Corporate Event Photography - Briefing the Photographer

BRIEFING A CORPORATE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

I've had a run of a whole range of different corporate events to photograph over the last few weeks, anything from networking lunches to charity golf days. One thing that has really been apparent is the very different approaches in the written briefs that I've been given ahead of the day...or not.

With a few years of experience behind me I thought it might be useful to jot a few tips down for those needing to brief an event photographer prior to the day.

• Ideally get the brief over to the photographer a few days prior to the event to allow them to come back to you with any questions. It also allows them to make sure they have all the correct kit required for the event.
• It's better to keep the brief concise and to the point. It's best to only include the information the photographer needs, rather than try to create a brief that covers all. I like to print and carry the brief with me while shooting so a tick list is perfect!
• The most important information is as follows (and sorry if it looks like I'm stating the obvious but it's amazing how many times elements are omitted) -

1. Location with postcode and any meeting point.
2. Contact name & mobile number for an organiser onsite and email address.
3. Required arrival time (allowing for a chat and empty room shots prior to guests arrival).
4. Breakdown of the running order of the event, with a list of the required shots for each section and really importantly, the timings. Times often slip but it's good to let the photographer know the order of events so they can work out where to be and when.
5. The dress code for the event, remembering the photographer will probably be on their feet all day/night and at times, be crawling about on the floor (unless that's just me!).
6. Prearrange any additional requirements such as social media images required on the day, a quick turnaround of images post event, additional lighting or backgrounds for any portraits required etc. The photographer will have to factor in additional time during and post event for any extras and they may come with a fee.
7. Let the photographer know if you have any particular requirements for the format images are supplied back. I process images as jpegs and send back via a download link as standard.
8. The best advice I can give is allow the photographer an opportunities to be creative. An experienced event photographer will think and see things a client may not so give them the time to grab shots that may just surprise you. It's amazing the number of times I see the shots that hadn't been requested being used as the hero images post event.

I'm always more than happy to spend as much time as required prior and during events to make sure things run smoothly and all of the important moments are captured. It's as important to me that nothing is missed as I wouldn't be doing my job right if my client wasn't happy.

I may not have covered everything so feel free to get in touch if you want to chat anything through further.