Corporate events are not only excellent morale boosters, but also an essential part of a successful business strategy. From product launches and conferences to team-building activities and annual holiday galas, these gatherings play a huge role in shaping a company’s image and creating impactful connections. One sometimes overlooked but crucial element is the presence of a skilled event photographer.
I’ve spent the last 15 years as a Vancouver event photographer, and have documented events of all types & sizes, from 600 person corporate galas to 2 person elopements. Whatever the scale of the event, having it documented professionally is the best way to preserve the memories, and create a visual record of all that hard work you put into pulling it off! Event planning is no easy feat! I may be a little biased, but here are 10 reasons a professional photographer is an essential addition to your next event.
- Document Key Moments
Corporate events are filled with important moments, from impactful presentations and award ceremonies to networking chats and team-building exercises. The images your event photographer captures serve as a record of your company’s achievements, milestones, and the collaborative spirit within your team.
Sure, your event will be legendary, but memories can be fickle. Remember that epic karaoke performance? With a pro photographer on board, you’ve got proof that Dave from accounting was expertly walkin’ on sunshine. - Showcase your Brand
A corporate event photographer is not just a person with a camera; they are visual storytellers who can capture the essence of your brand. The professional images from your event can be used for marketing materials, social media, and your company website, while maintaining your consistent brand image. A professional photographer understands the nuances of branding and integrates it seamlessly into the narrative. - Captivating Storytelling
Events will tell a story from beginning to end, and a professional photographer will capture the narrative being told. I like to answer storytelling questions through images, like “What was the vibe in the room?”, “Who is being celebrated here?”, “What was the weather like that day?”, “Are there little details that someone put some time and care into?” Together all these moments will tell the bigger picture story of the day. - Best Use of your Time & Resources
Quite often, planning a company event will require months of work. And typically that responsibility falls on someone within the company who’s great at organizing and has an eye for detail. While you’re busy juggling spreadsheets and checking on canapes, you can’t also be expected to capture the photos as well. While it may be tempting to rely on smartphones, if you hand the task over to an event photographer then your team can focus on making sure the event runs smoothly. (And hopefully enjoying yourselves a little too!)
- Adaptability to Lighting & Timing Challenges
Corporate events take place in a wide variety of settings, from banquet halls to parking lots. A professional photographer is prepared to adapt to these diverse environments regardless of the weather, lighting, etc. Iphone selfies aren’t going to cut it here. An event photographer brings professional cameras, lighting, and skills to overcome any challenge a dark room or stormy day can throw at us.
We know how to anticipate, and use our cat-like moment-sensing reflexes to capture it all, even when things don’t go exactly as planned. (Which is bound to happen!). - Create Engaging Content for Marketing
The high-quality images you receive from a professional photographer become a huge asset for your future marketing. These images can be used in marketing campaigns, newsletters, blog posts, and social media updates, enhancing your online presence and engaging your audience. Even activities like a company volunteering day or a fundraiser for an important cause are a great time to bring in a professional photographer to help show the public more about what your company stands for, and that it’s about action not just talk. - Exciting Social Media Content
In the age of social media, engaging visual content is essential. The images from your photographer will not only get you some likes but more importantly convey the energy and excitement of your events. A professional event photographer can provide you with a library full of engaging and shareable content to pull from at a moments notice, which can save your team a lot of time and effort, and contribute to your consistent brand message. - Attract Sponsors for Future Events
Professional event photos not only attract attendees but also appeal to potential sponsors and partners for your future events. The ability to showcase the success of your past events and your company’s credibility can be a convincing factor in securing future collaborations. As a photographer at events, I always make sure to capture all the signs and details promoting different sponsors, so then you have content for them to share as well. For example, if you have a spirits company sponsoring the bar, we can provide them with high-quality images of their products being enjoyed at your event, which they can then use online and also tag your company. Not only will the photos help attract new sponsors, but ensure your current partnerships stay strong. - Employee Morale and Recognition
Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of your employees is crucial for maintaining a positive work culture. A corporate event photographer can capture moments of recognition, team building, and joyful shenanigans, showcasing the human side of your organization. You not only recognize your employees’ contributions, but also boost morale by showing the company’s commitment to celebrating the people who keep it going. Sharing these images internally showcases your team’s successes, and reinforces a sense of pride and belonging. - ROI
Let’s talk numbers – hiring an event photographer isn’t just an expense; it’s an investment with tangible returns. The images captured can be marketing gold, attracting dream clients and sponsors. A well-documented event can be leveraged in multiple ways for future promotional efforts, showcasing the success of your past events.
So, corporate world trendsetters, hopefully you can now envision your next big event with a trusty photographer by your side; documenting all those high-fives, belly laughs, and maybe even a moon-walking CFO. Contact me for more info & availability!
