b'PHOTO FINISHWant to capture and recordyour event properly? Hire a pro.by James PetersW has been in the business for nearlyWith the proliferation of todays smartphonesand the astonishing30 years. I do like to remind thoseTOP 5capability of most cameras onwho are complimentary about my these devicesyou may be fooledimages that its not so much the into thinking that a professionalequipment as it is the person behind photographer for your event isntthe lens. Whats fundamental aboutREASONS TO HIRE A PROnecessary. But dont let the ease andgetting great images of people is an convenience of todays phones foolunderstanding of people. 1. Nothing beats professional you. If you truly want your meeting orAnd what does a pro requirequalityflawless images captured conference to be captured properly,from the organizers? Its critical toon professional equipment are youll need to hire a pro. have a conversation beforehandalways better than those taken You and your team will haveabout exactly what type of photoswith a smartphone. your hands full with a million tasks,the company is after, says Little. before, during and after the event.Ill make sure I correspond with my2. Professional photographers The photographers exclusive job iscontact and get answers to someknow what to look for. Once dedicated to capturing the specialstandard questions, such as, Is thereyou provide an overview of the moments that happen, while you tenda strict program or timeline thatgoal and spirit of your event, a to the details. Thats why you can trulyyoure planning on following? I needprofessional photographer will benefit from a dedicated person (orto know the general structure of theunderstand which moments are persons) to take that task off and outevent so I have an idea if theres anythe most important for themof your mind.special announcements that I cantto capture. Additionally, images from manymiss. I dont want any surprises if I can company events usually have a lifeavoid themalthough sometimes it3. No need to worry about lost well beyond the immediately obvious.just happens. You always have to cameras or accidental deletion In addition to simply recordingbe alert.professional photographers a conference for posterity, theNot needing to worry about understand their reputation photos could be used for websites,the photo-taking process fordepends on backing up their brochures, annual reports, companyyour event is huge, but there arework regularly.newsletters and meeting post- several other benefits. Professional mortems. Youll want the best imagesphotographers have an artistic vision4. Photographers with anypedigree know how to blend possible for those applications;that enables them to craft memorablein. This is especially important if the secret is to do your researchimages rather than simply snappingyou prefer natural, candid shots. beforehand to ensure you hire thephotos, and their equipment willProfessional photographers right photographer for the right taskoften be better than anything you canstealthily walk around the event at the right time. provide on your own. Additionally,capturing unique photo opsprofessional photos can serve aswhile everyone is engaged with A THOUSAND WORDS excellent marketing material the event.Most of the people that hire mefor an event venue orusually dont know much aboutevent-planning business.photography. Many think they can getThis is more of a tip for5. Professional photographers understand people. Not only do away with using a phone or a point- photographers, but Im neverpros know the technical details. and-shoot camera nowadaysso itscomplacent when I have anAnyone who makes a living taking my job to educate my clients, withoutassignment, Little adds. Therespics of people understands the drowning them in unnecessaryalways a useful tensionyou want tonuances of human nature and technical details, says Doug Little, abe alert and you want to make surewhat to expect and prepare for.Winnipeg-based photographer whoyou cover the essence of the events as 30 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca'