Tips for event speakers from the perspective of an event photographer
If you’re on a stage or in front of an audience at an event, chances are that someone is filming or photographing you. While your main focus is undoubtably your speech and presentation, there are a few things to be conscious of that can help make those long-lasting images something that you’ll be happy to share.
Speaking at an event, may not be a primary business skill for you, just like writing isn’t mine! However I’ve put together this article hoping that you might find some of my observations and suggestions useful.
Ready, steady… freeze
Speaking and eating are generally not very flattering moments to capture photos, but nonetheless, the audience is here to listen to you speak, not just stand on stage and smile. An experienced photographer will be following the presentation or conversation and will wait for an expression or break in the dialogue to take their shot. Keep this in mind and pause for a few seconds. A photo of your big smile, laughter or expression will have a better chance of being featured than a photo mid sentence with your mouth half open.
2023 Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho
Award winning author, SF Said
Projector if you must
While it might be an easy way to share your message with a large group, projector presentations do not photograph well and if you’re on a small stage, you run the risk of standing in the projector’s light and the likely chance is that only part of you will be lit, creating a very unflattering affect. Mind that the light!
If you’re using prompts, speak from your notes in front of you rather than reading from the projection screen. Your audience will be looking at the back of your head half the time rather than engaging with you and what you’re saying. It’s also not providing the event photographer a good opportunity to photograph you.
Inject some clever messaging
Can your props and tools work for you? Look carefully at the photo below. With clever use of his presentation notes, Sam Sedgman is able to promote his book to the live audience and anyone who looks closely enough at the photos.
Sam Sedgman, author at Stepping Into Stories Children’s Literary Festival, Herne Hill
Consider your position
If the situation allows itself, move about the space to get some variety, be dynamic and engage your audience. Think about spending part of the time sitting closer or amongst your audience. This will be more engaging and make a better composition for the photos.
If you’re presenting as a duo, try to stand together to avoid too much negative space in between the two of you. This is purely for photo aesthetics!
David Baddiel at Rosendale School library opening
Children’s author and illustrator, Doodle and Scribbles
Get strategic with your clothing
What you wear and how you present yourself can speak volumes. Consider your audience and how you’d like to be perceived, what message you want to communicate and what your appearance says about you. Can your clothing choice satisfy your personality, style, speak your brand and fit the event?
It goes without saying that your presentation is the first priority and these are simply tips to help portray your image.
If you’re looking for an event photographer for your next event, please get in contact with tricia@portrayedphotography.co.uk
London brand photographer, Tricia Keracher-Summerfield works with businesses and entrepreneurs to raise their profile and connect with their audiences through compelling, story telling photography.