10 Tips to get the most out of photography as an ATTENDEE at an event | Event Photography by Kelli Price
Top 10 Tips to get the most out of photography as an ATTENDEE at an event
After almost 2 years of missing out on meeting in-person due to Covid, its great to see meetings happening again! Hand shakes, hugs, collaborating face to face and meeting co-workers in person for the first time (not Zoom) have been wonderful moments to capture. This is the number 1 priority at any event you attend.
But let’s take a moment to discuss how you can look the best in the event photos that may be captured, shared on social or the company’s internal shared folder…..forever and ever. This list is typically based on actual photos I’ve shot and sometimes thought, “I can’t embarrass this person with this photo.” The innocent have been protected.
If your company is offering headshots, take advantage of the opportunity to update your headshot for FREE! You can read my ‘What to wear for your professional headshot’ blog for more tips. You may hate it, you may love it, just don’t expect a Instagram fun photoshoot.
Grab your co-workers for a team photo, especially post-pandemic! Your team has either grown since 2020 and/or they haven’t seen each other in a long time. Document this special time of being together and not on Zoom! Framed team photos can also make a great ‘thank you’ or work anniversary gift after the event.
Comfort is key, I get it. The events are typically 2-3 days with long hours and as I always say, its exhausting to be witty & charming for that long. But wear flattering clothes. If its a networking event, wearing unique outfits, vintage purse or a funny t-shirt is a great conversation starter!
Don’t chew gum. You don’t want a photo of you with gum in your mouth or a photo of you in the background chewing your cud like a cow.
Be cognizant of your alcohol consumption. Nobody wants to be in a “over served” photo at their company party. Or at least wait until the photographer has left!
Don’t hold your water bottle/cocktail/beer/wine at chest level. This is a very natural pose for many people, but you don’t want the drink to be the focus of the photo. Also, many companies ask the photographer to not photograph people with drinks. Just simply hold the drink down at your side and the photographer can usually crop it out.
If you can avoid it, do not squat in a group photo. You are a professional, not in a sorority, stand tall & proud. Unless we are doing a very large group photo of the company, then I may ask you to sit “criss cross applesauce” :)
If you are sitting down with a group, do.not.lean.back to be in the photo. This will give anybody a double chin and make you look larger because you are closer to the camera than the rest of the group. Either lean out of the photo or stand up in the back to be in the photo.
Another posing tip for the ladies, if you are taking a group photo don’t put both arms around people around you, just one! Putting up both arms (or behind your as a solo) makes you look wider in the shoulders/chest area. Also, same for posing solo, keep your arms out front and lean forward.
Wear the company branded gear! I love seeing the variety of company swag at events and I’m more likely to photograph you when I can get the logo in the photos.
BONUS - If you would like to learn more posing tips and/or how you can capture your own fun event photos, check out my “Event Photography 101”. I know this is a lot to keep in mind, just focus on a few and “focus” on having a good time!!
If you read all of this blog I’m assuming you are either an attendee or event planner on the hunt for an event photographer. Well, I just happen to be an event photographer that can do all of the above! SCORE! Feel free to email me, or share my information with your planning team. Connect with me for a custom proposal.
Read my other blogs from this series:
Wear the company branded gear!