When it comes to photography, trade shows pose unique challenges. With all the exhibitors and attendees, it can be difficult to take good photos in such a jumble. However, with a little planning and a few helpful tips, you can take great photos of your next trade show and gain new business contacts for future assignments. Here are a few things to keep in mind when photographing trade shows.
How do you start photographing trade shows with no experience?
Getting started with trade show photography can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t have any experience. Depending on what equipment you have, getting started is surprisingly easy and can actually be fun!
Some quick tips for beginners:
First, before you go to a trade show (that interests you), check out everything about it – from the exhibitors to the room layout. That way, when you get there, you’ll already know what to focus on.
Second, make sure your camera is charged, you have clean memory cards and that your lens is bright enough (f/2.8 or less) to handle low-light conditions (if applicable). Alternatively, assist with a flash, but be careful, as some exhibition halls, can have a very high ceiling from which to bounce light.
Third, look around and observe what other professional photographers are doing at the fair to get inspiration and creative ideas. With these few steps, you’ll be well on your way to taking great trade show photos in no time!
Fourth, if you’re just starting out, keep reading to get the most out of trade shows to spread your wings as a trade show photographer.
Take plenty of business cards with you – you’ll meet lots of new people
Whenever you attend an event where networking is important, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Taking a few business cards with you can help make a lasting impression on the people you meet. Even if they don’t need your services right away, if they can easily get your contact information at any time, that’s often enough to be remembered.
Besides, what better way to make new friends than to have something tangible to help them remember you? Having plenty of business cards will definitely help you build relationships and create fruitful partnerships in the long run!
Just remember that it’s not about handing out your business cards like flyers in the center of town, but establishing real relationships.
Dress professionally – first impressions count, especially in an industry environment
When it comes to any industry, making a good first impression is key. Whether you’re going to a job interview or entering an office for the first time, professional attire can make the difference between a good impression and an excellent one.
Professional attire inspires confidence and respect – two things that should never be underestimated in any business setting. Pay attention to your attire and overall appearance; no matter how skilled and knowledgeable you are, what you wear says a lot, so make sure you’re sending the right message.
Always have your camera ready – you never know when the perfect photo opportunity will come along
If you’re involved in event photography, it’s important that your camera is always on hand. There’s no guarantee what opportunities will present themselves, so being always prepared is the best way to capture spontaneous moments. How many times have you caught a glimpse of a special moment only to realize too late that you weren’t ready for the photo? Don’t let those one-of-a-kind photos pass you by – keep your camera nearby and be ready to react!
What to photograph trade shows with?
You don’t have to have top-of-the-line equipment to photograph an industry trade show. Most of them are well lit to showcase the booths. However, if you are wondering what lens to choose, in my opinion, a bright f/1.4-2.0 lens with a focal length of about 35-50mm would be best.
I myself started with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens and a Nikon D90, which came out in 2008. Thanks to that, I also learned to zoom with my feet. And in the case of a trade show, however, we have more time to reposition ourselves, because we don’t operate on a specific schedule.
Be prepared to network – trade shows are a great place to make new contacts and expand your professional network
Making contacts can be intimidating, but fortunately, trade fairs are a great place to strengthen our professional contacts and find new ones. Trade fairs bring together people in the same industry who have similar interests and goals, which makes it easy to network because you already have something in common!
Show up at the trade show prepared to network, knowing what’s available at the show and being able to confidently present yourself and your services. Remember to bring your business cards and practice your elevator sepach in advance! You never know who will be in attendance at a trade show and what opportunities may arise from meeting someone new. Careful preparation and effort will guarantee success in networking at trade shows and elsewhere.
Show off your photo report from the fair
If you start photographing a trade show and take some cool pictures, you can share them on your website, or social media. It’s then a good idea to tag exhibitors, too, so they can share your photo report of the fair.
You can also share photos with exhibitors you met at the fair, provided they tag you. This way you have a chance to appear on their profiles or websites, which will increase awareness of your brand in the future.
You can also share such a photo report with the organizers, but it is worthwhile to mind your own business while doing so, and not to give photos from such a way and let them do what they want with them. I would prefer a link to my site, someone else a photo caption. Here there is no golden advice.
However, what matters most is how your photos will impress the people organizing the fair. Maybe next time they will invite you to make an official photo report of the fair? I myself started this way without having a portfolio, and I have established several collaborations with organizers and clients for sessions among the exhibitors themselves. You have to act!