How to Take Great Company Event Photos with Your Smartphone
One effective strategy for building and maintaining relationships with clients and potential customers is through hosting in-person events. These events not only allow for face-to-face interactions, but also provide a unique opportunity to showcase your company in a new light on social media.
However, capturing excellent event photos can be a hit or miss, particularly when relying solely on a smartphone. While employees may be eager to help and may even consider themselves skilled photographers, the resulting pictures may not always meet your expectations. To make sure that your event photos are of top-notch quality and useable, here are some easy tips to follow.
Here’s what we cover in this article:
Benefits of Sharing Event Photos
Sharing photos from your event can offer a variety of advantages. One of the key benefits is the opportunity to expose your event to a wider audience. With people constantly connected to social media and online communities, sharing event photos on these platforms can reach a larger group than just those who physically attended. This can aid in promoting your brand, attracting new customers, and building anticipation for upcoming events.
Additionally, sharing event photos allows for engagement with attendees. By sharing photos, attendees can relive their experience and connect with others who were there. This can foster a sense of community and build relationships among attendees. Furthermore, sharing photos may also encourage attendees to share their own photos and stories, creating even more buzz for your event.
Event photos can also be used as marketing material for future events. By sharing photos of your previous events, you can give potential attendees a glimpse of what they can expect from your future events. This can help to generate interest and excitement, and encourage people to attend your future events.
Check Smartphone Camera Settings
In order to take great event photos with your smartphone, it's important to use your smartphone's camera settings to your advantage. Here are a few tips:
Set Image Resolution: To take clear photos with your smartphone, set the camera to the highest resolution. Higher resolution means your photos will look sharp and clear, even when viewed on a large screen. Most smartphones have several resolution options. Pick the highest one your phone offers. This way, you'll be sure your photos are of the best quality.
Enable HDR mode for better dynamic range: HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and it allows your camera to capture a wider range of tones and colors. This can be especially useful when taking photos of events in bright or low-light conditions. HDR mode can usually be found in your camera's settings menu.
Your smartphone has numerous other options that you can discover, but begin by focusing on these two fundamentals.
Use Lighting to Your Advantage
When taking pictures at an event, it's crucial to consider the lighting elements. Are there any windows providing natural light? Are there any lights hanging from above? Where are the areas with shadows? Here are some tips for achieving great lighting in event photography:
1. Optimize natural light whenever possible. Natural light is generally the most flattering and can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your photos. If there are windows or doors with natural light, position your subjects near them to take advantage of the natural light.
2. Be aware of overhead lighting. Take note of any overhead lighting in your surroundings, as it can cast harsh shadows and give your photos a dull appearance. While you may not have control over the lighting, being mindful of it can help you make the necessary adjustments to your camera settings or change your positioning to avoid its negative effects.
3. Use a flash when necessary. If natural light isn't available or isn't enough, use a flash to add light to your photos. However, be careful not to use too much flash, as it can create harsh shadows and make your photos look too bright and washed out.
4. Consider the direction of the light. The direction of light can greatly affect the look of your photos. Side lighting can create depth and add dimension to your images, while front lighting can make your subjects appear flat. Experiment with different angles and directions to find the most flattering lighting for your subjects.
5. Pay attention to the color temperature of light sources. Different lights have different color temperatures, which can change how your photos look. For example, natural light is warmer than fluorescent light. If you use more than one light source, change your camera's white balance to make sure the colors in your photos look real.
In summary, notice the lighting in the event space and make necessary changes to capture the optimal lighting for your event photographs.
Make a Shot List Before the Event
Taking some time before the event to plan the types of shots you hope to capture can result in a diverse and high-quality collection of photos. Creating a shot list can help guide you throughout the event and make sure that you don't miss any important moments. It can also help you stay organized and efficient, especially if the event is fast-paced.
Consider including a mix of wide shots to capture the overall atmosphere, close-ups to capture details and emotions, and action shots to freeze moments in time. Don't be afraid to get creative and try different angles and compositions. Remember to also include any specific shots that the event organizers or clients may have.
Candid photos of people interacting with each other: these can capture the energy and excitement of the event and show the company's culture.
Photos of the event space and company signage and emcee: these can give attendees a sense of the atmosphere and the overall look and feel of the event.
Photos of the event speakers: these can help to highlight the key moments of the event and capture the attention of the audience.
Photos of the food and drinks served at the event: these can be a fun and creative way to show off the event's catering and add some visual interest to your photo gallery.
Group and action photos of the attendees: these can capture the excitement and energy of the event and show the attendees having a good time.
Behind-the-scenes prep photos: these can give attendees a glimpse into the work that goes into planning and executing an event and show the dedication of the event staff.
Frame Your Shots
In addition to getting a selection of different shots, be mindful of how they're framed. Framing your shots is an essential skill for taking great event photos with your smartphone. By following a few simple tips, you can compose shots that are visually appealing and capture the essence of the event.
Get Close (But Not Too Close) to Your Subjects: One of the most important things to consider when framing your shots is getting close to your subjects. This will help to create a sense of intimacy and make your photos more personal. However, be sure to avoid getting too close, as this can make your photos look cluttered and people uneasy.
Rule of Thirds: Another helpful tip is to use the rule of thirds. This compositional guideline divides the frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. The key components of your picture should be positioned on these lines or at the points where they intersect. This will help to create a more balanced and visually pleasing composition.
Be Aware of Distractions: Finally, avoid clutter and distractions in your photos. This means paying attention to the background and the foreground of your shots and making sure that there are no unwanted objects or people in the frame. You should also consider the perspective from which you're shooting. Getting down low or up high can give your photos a more interesting and dynamic look.
By following these simple tips, you can frame your shots for better event photos that will capture the essence of the event and leave a lasting impression on your viewers.
Do You Need a Photo Release?
When taking photos of employees, clients, or potential clients, it's important to consider if you need a photo release. The purpose of the photos and how they'll be used determine the necessity of a release. If you plan to use the photos for marketing or promotional purposes, obtaining a signed photo release from each individual featured in the photos is recommended. This ensures that you have their consent to use their image and protects you from potential legal issues. However, if the photos are solely for internal or personal use, a release may not be required.
Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially of individuals or groups, and respect anyone who declines. Avoid taking close-up shots or invading personal space without consent. Be polite and professional, and express gratitude to those who agree to be photographed.
It's advisable to obtain a release whenever possible to avoid conflicts and guarantee everyone is aware of how the photos will be used. You can provide a simple release document during check-in for events, making it clear that attendance implies consent for photos to be taken and used in marketing materials. While most people are usually comfortable with having their photos taken, asking for permission is always the best practice.
Photo Checklist for Your Next Event
Familiarize yourself with your camera settings and make sure you understand your camera's settings and how to use them to your advantage.
Check the lighting in the event space and consider any adjustments to make sure that the photos come out clear and well-lit.
Create a list of shots that will result in a diverse selection of photographs.
Include framing ideas on your shot list to help you remember to get variety in your photos.
Take lots of photos. The more photos you take, the more likely you are to get some great shots. Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles and compositions.
Ready, Set, Snap
With your new skills, you can take stunning photos at your upcoming company event. Later, when you need to post them on social media, you'll have plenty of choices. Remember the benefits of sharing event photos - they can demonstrate your company's principles, showcase your team's hard work, and engage with both current and potential clients. Enjoy the photography process - the spontaneous moments you capture will make for the most meaningful and easily sharable shots. Happy snapping!
