“Event photography used to drain me. Now it inspires me.”



These are the challenges I set for myself to shift my mindset—from dreading events to genuinely enjoying them. If you're a photographer (or creative) struggling with uninspiring assignments, this one's for you.

1. Change Your Perspective

Don’t just “cover” an event. Treat it as a chance to create meaningful content—for your client and your own portfolio. Great event photography can fuel social media, enrich a company’s image bank, add value to print materials, and quietly elevate your personal brand.

2. Tell the Story

Every event has a narrative. Your job is to find it and tell it visually.

Where are we? Start with the setting. Look for venue branding—ideally with people engaging in the space.

Why are we here? Capture the purpose. That might be a welcome slide, an opening speech, or a branded moment on stage.

What do we need to show? This is where the value lies: speakers, reactions, energy, connections. Don’t just document what happened—show how it felt.

3. Make the Main Players Look Good

This one took time to sink in. You’re not just capturing faces—you’re shaping how people are remembered. Prioritise flattering, high-quality images of key speakers and guests. Their image is their brand. You’re there to reflect that, with intention.

4. Read the Room – Capture the Enraptured

Find the people who are lighting up—laughing, reacting, listening closely. Hunt the smiles, but remember: quiet intensity can be just as powerful.

5. Put the Venue on the Menu

The venue plays a role in the story. Get wide shots, signage, and details. These photos often make it into follow-up posts and help build the brand’s visual presence for future events.

6. Make It Happen

Sometimes you need to guide things. Gently move people toward better light or more interesting backgrounds. You don’t have full control—but you do have influence. Use it subtly.

7. Don’t Steal the Show

Get the shot—then get out of the way. Be present, but never distracting. Blend in. Let the event breathe around you.

8. Group Shots? Own Them.

They’re always tricky. Take charge. Balance the composition. Make sure everyone’s visible, the lighting works, and the background isn’t an afterthought. Bring the energy—make them feel seen and appreciated.

9. Move. A Lot.

Don’t be lazy. Shift your angle, crouch, climb, step back, get close. Keep yourself physically active and mentally alert. The best shots rarely come from standing still.

10. Immerse the Viewer

Get into the crowd. Shoot over shoulders, through conversations, inside the action. Make your viewer feel like they were there. That’s the magic.

Final Thoughts

Events aren’t ideal for brand photography. They often happen in dim rooms with harsh lighting, giant screens, and zero natural light. You can’t direct people like on a studio shoot. But for many brands, this is the only time their team is all together. That makes it a unique opportunity.

Despite the chaos and lack of control, it’s up to you to capture the essence of the moment—and the brand—often in a single frame.

You won’t always hit every mark. But when you show up with intention, the time flies—and the work speaks for itself.

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to SASLI – the Susan and Andreas Leadership Initiative.

This exclusive three-year programme is more than just leadership training. It’s a launchpad for tomorrow’s changemakers—teaching real-world power skills like startup development, design thinking, and the art of pitching ideas under pressure. Watching these brilliant young minds in action, learning by doing, has been nothing short of inspiring.

It’s not just what they’re learning—it’s how they’re learning. And it’s had a ripple effect on me too.

Photographing SASLI reminded me why I do this work. It challenged me to see events not just as jobs, but as platforms for connection, growth, and storytelling. It’s even led me to pivot my own business—to focus more deeply on people, purpose, and presence.

Thank you for the opportunity—and the inspiration.