Props and people
Do you have signature bits in your keynote that involve people and props?
Plan accordingly with your photographer so they get the shots.
While I’m super excited anytime I get to photograph a world-class speaker, I’m super, super excited when they have added bells and whistles in their presentations.
Such was the case the other day when I had a chance to collaborate with Laurie Guest.
A year earlier, I took photos of her Hall of Fame acceptance speech, which was the first time I ever heard her speak in public.
While it wasn’t one of her signature talks, I could tell she’d be a whole hell of a lot of fun to photograph during an actual gig.
And fortunately, my assumption was, indeed, correct :)
The night before her scheduled keynote and the lunch and learn, we sat down to chat about it.
She told me that during the keynote, she planned to incorporate audience participation that involved a series of folks coming on stage, receiving a gift, and then showered with praise from the audience before heading off.
We then talked logistics regarding where she should stand and move during these moments. After mapping it out, I felt pretty confident that we’d be able to satisfy her need for these types of photos in her image portfolio.
Here’s what we got:
Next, for the lunch and learn, Laurie told me that she has a signature bit that involves water.
Step-by-step, she explained the 3 different types of water bottles she uses, which leads to the crescendo of her chugging a huge water bottle on stage.
My goal was not only to capture the high point of the bit, but also each of the corresponding steps that led to that moment.
The key was to get the signal knowing that this story was about to unfold, which was her walking over to the lectern to grab the first empty bottle of water.
As soon as I saw that happen, I got myself in position and started firing away.
Here’s what that story looks like in visuals:
It’s wonderful when a plan comes together, isn’t it?
Now, would I have been able to pick up on what was going on without any prior knowledge of these important moments?
Of course - this wasn’t my first rodeo.
But would I have known that these moments were most important to her?
Of course not - I’m not a mind reader!
The key to the success of capturing these important moments, in addition to the rest of her presentations, was communication and strategy.
Rather than simply winging it, we talked it out. And by talking it out, we’re both on the same page.
As a result, she no longer needs to even think about me being in the room - which, by the way, she commented afterwards that she didn’t even notice me in either presentation - and I know what her priorities are in terms of what to capture on stage…
…in addition to the standard magical photos, of course :)
The next time you find yourself presenting to a large room of people and a photographer is present, be sure to pull them to the side and let them know what’s most important for you to capture on stage, especially when props and other people are involved.
When you communicate and strategize with your photographer before your foot hits the stage, that will help maximize the value of your investment in those photos.
And who doesn’t want that :)
For more information on visual storytelling strategies for Experts who speak, write books, facilitate and consult, good news! I talk all about it on my blog…
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