Finding a photographer for corporate events tends to be more complicated than hiring one for non-corporate events. A corporate photographer may go through personnel from several departments to get approval. But, as with individual events, brands and companies need a corporate photographer.
Corporate photographers may seem expensive, but they are worth the cost, especially for companies trying to build, develop or maintain their brands. A photography studio in Dubai specializing in commercial photography has shared some of the reasons why hiring a corporate photographer is an expense that companies should not shy away from:
Quality equipment
Tools may not make the artist, but the type and the quality of the equipment can determine the output. Professional photographers invest in the tools they need to do their work. A point-and-shoot camera can’t produce the same size or quality of images as a full-frame camera.
Cameras and lenses may be the most vital piece of equipment in a photographer’s arsenal, but they are not the only gear. Depending on the situation and need, photographers may also carry flashes, tripods, strobes, batteries, memory cards and spares. If the event involves a setup, such as in the case of pre-nuptial shoots or food photography, photographers may sometimes carry props as well.
Plus, they also have gear that they don’t often carry around. Back at their offices, they will have computers, photo editing software and plenty of storage. If they have a working studio, the space will hold other equipment and accessories such as background setups, lightboxes and more.
Such equipment is not cheap by any means. By hiring a specialist in commercial photography, clients don’t have to invest in buying and storing their own equipment.
Experience and expertise
It takes more than fancy equipment for anyone to be called a professional photographer. Seeing a DSLR is no way to determine a person’s skill or expertise in taking or editing photographs. This is why portfolios are important.
A portfolio reveals a person’s skill and specialization. Looking at a portfolio allows the client to get a general idea of what to expect in terms of the quality of the images and the photographer’s style and creativity. This is important for many reasons.
It is important to note that there are many types of photographers. Some specialize in a particular genre (e.g., portrait, product, events, etc.), technique (e.g., black and white, light painting, long exposure, HDR, etc.), or industry (e.g., hospitality, food, fashion, etc.). Business clients are advised to compare several portfolios before determining the best photographer for their company’s needs.
Hiring a resourceful expert with people skills
What makes corporate event photographers essential is their ability to work for a crowd. Many online galleries, in fact, offer a variety of ready-made image templates, which is useful for obtaining images, however, they are not private enough for exclusive internal company use.
Professional commercial event photographers know what types of images are needed, what equipment they have to prepare and carry, how to get those shots, and where to position themselves in the space to get those great photos. Photographers do all this and more without affecting the flow of the event.
Event photos are a combination of candid and posed shots, with some exhibiting photojournalism skills. They know when to blend in and when to approach individuals for a photo.
Being able to move around the room freely without attracting attention requires skill and tact. At the same time, it shows professionalism and respect for the staff, whether it is the company or the venue employees. As such, guests can fully enjoy the event, including the food, entertainment, and conversations – without worrying about the photographer in the room.
Quality photos
The main reason why companies and brands hire professional photographers for their events is the assurance of having quality photos. Most will be for internal use, like documenting the events and publishing photos in the company newsletter.
A few might be used for a press release, marketing, or general promotional purposes. They might also be posted on the company’s website or in a public magazine for everyone to see, such as in the case of volunteer work or participating in trade fairs.
Regardless of the use, by hiring a professional photographer, corporate clients don’t need to worry about having high-resolution photos. They can pick and choose which ones to use and where from what the photographer gives back.
Creative angles
Timing and knowing where to position the subjects are critical when it comes to taking pictures. In photography, seeing the moment before you click the shutter button is a split second too late. Experienced photographers can predict when and where the best candid shots will occur, put themselves in a position to take them, and click a moment before it happens.
Taking candid shots can also be tricky as you might take a picture of a person yawning or catch them in an embarrassing position. Respectable photographers will always try to take photos that show venues, people, and events in the best light.
A corporate event package may seem expensive, but photographers are well worth the cost. There are many considerations to taking event photos. Great moments meant to be captured can happen in the blink of an eye.
Experienced photographers know what photos are expected, where to take them, and apply the best timing. By hiring a corporate photographer for your brand’s events, you are assured of quality photos that you can use for your business requirements.
Stefanie Descheemaecker is the Studio Manager at Stu Williamson Photography at The Palm Jumeirah – Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. She has been with the company for almost 3 years and is the driving force behind the success of the business. A keen amateur photographer, Stef combines her natural creative eye with strong business acumen to help Stu Williamson Photography become the most trusted and successful photography business in the UAE.
