Are you thinking of pursuing a career as a conference photographer? Conference photography can be a very rewarding job, and there are many pros of being a conference photographer. But before you get started on your new venture it is important to weigh up these conference photographer pros and cons:
Pros of being a conference photographer
1. Variety of different conferences
Some people might think that a disadvantage of being a conference photographer over an events photographer more broadly is a lack of diversity amongst jobs. But there are actually many different types of conferences to get your teeth stuck into. From business and educational conferences to peace conferences, there will be diversity in the conferences that you are booked for.
2. Conferences run year-round
Conferences are not seasonal events. This means that there are less likely to be gaps in your bookings as a conference photographer than if you were, say, a wedding photographer, as weddings have a peak time. This makes your income that bit more predictable.
3. Quicker editing process
Conference photography requires the highest amount of skill in the shooting of your images. Conference photos, however, usually require fewer touch-ups than portraits and posed wedding photos, so you can save time on the editing process.
4. A medium amount of equipment required
For conference photography, you only require a medium amount of equipment, so it is not the most expensive type of photography to pursue. You require a basic photography kit of two cameras, two lenses, and an external flash.
5. Less pressure than a wedding
Don’t get us wrong, conferences are serious events, and it is important to get your client’s images right, however, you are less likely to be dealing with once-in-a-lifetime moments when capturing a conference than if you were capturing a wedding. As a conference photographer, you are dealing with a different kind of pressure.
Disadvantages of being a conference photographer
1. Work is not on a regular 9-5 basis
When working a conference as a photographer your hours will not be a traditional 9-5. You will be required to arrive at the conference before it begins, and it might last only a few hours. These working hours can be seen as an advantage or disadvantage of being a conference photographer depending on your preference and rates packages.
2. Uncertainty about bookings
Especially as a freelance conference photographer, you will have to work with uncertainty as to whether you are going to be booked the following month. There is therefore less job security than in other, salaried jobs.
3. You must be on the ball with your finances
It is easy enough to do if you educate yourself on finance but as a conference photographer without a regular salary, it will be your responsibility to manage your income.
4. You must invest in equipment
Despite conference photography requiring less equipment than some other forms of photography, there is no escaping the fact that any photography equipment comes with a cost!
5. Can get lonely
Although you are at a conference with lots of people, you are the only person working towards your goal of taking photos so you have to be prepared to work alone (although, admittedly, this can be a huge advantage of being a conference photographer for some).
We hope that this article has helped you weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of being a conference photographer.
If you need a conference photographer yourself, consider booking one through Splento. Splento will provide you with trustworthy and cost-effective conference photographers and can even be with you within two hours of booking, if needed! Finished photos delivered within 24 hours, or even the same day!
