Planning for Logo Placement
Highlighting your logo is essential. Ensure it's prominently visible in front of or behind key speakers. This helps with getting your brand noticed in important shots. You can simply place your logo on the podium or on signage behind the speaker.

Effective Communication with Your Photographer
Effective communication with your photographer is paramount. The trick to avoiding mishaps is clear communication about the style and specifics of the photos you need.
Documentary vs. Posed Styles
Most corporate events lean towards a documentary style. This involves the photographer subtly moving through the crowd, capturing candid moments that tell the story of the event. It's a fantastic way to document genuine interactions and the overall ambiance. However, if you prefer posed shots of key people or moments, like a portrait of the speaker with the CEO after an award presentation, indicate this to your photographer early on.
Discussing Special Moments
Special moments are the highlights of your event, and they need to be professionally captured. Is there a significant handshake between partners? An awards presentation? An unmissable speech? Let your photographer know. Point them towards these scheduled highlights so they know where and when to be positioned for those crucial shots.
Group Shots and VIPs
For group photos, especially those including VIPs, it's essential to pre-plan. Inform your photographer about who these individuals are and any specific groupings you require. A good photographer will ensure VIPs are photographed at their best, whether they're mingling with the crowd or in more formal setups.
If you have a list of must-have shots, such as a group photo of the board members or a team picture, share these details well in advance.
Visual Preferences
Visual preferences extend beyond just documentary versus posed. Discuss the lighting, color tones, and overall mood you want to reflect in your photos. Do you prefer natural light and softer tones, or something more dramatic with contrasting colors? If you have examples or references, share them. This allows your photographer to adjust their approach to match your vision.
Day-of Coordination
On the event day, ensure there's a point of contact for the photographer. This person can assist with coordinating any last-minute changes, guiding the photographer to specific locations, or signaling when a scheduled special moment is about to occur. It's about having someone who can bridge the gap between the event timeline and the photographer's needs.
Clear, detailed communication with your photographer ensures that your event is captured as planned and adds a layer of professionalism to the proceedings. When everyone is on the same page, the result is a collection of images that beautifully narrate your event's story.

Managing Lighting and Venue Layouts
Lighting plays an integral role in capturing the essence of your corporate event. Ensuring the on-stage lighting is sufficient but not too harsh is crucial in achieving quality photos. Aim for broad, even lighting that falls softly on the speaker and any accompanying signage. Overly bright or contrasty lighting can cause blown-out highlights, detracting from the overall quality of your images.1
Regarding ambient lighting, achieving the right balance enhances the overall mood without overpowering the scene. Avoid harsh spotlights that might make your subjects look washed out or cast unflattering shadows. Instead, opt for a setup that provides a natural and even light spread, enhancing the clarity of your photos without being intrusive.
One of the often-overlooked aspects of event planning is the placement and setup of concurrent meeting locations. If your event features back-to-back sessions in different rooms, try to keep these locations as close to each other as possible. This proximity reduces the commuting time for your photographer, allowing them to maximize the photo-taking opportunities without wasting precious minutes moving between distant venues.
Strategic venue layout goes a long way in ensuring a photographer can capture all essential moments efficiently. Think about the flow of foot traffic and the accessibility of key locations. By thoughtfully arranging the venue and ensuring that important areas are easily reachable, you can help your photographer stay mobile and agile, ensuring no memorable moment goes uncaptured.
To optimize your photos, perform a dry run with your photographer, where they can assess the space and lighting ahead of time. This pre-event check allows them to adjust their equipment and lighting setup to suit the specific needs of your event venue.
Additionally, for capturing candid shots and networking events, make sure there are designated areas with favorable lighting conditions. Natural light is your best friend here, offering softer, more flattering photos that capture the genuine interaction between guests. If the event is indoors, consider supplemental lighting that aligns with the event's aesthetic and does not disrupt the natural ambiance.
Incorporating these considerations into your event planning can drastically improve the quality of your event photographs. Careful attention to lighting and venue layout ensures your photography experience is seamless, professional, and optimized to capture the best moments efficiently.

Maximizing Photo Opportunities During Breaks and Activities
Scheduling breaks for networking isn't just vital for keeping your attendees alert and engaged — it's also a golden opportunity for your photographer to capture some of the most dynamic and organic shots of the event. These breaks, where attendees relax and converse, are perfect moments to document the essence of your corporate gathering. By building in ample networking time, you'll facilitate valuable connections while ensuring your photo library is vibrant and diverse.
Another crucial aspect to consider during breaks is scheduling sessions for headshots. Many attendees, especially in professional settings, appreciate having updated headshots for their personal brand or company profiles. Arrange a designated area with an appropriate backdrop and good lighting where your photographer can set up a mini studio. Inform your attendees in advance that headshot sessions will be available, so they can come prepared. This adds value to your event and guarantees high-quality portraits for everyone involved.
The more relaxed moments, such as cocktail hours and informal networking events, offer fantastic opportunities for candid photography. These times are often where the best memories and interactions occur. When people are enjoying themselves in a more laid-back atmosphere, your photographer can capture genuine smiles, engaging conversations, and the overall energy of the event. These images are invaluable for your event's storytelling and marketing efforts, showcasing a vibrant and fun environment that will attract future attendees.
With these strategies in place, you're setting the stage for a rich portfolio of event photos that document and celebrate the human connections fostered during your corporate gathering. So, plan those breaks thoughtfully, communicate the opportunities for headshots, and encourage a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Your attendees will appreciate it, and your event's photo narrative will sparkle with authenticity and warmth.

- Hurter B. The Best of Photographic Lighting. Amherst Media; 2011.








