The Power of Visual Content: How Photography and Video Can Help Grow Your Business

[Caption: Mikhail S. Gorbachev gives his opening remarks to the Unification Conference. The Atlanta-based German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States hosted the Unification Conference, a historic meeting of President George Bush, the 41st president of the United States of America, former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr. Helmut Kohl, and former Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The three world leaders discussed their perspectives on the global impact of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the unification of Germany, along with their visions for transatlantic partnership, leadership, and prosperity.]

As a photographer, I have seen firsthand the visual impact content can have on a business or organization. In today’s world, where people are constantly bombarded with information, standing out and engaging your audience is more critical than ever. That’s where photography and video come in – powerful tools can help promote your brand or message and grow your business.

Caption: Gwendolyn Dukes, Richard Bonito, and their friends organized a peaceful protest on behalf of George Floyd at the corner of King Road and Hwy 92 in Roswell, Georgia, on June 2, 2020. Dukes said, “Action speaks louder than words,” as to why she and her friends wanted to get out and protest. Richard Bonito added, “We are not mad at the police; we are mad at the system.” They want to see changes for better policing, fixing systemic racism in our society, and encouraging their friends to get out and vote. While Richard Bonito voted in the last presidential election, most in the crowd are closer to Gwendolyn’s age, and this will be their first election.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when using photography and video for your business:

  1. Quality matters: The quality of your visual content can significantly impact how your brand or message is perceived. Investing in high-quality equipment and hiring professional photographers/videographers to create visually appealing content is essential.
  2. Consistency is vital: Consistent branding and messaging across all visual content can help build brand recognition and increase audience engagement.
  3. Storytelling is essential: Visual content should tell a story that resonates with your target audience. This can be achieved through thoughtful planning and creative execution.
  4. Distribution is critical: Simply creating great visual content is not enough – it’s essential to distribute it effectively through social media, email marketing, and other channels to reach your target audience.
  5. Respect copyright laws: Be aware of copyright laws when using visual content. Creating original content or obtaining proper permissions or licenses is essential.

By understanding these key points, you can use photography and video to effectively promote your brand, engage your audience, and grow your business.

Capturing the Moment: Tips for Photographing Keynote Speakers and Event Attendees

[Caption: Jesse Cole is a strong enthusiast of fan culture. In 2016, he established Fans First Entertainment and introduced the Savannah Bananas to initiate a movement that centers on fans. Jesse’s dedication to this cause is evident in his presence at the stadium, his online engagements, his keynote speeches, his appearances in publications like ESPN and Entrepreneur, and his book, “Find Your Yellow Tux,” all of which aim to attract fans from all corners of the globe.]

Event photography is a challenging yet rewarding profession. Photographers specializing in covering meetings and conferences must deal with various challenges, including capturing keynote speakers who are not always as polished as professional speakers. However, photographers can use specific tips and tricks to get the best photos of keynote speakers and attendees during events.

Firstly, when photographing keynote speakers, the best time to capture them is in the first minute, they are at the podium. This is where they often thank people for inviting them and make opening remarks. During this time, they look up and may gesture toward someone, creating a great photo opportunity for photographers. However, once the keynote speaker starts their presentation, they may spend a lot of time reading from their notes, making it challenging to get good shots.

Matthew Luhn is a story artist and former Pixar animator who has helped develop the stories and characters for some of the studio’s most beloved films, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., and The Incredibles. As a keynote speaker, Matthew draws from his 20+ years of experience at Pixar to provide valuable insights into the creative process, storytelling, and innovation. His presentations are engaging, informative, and inspiring, empowering audiences to tap into their creativity and achieve their goals.

To overcome this challenge, photographers must be creative and look for moments when the speaker engages with the audience or shows emotions. For example, if the keynote speaker makes a joke or shares a personal story, they may laugh or smile, providing an excellent opportunity to capture a candid moment. Similarly, if they make a passionate point, they may gesture with their hands or have a severe expression, which photographers can use to create impactful images.

Jesse Cole, Keynote Speaker and Chief Fans First Officer, has the crowd on their feet and energized with his interactive presentation approach. In this photo, attendees can be seen standing up and actively participating in an activity led by Jesse Cole, known for his innovative and engaging approach to public speaking. As the founder of Fans First Entertainment and the Savannah Bananas, Jesse’s mission is to create a fan-focused movement; his presentations are no exception. Jesse makes a memorable and impactful experience that leaves a lasting impression by involving the audience in the talk.

Another critical aspect of covering meetings and events is capturing the attendees’ emotions and reactions. Clients usually want photographers to show how much people love attending their events. However, this often happens before the formal part of the meeting occurs, during breaks, and at the end of the event. This is when people are in conversations, networking, and often reuniting with friends, providing an excellent opportunity for photographers to capture attendees’ hugs, laughter, and expressions.

To capture these moments, photographers need to be observant and know when these moments are likely to happen. They should be aware of the event’s schedule and layout to position themselves strategically to get the best shots. They should also be friendly and approachable, making it easier for attendees to be comfortable and natural in front of the camera.

As the meeting attendees gather before the action on the stage starts, they enjoy interacting with each other. Some, like Seth Cathy, are enjoying getting selfies with their friends.

In conclusion, covering meetings and events as a photographer requires skill, creativity, and knowledge of the event’s flow. Capturing keynote speakers’ and attendees’ emotions and reactions is essential to create impactful images that showcase the event’s atmosphere and success. With the right approach and techniques, event photographers can provide their clients with stunning visual memories that will last a lifetime.