A photographer is by far is one of the most essential person to any event if you expect to market and produce again. They capture the event’s most magical moments so you can share just how amazing it was to those who didn’t attend. Furthermore, they show who attended, what sponsors supported, and your event planning work. But what happens when your photographer has the only guidance of “take great shots” at the event. No direction. No further guidance to what really is important. You set yourself up for countless hours planning a remarkable event that wasn’t being captured effectively. What you believe a great shot to be ended up being a blurred shot by the photographer who drank too much alcohol at your event. There are rules that every photographer should have when shooting your event. Here are a few rules to keep in mind when hiring a photographer. 1. Event Shots As guests looking on the outside in, we always want to see the overall event. It’s the big picture that really allows everyone to see what occurred at the event to include the guests who attended. Events have so many things going on that guests can’t plan to do it all or see everyone. A photographer is there to show you everything that made the event special. Yes you can focus on the details, but also focus on what contains those details. These are group shots, committee shots, red carpet, behind the scenes. 2. Detailed Shots Even with overall event photos, a photographer should still focus on detailed shots. These are shots of sponsor logos, your logo, menus, close ups of guests smiling and partaking in products. Photos of real people drinking a beverage are key to beverage sponsors. Collateral shots are also key shots to have. Guests tasting food, posing with products, and sampling are what we call your “money shots”. 3. VIP Shots To have an event and not inform your photographer who your VIPs are is a missed opportunity. We are always looking for the Who’s Who at events so having your photographer capture your VIPs is an important rule you must ensure they follow. Set them up for success by providing them a list of your VIPs and even having someone point them out. Also ensure you capture your speakers and awardees if you are hosting a gala or awards show. 4. Location Shots There is no better way to save time on visiting venues than to have your own photo database of venues you have hosted events at.  Most likely this would be for your own use to have recap meetings, planning meetings for future events and showing future clients. 5. Demographics Shot As Event Planners you want to show how diverse your audience is. A photographer can showcase that by taking photos of different age groups, different ethnic background and gender. 6. Pick a Regular Dependability is critical when planning events. If you have a photographer that you have worked with before and know the shots that you like, KEEP him or her. This saves you time explaining everything. For those you are working with for the first time, it’s important to look at their portfolio to see if they meet your rules. If they meet most of them, then look to hire them and add to what they were missing. Regardless of what your needs are at an event, be sure to include those who are a part of the event. These are your sponsors, VIPs, Speakers, Staff, Committee, and Honorees. These are the people who will serve as your Ambassadors before and after the event. Remember have a plan and make sure your photographer knows it.

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