Private Events? Here’s How to Capture the Story Without Compromising Privacy

“My events and sessions are private—I can’t have photos taken.”

Fair enough. 

Not every organization and private group allows for a photographer to capture real-time moments. But here’s the good news: you can still visually tell the story of your work without compromising your client’s need for privacy.

Recreated moments are the solution. 

They’re not about staging something fake—they’re about genuinely reflecting the essence of what happens behind those closed doors. 

For example, take a look at the thumbnail photo for this article. The only two people in the room are myself and the client. Does it matter that no one else is present and this candid lifestyle moment during a training was recreated?

Now ask yourself this: What was the first thing you noticed about the image? Did the body language and facial expression inspire you to stop and read the caption? 

Exactly. 

That’s the goal of these photos in the first place.

While it’s ideal to capture a wealth of variety during actual training, workshops, or mastermind sessions, there’s always a Plan B at your disposal. 

Recreating scenarios during a branding session ensures your visuals align with your expertise and personality. Whether it’s setting up a scene where you’re facilitating a brainstorming session or presenting in a conference room, these images can feel as genuine as the real thing.

Do you use a whiteboard? Flipchart? Slides? Be sure to include those visual elements in order to maintain the integrity of what these sessions look like for those in the room. 

That way, recreated visuals don’t just tell your story visually — they amplify it. 

They give your audience a sense of what it’s like to work with you, engage with your ideas, and benefit from your expertise. 

Privacy doesn’t have to limit your storytelling; it simply means you approach it creatively.

If you’re ready to show the world what it’s like to work with you, let’s talk about building visuals that respect boundaries while making a lasting impression.