3 things to consider when you’re planning your impact-driven event from a photographers point of view
This three-point post is to help businesses and event organisers hone in on and consider details that can speak to the impact angle of holding an event. Whether you’re running a workshop, networking event, conference, or team get together, the three ideas below are ones that can make a big difference in positioning your brand, and in turn how it is perceived and valued from the inside (team members) and those outside the team - clients, customers, cheerleaders, and of course not forgetting your future clients, customers and cheerleaders.
As an event photographer, one of my main considerations is capturing photos that will best share the ‘impact’ angles of the company.
Because if you’ve spent all that time organising an event, there will be photos taken by a photographer or attendees and you want to make sure you’re sending out the right message. Not just to those in attendance but to those who weren’t there and just see the event on social media or newsletter going out afterwards. Below are three tips you can use when creating your event that are simple, beneficial to all, and will I have highlighted three tips below as simple, mutually beneficial and will help you share your business with heart.
Tip no. 1 - drink container alternatives
Surely the biggest and easiest piece to address!
If you’re providing refreshments to your event attendees consider alternatives to plastic water / juice bottles! Even if the plastic bottle is recyclable it does not translate well in photos. When photographing events I always aim to avoid capturing these types of containers if they are present (which can be challenging as they end up in clean sight everywhere) and they just don’t represent ‘impact’. I posted a poll on a Zero Waste Facebook group requesting ideas for alternative water container options and got some great suggestions! Check them out, they’re super helpful:
Here’s the link from the post about The City of Vancouver with details about their water fountain and water ‘wagon’ rental.
They also provide waste and recycling totes for your event as well as equipment such as bike racks, and signage. An amazing resource!
Tip no. 2 - food partners
If you’re working with a food company that you love and they align with the values of your business I suggest that their branding is very clear and in a number of places around the food area or visible in the venue. Brand association is mutual brand love! Have whatever is suitable - cards, a banner, branded platters. Clear signage gives guests and the photographer ample opportunity to get a variety of photos that tell the story and also provides the opportunity for the food company to share your photos and posts too. Win win.
Visible branding from Railtown Catering taken at Pique Ventures investors event (photo credit: Maxine Bulloch)
Tip no. 3 - what exactly is the impact piece of your business? How are you standing out in your industry?
Whatever it is, is there an opportunity to show this with visuals at your event? For example…
You have a service that has taught 1,000 kids how to cook healthy meals. Can you have a wall of fame with photos of the kids and food, written testimonials, a station with one of the kids serving out the food at the event?
You are a product company that manufactures compostable coffee pods. You could create an area in the venue displaying the materials used, you could pile them up into a pyramid shape….you could hang 200 of them from the ceiling as decoration…. I’m only kind of joking but hopefully you get the message!
Maxine is a photographer based in Vancouver, Canada, and works with small heart-centered businesses to create joyful, honest images so they can show up on-brand, and aligned with their values.