When you think about “Red Carpet” photography, you think of those Hollywood-type events where all of the stars are walking across the Red Carpet. The paparazzi are snapping pictures with a logo in the background.
You (or your boss) has asked you to create this type of event. What do you do now?
What you are REALLY looking for is a “Step and Repeat” setup. Below is a checklist that was used for the Movado event here in Charlotte.
When it comes to “Step and Repeat” photography, there is more to it than simply snapping a picture. Questions to ask yourself:
- WHY are you doing this? Are you launching a new product? Are you entering a new market? Do you just want something fun for your attendees?
- WHERE will the event be held? Indoors or out? Office or hotel or convention center? Daytime or night time.
- HOW many people will be there? Just employees? Just customers? Open event for everyone.
- WILL the shots needed be of individuals or groups? Ex. 1-4 groups or large groups of people, like the accounting department. Do you need full length shots or 3/4 length shots?
- WHO will be there? Important people from the corporate office? Someone famous?
- WHAT do I need to know / have? Based on the answers above, here is a checklist that will help you get started.
Get a “Step and Repeat” banner. How big? Depends on how many people you want in each shot and do you want that shot to be “full length” or shorter? In either case, you DO NOT want anything shiny. When a flash hits shine, the area is nothing but a white spot on the picture.
If you are just looking for something from the waist up, and only having 1-2 people in each shot, you can get away with a 5′ X 5′ banner. If the event is something where the ladies are in long gowns, you will need a bigger banner. 10′ X 10′ for 1-2 people, 10′ X 20′ for larger groups.
Either you can order the banner or your photographer can order the banner. Just make sure that they have the information above. You will want to make sure that you have a high quality EPS image of your logo for the banner. If you are doing full-length shots, do you also want a red carpet? They can be rented and should be the width of the banner.
Find the photographer. You will need one with experience and equipment to shoot in the environment you are using. Even if you have an outdoor event, the photographer will still need lighting. They will need to have the equipment to do this event — lighting, stands, cameras, etc.
The photographer needs to have a good command of the language AND be pleasant to your attendees. After all, they will be considered an extension of your company in the eyes of your employees and customers.
Need props? Something like crazy hats and big sunglasses? You can really make an Employee Appreciation Banquet a lot of fun with props. You, or your photographer will be able to provide them.
Will you need On-Site Printing? If you are launching a new product or expanding into a new area, what better way to get your brand out there than to give each attendee a keepsake? You can have an overlay on each picture, with your company logo. You can put each picture in a photo holder.
Check back for Part 2 of Red Carpet Photography.