what you pay for. Look for experience and an extensive portfolio and an established professional with a documented history. Hire the best photographer you can afford.
If you own or manage a business, there will come a time when you’ll need to hire a corporate event photographer to capture photos on your next conference or meeting. You may be tempted to ask a friend or your staff to do so, but you shouldn’t trust just anyone with this role. Professional photographers do more than take photos. They use their experience and training to capture the beauty and importance of each occasion.