Creating a Winning Portfolio: Catering to the Decision Makers in Corporate Event Photography
As a corporate event photographer, it is essential to understand the people who hire event photographers and how to cater your portfolio to appeal to them. These decision makers have the power to approve budgets, select vendors, and ultimately decide whether or not to hire you for their event. In this article, we will take a closer look at the key players in corporate event photography and explore how to create a portfolio that speaks to their needs.
Event Planners
Event planners are the first point of contact for event photography. They are responsible for managing the overall planning, coordination, and execution of an event. They work with a variety of vendors, including event photographers, to ensure that all aspects of the event run smoothly. To connect with event planners, it is important to have a strong portfolio that showcases your ability to capture the key moments of an event, such as speeches, networking opportunities, and team-building activities.
One way to stand out is to include a diverse range of services in your portfolio, such as photo booth rentals, green screen photography, and even drone coverage. This shows that you are a one-stop-shop for all their photography needs, which can make the hiring process much easier for them. Additionally, you should include examples of your work at different types of events, such as conferences, galas, and corporate retreats.
Marketing and Communications Professionals
Marketing and communications professionals are responsible for promoting an event and building awareness. They are also responsible for creating visual content that will be used to promote the event. This includes photographs, videos, and other visual media. To connect with marketing and communications professionals, it is important to have a portfolio that showcases your understanding of the latest trends in photography and visual media, as well as your ability to capture the key moments of an event.
One way to stand out is to include examples of your work creating visually appealing social media content that can be used to promote events. This can include creating GIFs, Boomerangs, and even 360-degree photos that can be used on social media platforms. Additionally, you should include examples of your work in different industries, such as technology, healthcare, and non-profit.
Human Resources Professionals
Human resources professionals also play an important role in corporate events. They often handle the logistics of the event, including scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating with vendors. They also handle the registration and attendance of employees, as well as any employee-related activities that take place during the event. In addition, they also handle any follow-up communications and evaluations after the event to ensure that it was a success and to plan to connect with human resources professionals, it is important to showcase your ability to capture candid, natural moments at corporate events. This includes capturing the interactions and connections between employees, as well as any team-building activities that may take place. Additionally, it is important to have a strong understanding of the company culture and brand, as well as being able to deliver high-quality images that align with their messaging and values.
Another way to stand out to human resources professionals is to offer additional services such as headshots or portraits for employee recognition programs, or providing digital copies of the images for internal use. Showcasing your ability to understand and meet the needs of human resources professionals can help set you apart from other event photographers and increase your chances of being hired for their events.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations often hold events to raise awareness and funds for their cause. They are looking for a photographer who can capture the emotion and impact of their event, as well as the key moments that showcase their mission. To appeal to non-profit organizations, it is important to have a portfolio that showcases your ability to capture candid and emotional moments, as well as your understanding of their specific cause.
One way to stand out is to include examples of your work at similar non-profit events, such as charity walks, galas, and fundraisers. Additionally, you can offer to donate a portion of your services or a print from the event to the non-profit organization to show your support and commitment to their cause.
Private Individuals
Private individuals, such as engaged couples or families, often hire event photographers for special occasions, such as weddings or family reunions. They are looking for a photographer who can capture the romance and emotion of the day, as well as the key moments, such as the ceremony, speeches, and first dance. To appeal to private individuals, it is important to have a portfolio that showcases your ability to capture candid and emotional moments, as well as your understanding of different photography styles and the specific needs of the occasion.
One way to stand out is to include examples of your work at similar events, such as weddings or family reunions, and offer a range of packages and services that cater to their specific needs and budget. Additionally, you can offer to meet with them in person to discuss their specific vision for the event and how you can help bring it to life.
Social Media Influencers
Social media influencers often hire event photographers to capture behind-the-scenes moments, candid shots, and even sponsored content for their social media platforms. They are looking for a photographer who understands the latest trends in photography and visual media and can capture content that aligns with their brand and aesthetic. To appeal to social media influencers, it is important to have a portfolio that showcases your understanding of the latest trends in photography and social media, as well as your ability to capture candid and behind-the-scenes moments.
One way to stand out is to include examples of your work creating visually appealing content for social media platforms, such as Instagram or TikTok. Additionally, you can offer to work with influencers to create sponsored content and even help them plan and execute their own photoshoots. Showcasing your understanding of the social media landscape and your ability to create content that aligns with their brand can help set you apart from other event photographers and increase your chances of being hired for their events.
In conclusion, as a corporate event photographer, it is essential to understand the people who hire event photographers and how to cater your portfolio to appeal to them. By understanding the needs of event planners, marketing and communications professionals, human resources professionals, non-profit organizations, private individuals, and social media influencers, you can create a portfolio that showcases your ability to capture the key moments of an event and align with their specific needs and values. By offering a diverse range of services and understanding the latest trends in photography and visual media, you can set yourself apart from other event photographers and increase your chances of being hired for their events. As a Bay Area photographer, it is also important to understand the local SEO and include key words that will make you easily found in San Francisco and the Bay Area. This can help put you ahead of the competition and increase your visibility to potential clients.