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John DeMato Blog

Welcome to the Deliver Magic blog, where experts who speak, coach, train, consult, and write books will find actionable insights to elevate their personal brands through visual storytelling. From strategy tips and branding photography to live event coverage and storytelling techniques, discover step-by-step guides designed to help you align what you say with how you show up in photos. Get ready to unlock the magic behind creating a cohesive visual identity that drives engagement, builds credibility, and inspires your audience. #DeliverMagic

The YES AND to the value of live event photos

 

When thinking about hiring a photographer for your live event, the investment is always top of mind.

Is the cost of high-quality pictures worth it?

If you plan to have them sit in a folder on your laptop and they never see the light of day, then yes, that money would be better spent on other aspects of your business.

But, if you use them in ways that serve to add value, now that’s a different story.

And by adding value, I don’t simply mean for your own marketing assets. Yes, that’s the primary goal, but the opportunity doesn't end there.

I’m talking about leveraging them as a strategic asset that serves to benefit those connected to the event, as well.

Specifically, participants, sponsors and other content contributors.

Instead of the camera always pointed at you, instruct your photographer to focus on the people in the room immersing themselves in the content.

Capture the moments that matter - they’re taking notes, actively listening, asking questions and engaging one another in conversation during networking breaks and group activities.

If there’s event sponsors, capture photos of them engaging participants, their swag, signage and other branded materials that they could leverage in marketing materials.

Tag them in posts, and instruct participants to do the same, as an additional shoutout for their contribution.

If other experts present, let your photographer know that you want them to capture photos of these speakers in the same way as they do for you.

Wide, medium and close-up photos that they can use to reference their experience at your event, as well as for other online content and marketing assets, too.

In your thank you/post-event wrap up email that you send out, include a link to download the photos as a way to show how much you appreciated their presence and contribution to the success of the event.

While hiring a photographer adds a budget line to your overall expenses to put on your event, it also adds potential for a massive value add for everyone connected to it, including yourself.

The key is to have a strategy around how to effectively leverage the images in order to create that value before the photographer takes the camera out of their bag.