What Do You Mean, You Didn't Get Any Photos?

Capturing the emotional mood, the atmosphere, and the key highlights of an event is a given, right? No matter how big the event is, having something to look back on ensures the event lasts longer than the physical duration and provides heaps of marketing inspiration. In this blog - we explore the importance of photography at events and share our best practices on how to capture the best moments - whether working with a professional photographer or not.

Why is it so important?

Firstly, why is it important to take photos at events?

• They offer a long-lasting snapshot of the experience and act as a visual reminder of the day.
• When the event's over and it's time to post on LinkedIn to connect with new contacts, share your involvement, or grow your network, a strong photo makes all the difference.
• Without it, your post is likely to get fewer views and interactions - and there's little to show you were even there. A photo helps other people build more of a connection to you, make you more trustworthy, and put a face to the name.

We all know it can be easy to get caught up in an event and forget to take a photo - events can be hectic, and you want to be present. But think about the opportunities that could come from it. It's all about post-event success: making more connections, marketing yourself, and building momentum beyond the event itself.

There are plenty of best practices for taking photos at events, but it all starts with understanding what you want to achieve. Why are you there? Are you an exhibitor, a visitor, or an organiser? Understanding your role shapes what you'll focus on and allows you to paint a clearer picture of the moments you want to show.

For example, an exhibitor might focus on their stand, branding or a speaker session they're involved in. Whereas a visitor, might want a photo in front of the welcome sign or main stage. Think about what you want people to see: is it the atmosphere and energy of a busy exhibition, the packed-out sessions, or the quality of networking taking place? All of this should help you understand what you want to capture - and why it matters.

Time to start planning...

Planning is another massive part of your event photos - don't just turn up and hope for the best.

• Plan and understand your equipment. Plan and understand your equipment. Whether on smartphone or DSLR, make sure you're familiar with the settings and use of the equipment - don't have all the gear and no idea.
• Consider bringing a photographer to help you snap some great photos – this is ideal for event organisers and exhibitors who want to capture a third-person perspective and may not have time to take photos themselves.
• Make a list of all the shots you need to capture. For example, a photo outside the venue, a selfie at the welcome sign, and a photo from a session attended. Making a list will help you keep focused, get your photos, and enjoy the event.
• Consider further planning about lighting, layout, and any other photo features you need to think about. Planning is an important step so remember to do it thoroughly – now it's time to start snapping.

Put your plan into action!

So, you're at the event and ready to start taking photos. Stick to your plan – get the photos you need but also look for locations and moments that you hadn't planned. Be on the lookout for eye-catching scenery and important highlights like welcome signs, interesting stands, and key moments. When something stands out, don't hesitate to quickly snap it while you can. And don't forget to take a selfie. Getting a selfie at the event is important, as when it comes to posting on social media, it makes you much more genuine and human. People love to see real faces and get a glimpse of the person behind the post-so smile and say cheese.

Another important aspect to consider is 'framing'. What we mean by this is to make sure you look through your camera properly to preview the shot you're taking.

• If it's a shot of an exhibition stand, make sure there are no visible boxes, coffee cups, or general clutter in the background.
• If you're taking a team photo, is your company name or logo fully in view? Don't be just a few letters away or only have half the logo visible – this is prime time to show off your branding.
• If you're using a professional photographer, make sure they're given a clear, written brief so they can understand exactly what you want. Tell them about any sessions you want to record and any specific people who you could photograph. Doing this will ensure your photographer knows what they need to capture and where they need to be to get that shot.

Post Event Success

Now, it's time for post event success – but what can you do with your photos? This is a great opportunity to market yourself and your brand, so make the most of it.

• Make a LinkedIn post documenting your time at the event – make sure to be enthusiastic, capture the spirit of the event, and use your photos to bring it to life.
• Use this opportunity to help you network as people can see you were at the event. You may have missed someone at the event, now is the perfect time to reconnect or even connect with new people – and this post gives you the perfect conversation starter.
• After your social media post, it's time to look long term. Where else can you use this material? Can it be used in future marketing emails, blog posts, case studies, or feature on your website in an event photo gallery? For example, at the end of the year, you might want to do a recap of all the events you've attended.
• Always make sure photos are saved and accessible to you and your team. This will help you save time by being able to access and browse your event photos in the future.

Having these photos ready will help you create more engaging content that's fun to share and can attract new connections - which could ultimately lead to more business.

Documenting your time at an event with photos may not be your main concern – but don't let it fall by the wayside. It is an important step in post-event success and marketing. Whoever you are, organiser, exhibitor, or attendee – a great photo can capture the mood and highlights of an event. It's time to start optimising post event success. The best way to do that is with great photos.