Event Photography is Great for Business
I’ve seen it all, shot it all and to this day will take on many photographic jobs that may seem either below or above other photographers.
Why is that?
In my experience event photography can be good, very good for business. And it’s not only just about earning some dough, but some events will be worth a million dollars in publicity.
I love shooting proms, medical association parties, Christmas staff parties, YMCA fundraising events and private school fundraisers to name a few.
I love people, and that, admittedly is one of the big reasons why I shoot so many events.
I simply love people. I love being around them, I get energized, pumped, and it to give me more vitality.
And, oh yea, profits. I mentioned that already didn’t I?
Events will help your cash flow and will give you opportunities to help your community.
As I mentioned, it gets you in front of many people. I don’t know of any better way for a photographer to build his or her studio business than by shooting events.
In the last week I was at three myself. The image above of the ladies, are examples of the delivered product. I completely donated the proceeds from this event, a fundraiser via the local Montessori School for a child with cancer. The place was packed!
We let everyone who wanted a portrait simply donate whatever they wanted to. Average sale was $15 per person and we raised a few hundred dollars. Not to mention the exposure.
The place was packed! And, I had a blast.
The image above shows the lighting used. I was crammed into a very, very tiny area and used one ring light.
I couldn’t use more if I wanted to. I improvised. You can see below that ring light the canvas sample I had on display, wasn’t much, but it made an impact.
Another event I was at last week was a corporate staff Christmas party.
Another event I was at last week was a corporate staff Christmas party.
This was a paid gig. The event planner called me and wanted to do a photo booth idea, but with a live photographer taking the images.
She said she wanted props and fun things, and I suggested an oversize frame that we borrowed from the local theatre centre.
See first image above for an example of us setting up.
In photo below you can see the lighting I used for this event.
The walls were, coincidentally, the same color as the frame, so no background was used, even though I brought two with me. You can see one of the images I captured during this event. I shot about 200 people and we had a blast! Everyone got into it and they loved it. I think I’ll be back next year.
The image below is a local doctor and his wife from the annual medical association Christmas party.
Another paid gig. I’ve been photographing this event for about 8 years now, and many of the guests are clients. It’s a great profitable gig and a great way to connect with many of my clients. Plus, we always pick up more new clients from the exposure.
Here’s a quick video showing the exat lighting I used at this event….enjoy!
You need to be a real people person to effectively profit from, and excel at shooting events. This is important. Plus, you need to be willing, not stubborn. Events will help you in a serious to grow and expand your photography business.
Yours in photography,
Robert Provencher