How to choose the right conference photographer for your event

Hiring a conference photographer is a non-negotiable step in planning your conference.

But, to ensure that you are hiring the best possible conference photographer within your budget there are several steps and precautions that you should take. Planning ahead about what you would like out of your conference photography experience will ensure that you have the best possible experience with your conference photographer and that your conference photography excels.

Carry on reading for important conference photography tips, and how to hire a professional conference photographer.

How to hire a professional conference photographer

Conference photography is a very varied discipline, so it is vital to have a good initial idea of what types of images you want to be curated from your conference. The style of images that you opt for will be dependent on what you would like to do with them, and how they will propel your marketing strategy forward. It helps to know this information beforehand so that you can successfully brief your conference photographer on how they can best help you – and ultimately whether they will be the perfect fit for you and your conference!

What style of images would you like?

Conference photography comes in many different styles, so it is important that you know which one is best suited to you and your conference needs.

Conference photographers understand that you may wish to mix photography styles. However, as they regularly specialise in particular styles of photography, it is important to do your research about this before you book a conference photographer!

Photojournalism is a common approach to conference photography because it allows your photo professional to document your conference as a series of events. Photojournalism allows you to tell the story of your conference step by step.

Alternatively, you might opt for a more candid approach to your images. Your conference photographer can capture your attendees’ reception of, and reactions to, the event and allow you to capture all those different experiences, preserving them visually as content and future marketing material.

This is because an important reason for hiring an event photographer, or a conference photographer, is for marketing purposes. If you would like your conference photos for marketing purposes, then you will need to brief your conference photographer on this, as well as inform them of your general marketing strategy.

Search for conference photographers near you

Now that you know the style of conference photography that you require, it is time to begin looking for a suitable conference photographer in your area.

You can begin the process of hiring a conference photographer by simply conducting a Google search for a ‘Conference Photographer Near Me’ and seeing the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

If you would like to expand beyond a simple Google search, then you could also reach out to the venue you are hiring for your conference and discuss the conference photographers they have worked with before. This will quicken up your search for the perfect conference photographer because a conference photographer who has worked at the venue before will bring that knowledge and experience to working for you.

Know your budget

Hiring a conference photographer will undeniably eat into your overall budget, but the amount by how much can vary immensely!

As a tip for hiring a conference photographer, it is important to have your budget for conference photography in mind before you begin your search. Your task is to find the most professional conference photographer for the most budget-friendly option.

A great way to keep your conference photography in your budget is to opt for a package deal.

Research your conference photographer

Hiring a conference photographer should involve careful research beforehand. A few things that you should do before hiring a conference photographer are:

Ask to see their portfolio

The best way to get a feel for a conference photographer’s style and approach is to view the work they have previously done. By asking to see a conference photographer’s portfolio you can see if their style will be a good fit for you and what you are hoping to achieve.

Ask relevant questions

In order to get to know your conference photographer and see if they will be a good fit it is important to enquire about what is included in their service.

Ask to see reviews from previous clients

You can also get a good picture of how a conference photographer conducts themselves by reading what their previous clients have given as feedback.

If you are in the process of planning a conference and are in need of a conference photographer, then look no further than Splento!

Splento offers professional conference photography at a flat fee of just £99 per hour for a professional conference photographer. Additionally, Splento guarantees that your retouched photos will be delivered within just 24 hours or even sooner.

Splento can also be with you at your conference within just 2 hours of booking.

Common FAQs about hiring a conference photographer

How do I know if a conference photographer is a right fit for my event?

One way to determine if a conference photographer is a right fit for your event is to look at their portfolio of previous conference work. This will give you an idea of their style and the types of shots they typically capture. You can also read reviews or ask for references from previous clients. Other online options are available for reviews – for example, Trustpilot, which collates verified, independent reviews from customers.

How do I best determine the cost of a conference photographer?

The cost of a conference photographer will depend on factors such as the length of the conference, the number of attendees, and the level of experience of the photographer. It’s important to get quotes from several photographers and compare prices before making a decision. However, be sure to check what is included in the price quoted; many quotes will not include travel, editing and retouching, or even usage rights, and these services may well be charged separately as ‘extras’.

What should I include in my contract with a conference photographer?

Your contract with a conference photographer should include details such as the cost, the length of coverage, and any specific requirements you have for your event. It’s also important to include information about the delivery of the final edited photos and the rights to use the images.

How do I ensure that the conference photographer captures all the important moments of my event?

To ensure that the conference photographer captures all the important moments of your event, it’s a good idea to provide them with a list of must-have shots or key moments you want them to focus on. You can also discuss your specific needs and preferences with them before the event. Draw up a shot list with your photographer and ensure you both understand what you are wanting.

Can I request specific editing or retouching for my conference photos?

Yes, you can usually request specific editing or retouching for your conference photos. It’s a good idea to discuss this with the conference photographer before the event so that they can plan accordingly, as the results you are after may well require the photographer to alter their approach when taking the photographs.

How long should I expect to wait for the final edited photos from my conference?

The time it takes to receive the final edited photos from a conference photographer will often vary, depending on factors such as the size of the event and the photographer’s workflow. Because of their unique customer-first orientation, Splento guarantees to deliver your final, edited photographs within 24 hours of your conference. Typically though, a delivery timescale of 2-4 weeks is usual for many professionals.

How to choose the right conference photographer for your event Tips and tricks for finding the best professional for your conference photography