Event Photography Guidelines from an Actual Client
Just getting into event photography and wondering what your clients expect of you? Some client demands are rather light (photograph people, preferably smiling, and with a pulse, and we'll be alright) and others are rather...not at all light (I'd like to see this person's pupils at 334pm while its raining outside). Nevertheless, to give you an idea of what's expected of you as an event photographer and your event photography work, below is a list of guidelines from an actual client.
I shot for Coindesk in 2018, at their annual Crypto conference #consensus, and the attached dossier is what was expected of me.
I hope this gives you some insight into how clients think and what they expect, and if you have any questions, feel free to write me a note at <a href="mailto:info@joejenkinsphoto.com">info@joejenkinsphoto.com</a>.
Event Marketing Photography Guidelines
The goal of event marketing is to demonstrate the value of a specific event experience through various communication channels as expressed through visual and textual messaging.
Event photography has a significant role in representing the visual identity of the event brand and experience and therefore must maintain clear guidelines related to the equipment, style, quality and consistency of event photographs.
Event Photography Guidelines
Flash
Avoid during presentations or intimate break out sessions, due to disruption.
When using, use bounce “fill flash’ rather than direct flash on automatic settings, to soften the effect and register some ambient light and scene setting in the background to give the photographs context. These will then blend well with the majority of photographs taken with no flash.
Camera and lenses
Use a camera body designed for performing well in low light (usually a smaller sensor / top of the range such as the Nikon D5) to eliminate noise and maintain color vibrancy and sharpness in the images when shooting without flash at a high ISO.
Lenses should be fast (f2.8) and pro level lenses of the top quality
Style
Use various focal lengths to give variety to the client. All shots should contain context to the event (for example, branding in the background, an impression of other people attending etc).
Long lens photographs shot at 2.8 can be fixed on a delegate asking questions during a Q&A session, with “100’s” of other delegates visible in the background.
Wide shots to show the auditorium packed (avoid empty seats), with branding present.
Quality
All photography are to be turned around quickly* and efficiently, color corrected, straightened and cropped where necessary.
* Turn around time to be decided prior to the start of contract. Never to exceed more than 48 hours after event conclusion.
Consistency
Always think that each photograph will be part of a set and depict the brand of the Company you are working for. This is not the time for “experimental” shots.
Listen to the brief and cover all sections in the same consistent style.
Invest: NYC Event Marketing Photography Brief
Attendees
Smiling, eyes open.
No food or drinks in hand.
Make note of any badges or logos as these will need to be photoshopped out of
shots.
Retouch blemishes and yellowed teeth only.
Networking
Tight shots, focused on engaging conversations 1:1 or 1:few
Breakouts/General sessions
Wide audience shot
Tight individual shot
Minimize appearance of devices in shots
Minimize appearance of empty seats
Speakers
Tight, clean shots.
Limit noise of background branding as this may quickly date the image and prevent reuse.
Standing shots in “power pose” positions.
Seated shots should make the speaker look engaged or engaging.
Receptions
Candid shots of attendees.
Variety of venue and refreshment selection.
Limited brand presence.
Exhibit hall
NO shots of empty booth or low traffic areas.
Tight shots of exhibitors and prospects.
Shots of demonstrations and meetings are HIGHLY encouraged.
High traffic booth shots
Activations/swag
Sponsor signage
General Event Photography
Sponsor Branding & Signage
Registration
Signage, Directional, Clings
Expo hall, exhibits, products & demos
Attendees interacting at the booths with clear signage
Attendees wearing crypto outfits
All Exhibitor Booths
CoinDesk Branding
Registration
Main Stage
Directionals
Networking Space
-Meal Functions
Trade Secrets Room
Press Room
Speaker Ready Room
So, to wrap up, this is what a real set of guidelines looks like from an actual client. If you'd like to take a look at my event photography and see what conference or expo documentation looks like, check out my event photography work here.
Additionally, if you would like to see more blog postings, esp
