Expos and trade shows are essential for businesses to showcase their products and services. These events provide a platform to meet potential clients, network with industry professionals, and generate vital leads. However, with so many businesses competing for attention, it’s crucial to make a lasting impression at the expo, and then it’s just as crucial that you make the most of your show attendance in ways that can extend the impact of the event, for far longer than simply turning up to sell your products to the people there.
One great way to do this is to book a trade show photographer who can capture your stand in all its glory, as well as catching some great candid photography of your sales team doing what they do best, engaging with the people who visit your stand.
Why Professional Photography & Video Matters for Expos
While it may be tempting to rely on a smartphone camera to grab some quick snaps of your stand, there are several benefits to hiring a professional photographer or videographer for your expo or trade show.
First off, a professional photographer or videographer has the equipment and the years of expertise needed to react to any situation and to be able to create stunning images on the go that truly do justice to your brand and the products you supply. They have a deeper understanding of lighting, composition, and colour, and can use their skills to create images that highlight your products and services in the best possible way.
They can also help you save time and reduce stress. A professional trade show content creator will take care of all the details, from setting up the shoot to editing the final images, which frees you up to focus on the key aspect of your attendance at the show: interacting with customers.
A professional photographer will provide a fresh perspective. They can offer creative ideas and unique angles that you may not have considered, resulting in images that help you stand out from the competition.
If you’re attending a large-scale expo or trade show, professional photography can help you make the most of your investment. With so many attendees and exhibitors, it’s essential to stand out, and high-quality images can help you do just that.
All of this adds up to providing you with the highest quality images that can be used in a variety of ways, such as in company communications and newsletters, on your social media platforms, and within your promotional literature.
Types of Expos that Benefit from Professional Photography & Video
While all expos and trade shows can benefit from professional photography or video, there are certain types of events where it’s especially important.
For example, if you’re exhibiting products that are visually striking, such as clothing, health and fitness products, or scientific and manufacturing products, professional photography, and particularly video can help you showcase the event’s energy, intricacies, and visual beauty.
Why On-Site Trade Show Photography is Crucial
You might be tempted to schedule a photo shoot before or after your event, and that would be fine. Any opportunity to capture who you are and what you do are great promotional assets that can be used across many different platforms, but on-site trade show photography and video coverages does offer several benefits.
Having a photographer or professional content creator along to shoot your trade show stand allows you to capture the energy and excitement of the event. By having a photographer working with you on your stand, attendees will usually be more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic during the event. They’ll ensure they play up to the cameras on your behalf, which should result in more dynamic and compelling images.
Your photographer will take the best images away to do some professional editing on before you receive the final versions for use on your various promotional platforms but having them on-site with you at the expo allows you to capture real-time images that can be used in your marketing materials immediately. This can be especially beneficial for social media, where timely and engaging content is key. For example, sharing images of when your stand is particularly full of prospects and customers showing them using your product or interacting with you can drive potential online customers to your website or to enquire and see what all the fuss is about.
On-site expo photography allows you to capture images of your booth or exhibit in the context of the event. This can help potential customers visualize what it’s like to interact with your products or services and can create a sense of excitement and urgency around your offerings.
Why On-Site Trade Show Photography is Crucial
You might be tempted to schedule a photo shoot before or after your event, and that would be fine. Any opportunity to capture who you are and what you do are great promotional assets that can be used across many different platforms, but on-site trade show photography and video coverages does offer several benefits.
Having a photographer or professional content creator along to shoot your trade show stand allows you to capture the energy and excitement of the event. By having a photographer working with you on your stand, attendees will usually be more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic during the event. They’ll ensure they play up to the cameras on your behalf, which should result in more dynamic and compelling images.
Your photographer will take the best images away to do some professional editing on before you receive the final versions for use on your various promotional platforms but having them on site with you at the expo allows you to capture real-time images that can be used in your marketing materials immediately. This can be especially beneficial for social media, where timely and engaging content is key. For example, sharing images of when your stand is particularly full of prospects and customers showing them using your product or interacting with you can drive potential online customers to your website or to enquire and see what all the fuss is about.
On-site expo photography allows you to capture images of your booth or exhibit in the context of the event. This can help potential customers visualize what it’s like to interact with your products or services and can create a sense of excitement and urgency around your offerings.
How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Expo
Choosing the right photographer for your expo or trade show is crucial. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:
- Look for a photographer who has experience shooting events and for brands like yours. They should have a portfolio that showcases their skills and style and should be able to provide references from past clients
- Look for a photographer who is easy to work with and has a professional demeanor. They should be able to communicate clearly and effectively, and they will be willing to work with you to create a vision for your event.
- Finally, make sure the photographer understands your goals and priorities. They should be able to create images that align with your brand and messaging and should be willing to work with you to ensure your satisfaction.
Post-Expo Marketing: Utilising Your Professional Photography
Once your event is over, it’s important to make the most of your professional photography. Here are some ways you can use your images for post-expo marketing:
- Use your images on your website and social media channels to promote your products and services – imagine how great your product description pages will look with pictures taken in a professional setting
- Include your images in marketing collateral, such as brochures, flyers, and email newsletters, whether they’re internal or external. If you’re a large corporate company, it can be great to help staff in other departments, investors, and distributors to understand what you’re up to and where your brand is heading
- Use your images in press releases and media outreach to generate buzz and coverage – you may have gained a great new client, or broken some sales records at the show – share that news with as many people as you can
- Display your images in your office or showroom to create a visual representation of your brand
- Consider keeping your images to use in the promotional materials for future expo events
Ultimately, it’s crucial that you don’t underestimate the power of professional photography and video – it could be the key to your success. It can and does make a significant impact on your expo presence. Choose a photographer and videographer that understands your industry, and who has vast experience of attending shows to capture their clients doing what they do best. Picture Perfect Photography is one such studio team.
Our principal photographer and company founder Collette Evans has over twenty years of professional photography experience across a variety of industries and styles. She has worked with some of the biggest and best brands to elevate their trade show presence, which in turn has elevated their revenues. Our video partners, Big Sky Creative have over 10 years of industry experience in creating both short and long-form videos and reels to promote your brand effectively.
Collette will work with you to understand your objectives and aspirations and is as experienced in following a brief to the letter, as she is working with you to suggest creative strategies and shot lists ahead of time. In turn, this can leave you to focus on managing your sales processes at the show.
To have a chat with us about your trade show plans, and to help us understand your key objectives, get in touch via the form below to book a discovery call. We look forward to working with you and to making your trade show as profitable as possible.
