Special Event Photography – Bill Storer Photography

What does it take to become a successful special event photographer?

Let’s start from the perspective that you already have been hired to shoot the event.  At Bill Storer Photography, our first step is based on our business experience. We want to find out what are the objectives of this event and who is the target audience. Is it a sales meeting for a large company, is it a fund raising opportunity for a non-profit or is it a business event put on by a business organization such as a local Chamber of Commerce or other association.

Next , we want to find out where the event is being held, how many people will be in attendance, how many hours, key people involved, speakers, special guests, who are the sponsors and how many, where are they going to be located, the agenda for the day and much more. The point of all this is to be at the right place at the right time and still capture as much of the event as possible and to get the type of images the client is looking for.

From a photography point of view, we always (as best as possible) do a site review to determine what kind of equipment is going to be needed – cameras, lens, lighting, etc. Also how many photographers is it going to take to capture the event. Generally speaking, each photographer will have two cameras and three lenses with him/her at all times – high end  pro cameras that can give you high ISO capability and a mid zoom(24-105), long zoom (70-200) and wide angle for large group shots (16-35). I also frequently use a Quantum light set up in the back of the room with the flash pointed up to the ceiling. This extra light helps to open up the room.

It has been my experience that getting a good shot of a speaker, can be done by waiting until they take a short pause between sentences and do not have their mouth wide open. However, whenever possible I try to arrange with the coordinator of the event to “fake” the podium shot by shooting it in advance.  See these two images that were shot in advance of the presentation. That way I am guaranteed to have the  “keeper” shot in the bag.

 

When an advance shot is not possible and in an effort to be polite to the speaker and not be a distraction to the audience I use the 70-200 from a distance. Try to get the image you want within 2-3 shots, but you have to “get” the shot even if it takes 4-5 shots.

We may also need to get some candids of the individual participants. I used the 70-200 lens on a Canon 5D for these shots. Lightroom 3.6 was used to edit and adjust the images.

           

  

 Recently, I photographed an all day event at the Omni Hotel in Charlottesville, Virginia, (www.omnihotels.com/Charlottesville). This event had over 270 participants, with a keynote speaker, four breakout rooms that were used in both the AM and PM with different  speakers, awards given out during the lunch and a reception. Total time on the job 12 hours. Pictures taken 410. Final images given to the client 267. Client- happy.

Happy customers = more customers.

GolF Course Photography 1-11-2012

Golf Course Photography

January 11, 2012

Golf course photography has always been a part of my photography business.  The origin of this photographic segment really started with my love of the game of golf and the training I won from a Canon Photography Contest back in the early 90’s. I have been a long time user of Canon cameras and in 1992, I participated in a contest sponsored by Canon. I was one of 10 people in the country to win the 1^st Prize of a week in Yosemite National Park with George Lepp,  www.georgelepp.com. , a world class nature and wildlife photographer. This experience helped me develop a skill for “how” to look at a landscape in order to maximize the best lighting. I then combined this skill with my interest in the game of golf. My  golf course photography reflects a player’s perspective. In other words creating images that combine dramatic lighting as well as an average golfers way of remembering or playing a hole in order to create a high “WOW” factor. Now with the use of HDR photography and high end photo equipment, we can create images that capture both highlights and shadows to make the images even more dramatic.

Several months ago, I had the opportunity to shoot the following two images at Trump National in Bedminister, NJ. Both of these images were shot using HDR techniques between 6:30-7:00 in the morning

                                                          

Upon moving to the Charlottesville, Virginia area. I had the chance to photograph the Spring Creek Golf Course (www.springcreekgolfcourse.com.) Again using HDR combined with good weather we were able to create some images that are on display in the pro shop and are available to members.

 

                                                                                                   

Now that we are able to create better looking golf course images for the folders we use, we have seen an increased interest in the golf event photography business.  Combining the course pictures with foursome shots that clearly show the golfers faces and a black or green leatherette folder with gold pin stripping have been very well received.

Going forward into 2012 we are very excited about the opportunities in both the golf course and the golf event photography business. Using new software & top end cameras and lenses we will are looking forward to working with some of the top courses and high end golf events in the Central Virginia area.

Doing the right thing – Giving Back

One of the really great things about being a professional photographer are all of the memories that you have stored in your head. Yesterday, as I was leaving Church, I ran into a little girl and her mom. The little girl, Sophia, was celebrating her 3^rdbirthday that afternoon.Five years ago I photographed her parent’s wedding.  Two and half years ago, I photographed her in her father’s arms after the Baptism  Wow, how time flies.   Not only do I remember the picture because of this darling child,  but also because it was the first picture I took with my new 85mm lens on a Canon 5D.  After adjusting the image and converting it to black and white, I gave it to the family the next day. That little gesture has resulted in many paybacks in terms of referrals and recommendations.

Cradled in Dad’s Arms                                                                                                    

Corporate Strength from Professional Photographic Images

For the first few entries in my new blog, I’d like to share some insights into my thinking about being a professional photographer in New Jersey. Actually, my thoughts apply on a national basis as well.  Let’s start with the premise “A digital camera does not a photographer make.”

In my travels throughout New Jersey, shooting events for corporations and non-profits, I frequently run into companies and organizations who’ve purchased a lovely 8-10 mega pixel camera.  It’s then given to a staff person to photograph everything from head shots of all levels of personnel to corporate event coverage. The images are then used for internal publications as well as PR releases. We all know the results – Yeeoooww!  How often have you seen head shots of the new VP where he/she is placed in front of a white wall, shadows and no depth, with a deer caught in the headlights expression? This is like going out in your bathrobe and fuzzy slippers (as a close graphic artist friend of mine often remarks).

Whether your image is for internal or external use, you want your employees to feel proud of their company. This is directly related to providing an environment where clients know that you are high end andhigh performance. Shooting in bright sun is deciving, especially with digital cameras.

Full Sun Corporate Photography

Bright Sunshine Day

Shadows, dark faces and blurry images won’t get you there. Stronger images equal stronger perceptions. Understanding of the light, subjects, background, size ratios and color relationships speak volumes in professional photography.

This image of a corporate group was professionally photographed at the Westin Hotel in Princeton, NJ at high noon.

Professional Photography: Giving back to your corporate and non-profit clients

How can giving back work for you? The idea of giving back  applies to both corporate and non-profits clients. I have selected two non-profit groups as charities that, whenever I can, I give back at a lower rate or at no charge. One charity is involved with fighting children’s cancer. Two years ago I was asked to go to the children’s cancer floor of a major hospital to get some shots of children with cancer to help with the promotional efforts of this organization. Just look at the beautiful faces of these brave children. Needless to say this was all I needed to become involved with this group.

Happy Hopefulness in the Eyes of Children

It has been my experience that when and where you can, doing the unexpected by not charging a long term client for shooting a small event, or giving back by helping a non-profit or by just printing up an 8 x 10 of some captured moment, can go a long way in growing your business and creating the right impression of who you are. Make it a point to get involved. Whether in NY, NJ, VA or across the country,  it will be well worth your time.

Golf Event Photography

Wow. Just got back from shooting several of the signature holes on the new course at Trump National in Bedminster, NJ.  Just me, the deer and few lawnmowers at this time of the morning.  Looking forward to the excitement, challenge and camaraderie of future corporate events here at Trump.

Trump National

Trump National

Even in this recession, photography is still a big plus for both corporate and high end non profit golf events. In both cases, being on the golf course for what I call the “six hour sales call” is an excellent way for business people to use this informal time to build relationships with peers or customers. A quality photo package that is priced right, can contribute to the success of the event and to the participants who know how to use it as a follow up tool.

One of the packages we offer is a 5 x 7 leatherette folder with a course picture on the left side and the foursome picture on the right.  To make this program work we take the course picture 2-3 weeks in advance. After it is shot, we address the technical details to create a finished product that we send to the lab. In this case the final shot we will be using was shot five times, in raw,  and at different exposures so that we could use HDR technology to bring out the very best this image has to offer.

Planning

We have two events coming up over the next two months where this picture is going to be used. One is an international insurance company and the other a fund raiser for a major hospital. The course picture is an important element in our program because it includes the logo of the company and name of the event in the lower center of the image. We make special consideration of the prominence of the corporate logo when shooting and cropping the image.

Also important in the planning for a corporate golf event is the ordering of the folders with your logo gold-stamped on the front cover and our studio logo on the back.  An event that is a business investment deserves the best in printing as well as the best in paper.

For you to be successful with both indoor and outdoor corporate event photography you have to pay attention to the details that can make or break you. When photographing 30-35 golf events a year, plus other  work, taking time out to schedule and plan for each event is time consuming but critical to your success. When we shoot golf events we start on the 18^th hole and move backwards. What this means is that each image is shot under different lighting and background scenarios. Paying attention to the details and having the right lens and portable lighting with you helps to guarantee your success.

The Importance of ‘Business’ in Professional Photography

As the sand flies

After leaving corporate life, I became half owner in an event management company. We worked with both corporations and non profits who wanted to have a first class golf event. While the non profits primary goal was to raise money for their cause, the real reason for both was to grow their business. One of our objectives then and certainly one of my objectives now as an event photographer, is to offer a first class product that will allow the customer to create lasting memories for their clients.

Providing golf event photography services to both corporations and non-profits has come easy to me. I have played the game over 30 years, I know how to use the game to build business relationships, I know the rules and etiquette and as a result I know exactly what to do to provide the highest quality of photography services to my customers. My customers want to grow their business and I want to help them do that by providing a product that is first class. And guess what, the result has been a growth in my business as well.

Recently, for the fifth year in a row, we  photographed the annual golf and tennis event of a major international insurance company. Foursomes, tennis players and candids were shot, printed and part of a slide show at the reception. As usual, it went off without a glitch. The client is happy. Their clients are happy and I am booked for 2012.

The point of all this is that a lot of planning and business acumen goes into making this a great day for everyone. Being a successful professional photographer is not just about having the right equipment. It is about being a business person first and photographer second. It is about having the insight into the customer needs, their customer’s needs, and combining that with your ability to provide great images, customized folders with logos in a timely manor, at the right price and hassle free.

Let the Sun Shine! Corporate Event Photography

Often I’m asked to cover a multiday corporate meeting, seminar or sales training class. Comprehensive preparation for any photo assignment is an important key to its success. In addition to the ‘who’, what’, ‘where’, and ‘when’, and other logistical questions that need to be asked, I find it’s imperative to also ask ‘How’. This helps me in planning the type of shots I need to capture the essence of the program and promote the corporate identity, energy and interest inherent during the event.
For example, if a training program is focused on teamwork, how will the teamwork concept be visually conveyed and reinforced? Recently, I covered a training event for a large company presented at Duke University. This was a two-day program that concluded with a team building event.
Working closely with the event coordinator we created photo shoot plans for both the classroom setting as well as during the participant’s practical exercise. Familiarity with the location from prior corporate events at Duke was a huge plus. During the first day indoors, we photographed focused speakers, charismatic speakers and a variety of interested students. The second day moved outside the classroom. Because the landscape around the conference center is a parking lot with no shade trees, all the outdoor photography of the day was to be shot in the bright sun. Bright, direct sun can be a photographer’s greatest challenge. I see these challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities.
To ensure this ‘opportunity’ was a successful shoot I arrived with all of my flashes fully charged. Take a look at these images and you might ask ‘why, on such a beautiful sunny day, would you need a flash?’. Quite simply, corporate photojournalism in the shadows is not successful corporate photography. Meter readings and white balance in addition to shutter speed, ISO and aperture must all be considered in the bright, unforgiving, direct sunlight. Whether a group shot or candid’s, we capture the essence of individuals by their facial expression, their eyes and their body language, all to provide the kind of outstanding photographic quality that matches the unique quality of our various corporate clients.
Two great resources for understanding this process are 1. Neil Van Nei Kerk’sWeb site http://neilvn.com/tangents/ 2. David Ziser at http://www.digitalprotalk.blogspot.com

The group shot was a success and the customer ordered 30 -8 x 10’s, which were delivered the next day.