Thoughts on Event Photography
[by Kevin Lock]
Are you thinking that Event Photography is a dead end street? I say you are looking in the rear view mirror.
At first glance, it might appear that event photography is just a way to make money, a way to survive in tough economic times. Of course there is money involved and it is nice to make but that is not the prize that I am eyeing.
While event photography is not my forte and it certainly does not feed my soul, it does serve my purpose.
Event photography is simply a means to an end.
The means is actually “the opportunity” and the end is a new client that I might not have “reached” if I did not have the stomach to take this journey.
I actively market to events, specifically ‘corporate events.’ Corporate events are easy to research online and have definite deadlines. They involve people within the corporate world that I am trying to reach and make an impression upon. They happen all the time and all over the world.
It is my intention is to obtain a new client, and have that client fall in love with me.
Once the love is made and the relationship solidified (thru the documentation of their event, delivering high quality imagery, and the development of a friendly relation that I started and actively sought)… How can they refuse to hire me again?
I have faith that my client will recognize the potential in having me do other types of work, work they were not even considering when we began our journey.
As you take your eyes away from the rear view mirror, pull over, open the passenger door and offer a new client a ride. I am certain you will be pleasantly surprised as they will embrace a journey into the world of your photography.
Kevin Lock is a National Board member of the ASMP. When not picking corporate hitchhikers, Kevin can be found shooting corporate events in your home town.
3 Responses to 'Thoughts on Event Photography'
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Hey Kevin, nice post. I started an event photography studio with my business partner and fellow photographer ten years ago and we’ve been slowly growing and this year has been a great one for us even with the tough economy. We also have felt the responsibility as event photographers to do what we can to elevate the status of our type of photography. I am proud of being an event photographer and appreciate the opportunities it’s opened up for me personally and professionally!
What an endlessly worthwhile conversation you open up Kevin. It so speaks to the need for faith and optimism in managing a business. And isn’t it amazing how in photography your feelings about the future can change so rapidly. Obviously, however, one must also consider the past as it the great reality check in helping you make good decisions. And when you see a 5DMII advertised in the Sunday New York Times circular ads, when you see the ads from photographers on Craigslist, when you google “event photographer” and a zip code, or if you attend a bridal event and find 15 photographers you also see clearly that digital technology and an industry based on sheer volume of photographers have rendered the field hyper-competitive. Any meaningful barriers to entry are gone. Differentiation is a possible solution but not always so easy. The fogging of the line between professional and hobbyist has diluted the perceived value of the professional. And these are not things that can be changed; the Pandora’s box has been opened. The conversation must not about the individual photographer but really about the supply and demand of professional photography services. Rendering it a poetic metaphor about faith in the future and relationship-building is important because it is good leadership, but Adam Smith and Steve Jobs deserve some consideration in this conversation.
I can’t support this idea more! I do a variety of photography; weddings, mitzvahs, fine art, corporate and events. Although events might not be the most creative they can certainly lead to other things. One of my most valued event clients landed me a summer-long fine art project that in itself paid more than the cumulative amount of events that I shoot for them in one year. Like Kevin said, it’s all about building relationships with the client so they trust you and ultimately bring you more work.