How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Event

Written By Trey Collins

Choosing the right photographer for your business is about more than just finding someone who can take great pictures. It’s about selecting a professional who understands your brand, your goals, and how to create images that serve your business long after the initial shoot is over.

Think Beyond the Event

Too often, businesses view photography as a one-time event, capturing moments to look back on or to quickly share online. While those immediate needs are important, a truly strategic approach to photography goes much deeper. The images captured during an event should be versatile enough to be used in a variety of ways across different platforms and campaigns throughout the year.

Imagine hiring a photographer for a major event and only ending up with one or two usable posts. The return on that investment would be minimal, which is why most business opt not to do it. But what if that same event could yield 30-50 pieces of content? These images could be used for social media, email campaigns, website updates, promotional materials, and even internal communications. The difference in value is clear.

Maximizing ROI with Strategic Photography

The best photographers don’t just take pictures—they create visual assets that align with your broader marketing strategy. This means thinking about how images can be repurposed for various needs:

  • Social Media: High-quality images can drive engagement on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, helping you stay top-of-mind with your audience.

  • Advertising: Versatile photos can be used in digital and print ads, offering consistency across all your marketing efforts.

  • Internal Communications: Photos that capture the essence of your brand culture can be used in newsletters, employee recognition programs, and more.

  • Content Creation: From blog posts to email newsletters, the right images can enhance all your content, making it more engaging and visually appealing.

A great photographer understands that every image should serve a purpose beyond the immediate context. They should be asking questions like: How can this image be used in a future campaign? How does this photo reflect the brand’s identity? What other stories can this image help tell?

Leveraging Events as 'Content Days'

Events offer a unique opportunity to capture your business in action. But instead of viewing an event as a standalone shoot, think of it as a ‘content day.’ This is your chance to create a wide range of visuals that can be used for months to come.

During an event, a skilled photographer will capture not just the main activities, but also the small, authentic moments that tell the story of your brand. These images can then be strategically used to support your marketing efforts across various channels, ensuring that your investment in photography continues to pay off long after the event has ended.

Choose a Photographer Who Understands Your Brand

When selecting a photographer, consider their ability to think strategically about your brand. Ask yourself:

  • Do they understand my brand’s identity and goals?

  • Can they deliver images that are versatile and reusable?

  • Will these photos add value to my business over time?

The right photographer should bring more than technical skills to the table. They should be a partner in your marketing efforts, helping you tell your brand’s story in a way that resonates with your audience.

Photography is a powerful tool for any business, but its value is only fully realized when it’s part of a broader strategy. Choose a photographer who thinks beyond the immediate need, who can deliver images that will continue to add value to your brand long into the future. By doing so, you’ll maximize your return on investment and ensure that every image tells a part of your brand’s story.

 
Trey Collins