Why a 'good brief means no grief' for both photographer and event organiser

Don't get me wrong, some of my best friends are PR's, but often they have so many other things to worry about that they simply don't know how or WHAT to brief a photographer before that all-important event.

Preparation

Even though I always spend time preparing all my equipment before each shoot to prepare for any eventuality, it would make things easier for everyone if a corporate client spends a few minutes compiling a brief and sending it to me beforehand, ideally at least one week before the actual event.

I don't pretend to know everything about events, but from a photographic point of view, I am usually more tuned in to what makes a good photo than the person who sends out the brief.

Sending out a good brief beforehand is important because it enables me to advise the event organiser on important photography-related issues, so we can decide together if any changes or improvements need to be made before the event takes place.

Here's one example: do you know whether the planned placement of an outside podium for your guest speaker is ideal to take photographs? It's important to know whether this will place the speaker in full sunlight, or a combination of both shade and sun that may cause unflattering facial shadows.

Some items on my wish list may seem obvious, but many of my corporate clients don't provide this information. Here is what my own brief 'wish list' would look like:

It is very helpful if you can advise on what props or angles I can use to enhance your pictures as much as possible. Enhancing the quality of photos in this way is especially important if you want your event to get some media exposure.

Getting the best results

Here is why having a good brief before the event helps us both. You'll be getting useful photographic guidelines you may not have thought of and you are far more likely to get a better end result. I'll be able to plan the pictures better and use my knowledge of photographic angles and conceptualisation skills to shoot the best possible pictures.

One of the things I'll be looking for is that one picture that encapsulates exactly what your event is all about.

Remember that your whole function or event depends on the pictures you have taken, from capturing the important moments during the event, to the décor, layout and significant people attending it.

Lastly, to ensure you are happy with the photographic aspect of your corporate event, I advise deciding on, and booking your photographer at least one month before the event. The last thing you want to do is to leave this to the last minute and having to hire someone that is not equipped to do the job.