Hiring a South Florida Special or Corporate Event photographer?
Are you looking for a South Florida special or corporate event photographer? You may be surprised to find how many people offer professional photography services. In this article on “How to hire a South Florida Event photographer” I’ll cover all the bases. At the end of this article are links to even more informative articles. Plus, some links to some very cool jobs I have shot. It could be confusing to choose and hire a South Florida event, corporate or commercial photographer especially when all of them offer different value propositions. The amount of corporate and event photographers in South Florida are broad and differentiated.
Capture your South Florida special and corporate event photographer
The importance of capturing Stunning Photos of Keynote Speakers at Corporate Events in Florida
Photographing keynote speakers at corporate events can be a challenging yet rewarding task. In Florida, where events are abundant and corporate gatherings are frequent, mastering the art of capturing these moments is essential for any South Florida Special and Corporate Event Photographer. Whether you’re an event planner organizing a high-profile business conference or a smaller corporate meeting, the quality of the event photography can make a significant difference in the overall perception of the event. Here are some effective techniques I use that help me capture stunning photos of keynote speakers.
Why Quality Photography Matters
High-quality photographs of keynote speakers are essential for several reasons:
- Marketing Materials: Professional images can be used for future promotional materials, enhancing the brand image of your corporate events.
- Social Media: Engaging photos can increase social media engagement, helping to spread the word about your event.
- Memorabilia: High-quality images serve as a memento for attendees and speakers alike, ensuring they remember the event fondly.
My Essential Equipment for Keynote Speaker Photography
Before we dive into my techniques, let’s talk about the equipment I often use:
- Camera: A full frame DSLR or mirrorless camera with good low-light performance is essential.
- Lens: A fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) helps me capture sharp images even in low light.
- Tripod: A sturdy tripod can help stabilize your shots, especially if you’re using longer focal lengths. However, this is not always the case. If a photographer is using a tripod it won’t help when the subject is moving fast. Timing is very important and the picture needs to be taken when the subject is still. To remedy this situations I resort to bounce flash or a super fast lens with a medium format camera.
- Lighting Equipment: Softboxes or diffused flash units can help you achieve even lighting without harsh shadows.
My Techniques for Capturing Stunning Photos
1. I always plan some of my shots in advance
Before the event, I familiarize myself with the schedule and the venue. Knowing when and where the keynote speaker will be can help you plan your shots better. Scout the venue to identify the best angles and lighting conditions.
2. It’s critical to use proper lighting
Good lighting is crucial for capturing sharp, high-quality images. However, I also don’t want to blind the speaker with harsh flashes. Use powerful yet diffused lighting equipment to achieve even lighting. Softboxes can be particularly effective in providing soft, diffused light that minimizes harsh shadows.
3. Focus on Expressions
Capturing the right expression is key to a great photograph. I wait for moments when the speaker is making eye contact with the audience, smiling, or making a compelling gesture. Avoid shots with open mouths, closed eyes, or odd facial expressions.
4. Use a Fast Shutter Speed
To capture sharp images, especially in low light, I often use a fast shutter speed. This will helps to freeze motion and avoid blurry shots. A shutter speed of 1/200th of a second or faster is usually sufficient. However, sometimes I use a technique called drag shutter. Only years of experience will help me determine when to use a fast shutter speed and when I can get away with drag shutter.
5. Shoot in Burst Mode
Using burst mode can sometime increase the chances of capturing that perfect moment. This is especially useful if the speaker is animated and moves around a lot. I can always delete the extra shots later.
6. Creatively framed shots.
I don’t just stick to the standard head-and-shoulders shot. The artist in me likes to experiment with different angles and compositions. Include elements like the audience, the stage, or the event backdrop to add context to your photos.
7. I keep my backgrounds clean and use them to my advantage
A cluttered or distracting background can ruin an otherwise perfect shot. Make sure the background is clean and doesn’t have any elements that could draw attention away from the speaker.
8. After the event editing.
Post-processing is an essential part of professional photography. Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to enhance your images. Adjust the exposure, contrast, and sharpness to bring out the best in your photos. I always shoot camera raw images. This is a must.
Insider tips from a South Florida special and corporate event photographer.
Understand the Speaker’s Style
Every keynote speaker has a unique style. Some may stay rooted behind the podium, while others might move around the stage. Understanding their style can help you anticipate their movements and capture better shots.
I always stay discreet
While it’s important to get close enough for a good shot, I try to be as unobtrusive as possible. I never want to distract the speaker or the audience.
Capture Candid Moments
Sometimes, the best shots are those that capture candid moments. The journalist in me looks for opportunities when the speaker is interacting with the audience, laughing, or making a genuine expression.
Photographing keynote speakers at corporate events in Florida requires a combination of planning, technical skill, and creativity. By using these techniques, I can capture stunning images that not only document the event but also enhance its overall impact.
If you’re an event planner looking for an experienced event photographer call me at 954 560-1533 Myself and my team offer specialized services to ensure your corporate events are captured in the best possible light.
By focusing on expressions, using proper lighting, and planning your shots, you can ensure that your images stand out and effectively capture the essence of the event. Happy shooting!
Unforgettable Moments for Every Occasion
Planning an event in Florida? Whether it’s a team-building retreat, a high-profile industry conference, an engaging trade show, or a lively corporate party, the right event coverage can make all the difference. Our comprehensive skills as a South Florida special or corporate event photographer will ensure that every impactful moment is captured with creativity and precision.
Why Choose Us?
Comprehensive Event Coverage
We offer more than just stunning photography. Our services include:
- Creative Photography: Our talented photographers are skilled in capturing the essence of your event. From candid shots to posed group photos, we ensure every image tells a story.
- Photo Booths: Add a fun element to your events with our photo booths. They are perfect for guests to take home a personalized memento of the occasion.
- Video Coverage: Relive your event with high-quality video coverage. Our videographers capture the key moments, presentations, and guest interactions with professional finesse.
- On-Site Printing: Instant gratification with on-site printing services. Guests can walk away with physical copies of their favorite moments.
- Wide Range of Exciting Services: From drone photography to slow-motion video booths, we offer a variety of innovative options to make your event unforgettable.
Expertise Across Florida
No matter where your event is in Florida, we’ve got you covered. Our team has extensive experience providing coverage in:
- Miami
- Fort Lauderdale
- Orlando
- Palm Beach
- Boca Raton
- The Florida Keys
Tailored for Event Planners and Party Organizers
Our services are designed with event planners and party organizers in mind. We understand the intricacies of planning and executing successful events. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of capturing every moment, allowing you to focus on delivering an exceptional experience for your attendees.
Get Started
Ready to elevate your event with top-tier photography and video coverage? Contact us today at 954-560-1533. Whether you are hosting a corporate event or a special occasion, our team is here to ensure every moment is flawlessly documented. As an experienced South Florida Special and Corporate Event Photographer I can photograph your event in a manner that tells to complete story also captures all the details.
For more information and to book our services, call 954-560-1533 today. Let’s make your event unforgettable!
Here is some valuable information about hiring a South Florida special and corporate event photographer
By being properly guided and informed about what to look for in a professional photographer it would be much easier to find and hire a reliable and good South Florida photographer. You may ask yourself several important questions such as, How experienced is the photographer? Is the photographer and the photography team professionally qualified? Does the style of photography in line with what you are actually looking for? How is the photographers portfolio? Do you like that South Florida photographer? We get lots of calls from event planners who tell us they were disappointed with the photographer they hired from the last event. Often event planner need out help with a wide range of issues. We have heard many stories of their last photographer not showing up or arriving late and missing important events. Sometimes they arrive without being properly equipped with back-up gear. Because we confirm to a strict set of rules this is never going to happen when we photograph your event.
It is important that your photographer be professionally qualified, especially if you are requiring corporate photography. It’s always a good idea to check the training and background of the photographer before hiring. He should have affiliations and memberships in industry and professional bodies. Photo style should also be considered an important factor. It’s important that the photographer can shift styles and photography types in the fly. Sometimes during a corporate event a photographer will have to photographer a keynote speaker, then shoot the same speakers headshot. In addition some charity events include speakers, auctions, special guest photos opportunities.
Speaking about headshots here is an article Because corporate events are a great opportunity to take headshots of many people at the same session it’s a good way for companies to keep the cost down. Since everyone is at the same event why not have the photographer shoot all the staff headshots? I wrote about headshots. South Florida Headshot Photographer.
Here is another shot from The Breakers. When photographing a keynote and guest speaker I’m really big on capturing hand gestures. I’m also very carefully thinking abut where the lighting is coming from. In this shot I wanted to place the on screen text perfectly in the frame. One rule of thumb is that the person being photographed should be looking into the lighting. As a way of achieving this I bounced my flash off the wall to my left. By doing this the photo looks more appealing. Doesn’t if look like he is talking into the light?Sometimes I’ll arrive at a South Florida corporate event and learn that I’m going to be photographing someone famous or a well known celebrity. Having a professional attitude is most important when shooting well known people at a charity, special or corporate. Sometimes these guests are very easy to work with. Other times they are not very approachable. It’s always best when you get to say hi and mention that you are the event photographer and that you will be taking some photos. I have this special approach that I take with keynote and guest speakers. If I have the opportunity I will tell them that I need a nice photo of them at the microphone. If they give me a nice smile in a posed looking photo I can get my shot. Then I won’t have the need to keep taking pictures in an attempt to get a great expression. Check out this photo of Jay Leno. I was hired to photograph an event for Jaguar cars. Jay was one of the attendees and I needed a nice picture. I approached him and told him I was the hired photographer and needed a nice photo. He gave me a few minutes to get my shot.
The portfolio of the photographer could say so much about the professional and the work. Looking at actual work is a good start. You could instantly tell whether you like the style and attack of the photographer when covering events and capturing images. Face the reality that not all are gifted with the talent and skill to take pictures at the best angles. Different photography techniques and methods should also be exhibited properly. This is also the time when you decide whether you like a more formal approach in photography over a more relaxed style.
As usual, it is best to shortlist as many photographers as you could. In general, interviewing at least three South Florida photographers would be ideal. Make no hasty and impulsive decisions during interviews. Do not decide about hiring unless you are done interviewing all in your shortlist. This way, you could never be wrong about hiring the right South Florida photographer.
Lastly, it is important that you like the overall personality of the photographer you are about to hire. You could not possibly work best with a South Florida photographer who is not approachable and who has the negative attitude towards you and your event. I would not advise hiring a photographer who is also a close friend or who is a relative. I myself am very careful when shooting for friends. There are many reasons why you should be careful when this situation presents itself. There is a reason why surgeons don’t operate on family members. You surely do not like to destroy friendships and relationships if things get out of hand. When someone hires a friend for an assignment it needs to be made clear that this is a professional business and the friendship is separate. This is really tough when for example you are shooting a friends wedding and your friend says, we want you to have fun also. Trust me, working and having a good time while having just one drink is doesn’t work well. Working as a South Florida Special and Corporate Event Photographer it’s important to remember that the client is usually spending a large amount of money on the decor and entertainment. Getting shots both is critical to the success of the job.
As a South Florida photographer, shooting corporate events and charity events can be just as satisfying and creative as shooting a wedding. Working as a South Florida Special and Corporate Event Photographer I have learned a few things about planning and photographing events. Large companies often invest tremendously in wowing their employees with elaborate set-ups for each of the scheduled events. Also, South Florida is a great place for conferences and corporate retreats because there are so many great hotels and resorts to choose from. We have fun photographing everything from political gatherings, corporate events for banks and law firms etc.
The event featured here was photographed at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach and the magnificent décor was created by the artistic talents of Robert Torres of Grande Affaires. If you are looking for a South Florida photographer for your corporate event, feel free to contact us for a quote.
If you are planning a corporate or special event here in South Florida feel free to reach out to me. To see more more samples of my work click through some of the links below:
For tips and great information on special event photography read the article here. Questions to ask your special or corporate event photographer.
As I’m sure you could tell, I photograph a lot of corporate events here in South Florida. Check out this very HOT event with took place at The Breakers in Palm Beach. A Smoken Hot luxury event in Palm Beach
One great aspect of being a special event photographer is meeting very cool people. I got to meet a real astronaut at this event! Meet Scott Kelly American Astronaut
How about taking photos of Kool and the Gang? a night with Kool and the Gang! I really felt lucky when I learned that they were performing at a Breakers charity event I was photographing!
BELOW: This photo of American Swimmer Michael Phelps was taken during a corporate event for VISA. I often get hired to photograph famous people for all kinds of jobs. Photographing famous or well known people means that the the photographer needs to be well prepared. Often there is a huge line of people wanting to get photographed with the celebrity or author and of course time is usually limited. This means that your special or corporate event photographer has no time to change batteries or switch memory cards. Before the special guest enters and takes his or her spot the photographer needs to be ready to shoot for an extended amount of time. I always have two cameras with fully charged batteries and and a flash with fully charged batteries as well. I shoot to two large memory cards at the same time. It’s always a big scary shooting to large memory cards. However have a camera that shoots two sets of images one to each memory card insures that no images are lost. Even if a memory card fails you still have the images copied to another back up card.
Working with Michael Phelps was a pleasure. He arrived on time and was very nice. The client VISA printed these 8-1/2 X 11 photos of Michael swimming in the Olympic Games. He hand signed each photo and then took the time to talk with and pose with each guest. Getting a picture taken with a superstar like Michael Phelps was a big deal for each person. In addition these people were VISA’s VIP guests. These people expected their pictures to look great. Because people sometimes blink I also shoot several shots of each person with the special guest. What I have found works best is too tell each person that I will shoot several shots of them, in a rapid sequence. This way they know that several shots are coming. If you tell at person that you are taking a picture of them and you count, One, Two, Three then their eyes will be closed on Three. Instead when the look I fire 3-5 shots in a quick sequence. Snap, Snap, Snap, Snap. Then I take a quick look to make sure eyes are open. I always tell them they look great, even if the eyes are closed or they are making a funny face I tell them they look great but I need to take another. If I need to shoot another I will smile and ask them to move their head by using my hand as a guide. By doing this the person being photographed feel good about them selfs and the photography. It’s important the smile at the people you are photographing because you want them to feel and smile nicely. I have actually photographed Michael Phelps several times. Michael Phelps has a foundation that promotes health and living a healthy life. Working as a South Florida Special and Corporate Event Photographer gives me the opportunity to photograph some very famous special guests. It’s important not to become star struck when shooting these jobs. If you are, don’t show it. I don’t. I also lived on Los Angeles for over twenty years so I have has more than my share of celebrity meeting and have photographed several celebrity weddings.
BELOW: This headshot was taken as part of a Boca Raton corporate brochure. As a South Florida Special and Corporate Event Photographer I always get asked to take employee or staff headshots as well. Headshots are a great way for potential clients to put a friendly face to the name of a staff member. As it turns out I shoot lots and lots of corporate headshots. I’m highly skilled at making people look great. Taking a great headshot has a psychological element attached to the viewer. People want to buy from other people they like, a great headshot tells people, I’m friendly and here to help. When I’m hired for corporate events that include headshots, I make sure that the people I’m photographing feel comfortable with me as a photographer. I can achieve this by conveying that I know know exactly what I’m doing. My posing method, How I explain my photography method and the fact that I give direction all build to make my subjects feel confident that they will look awesome. Great headshot photography starts with a nice smile, asking someone to close their eyes and think happy thoughts is a great way to get a nice smile. In addition to keeping my clients feeling comfortable and feeling confident I use the best camera gear that is available to both corporate portraits and headshots. Check out this article I wrote about headshots. If you are planning a corporate event and are planning on having the photographer take headshots this is a must read. I cover lots of topics which will make the headshot process go much smoother and will result in better looking corporate headshots.
Here’s the link: Headshot Photography in South Florida.
Working as a South Florida Special and Corporate Event Photographer I’m often asked to take headshots as well as covering the event. Headshot photography is another area in which I shine brightly.
Headshot retouching and enhancing.
Links to my other articles on South Florida special or corporate event photography This link takes you to my special event gallery.
Editor’s Note
A Message from Jeff Kolodny , Florida Event and Corporate Photographer
Dear Readers,
Thank you for visiting my portfolio. As a professional photographer, I have the privilege of capturing a myriad of events across Florida, from corporate functions to charity galas and government gatherings. Each photograph I take is a unique story, crafted with creativity and an eye for detail.
I want to address an important point about my work. At these events, you’ll often see images of diverse speakers, performers, and officials. For me, a great shot is a great shot, irrespective of the political or social context in which it is taken. My focus is purely on the art of photography and the quality of the visual stories I create.
While I strive to maintain a neutral stance, please understand that my choice of clients is guided by my personal values. If a client or event goes against my principles, I will either decline the job or choose not to display those pictures on my website. Occasionally, I also remove images if the person depicted is later involved in criminal activities.
I share this to emphasize that my work should be judged solely on the basis of my skills and the quality of my photographs. Politics or any other external viewpoints should not influence your perception of my work. I am here to tell visual stories, and I hope that my images speak for themselves.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Warm regards,
Jeff Kolodny