I DIDN'T HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR MY WEDDING
GASP! SHOCK. HORROR!
Yes, I admit it. About 12 BC (Before Camera) I organised my DIY wedding on a tight budget and, at the last minute, asked my brother to take photographs on the day. Then I swished off in my dressing gown to have my hair tamed by my mum. (Luckily both hair and photographs were both brilliantly done - thanks both!).
There wasn’t even a selfie backup brigade then - 2003 was the year of the Nokia 1100 - there must have been a few camera phones around - but I don’t remember anyone holding a mobile in the air. Why am I telling you this? Because, fast forward 20 years and I’m a staunch advocate for professional photography at events (things change ya know!).
FIVE REASONS WHY A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER IS A MUST-HAVE AT YOUR EVENT
Much like cocktails and canapés are inseparable, these days guests and their phones are guaranteed to arrive together, offering instant captures and shares for your event. So, you may be forgiven (and I would be the first to forgive you!) for thinking a professional photographer for your conference, product launch, awards ceremony, client/staff or even private event - is not essential. Cancel that. I’m here to give you five reasons why it’s a YES. (Oh boy, I’ve come a long way in two decades on this subject!)
FIRST, LOOK AFTER YOUR BRAND
The event media will influence your clients, staff and other stakeholder’s perception of your brand. While selfies deliver on authenticity and immediacy, hiring a professional photographer gives you an opportunity to reinforce your brand with quality imagery. A good photographer will capture your values and culture through the event narrative - candid moments, the buzz in the air and the essence of what sets you apart.
SECOND, NURTURE THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION
Bringing people together to share an event experience creates emotional connection, the basis of loyalty and buying decisions. One of the reasons sports sponsorship is popular with businesses. It makes sense to capture and preserve these connections - which transport people back to the event, and act as social proof of the “togetherness” and positive interactions.
THIRD, IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL
All the courteous detail you’ve invested in to make your guests feel welcome, special and make the occasion memorable is captured and shared by your photographer.
FOURTH: THE BUSINESS END OF THE WEDGE
The event photographs are marketing gold and can be used both internally and externally to share the event narrative. Reach on social media and in the press will achieve a return on your investment, not counting potential use of the images in company brochures or flyers, as well as future events.
FIFTH, TELLING OUR STORIES
Sharing the images with your guests immediately after the event means they will treasure them, reliving the fun and camaraderie long after the event wraps up, share anecdotes with people they know and publish them on their own social media channels - exponentially extending your reach.
ITS A WRAP
So, there you have it—the story of how Penny Bird has changed her view on event photography from ‘let’s DIY’ to a LOUD yes. Your event will go from great to unforgettable.
PS: Check out my event photography portfolio here. If you have an event coming up and would like to chat - please fill in this quick form to send me the details and we'll talk.
Original blog published on https://www.pennybird.co.uk/blog/five-reasons-to-invest-in-an-event-photographer