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How to Plan Your Day for Great Event Videos and Photos

When planning for event videos and photos, particularly for corporate events, the key to success lies in preparation. Whether you’re hosting a conference, a company celebration, or a professional seminar, capturing the right moments on video and in photos requires careful planning. Event photography and videography are powerful tools to preserve memories and convey messages, and the best way to ensure your event looks polished and professional is by planning every detail of the day. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your day for great event videos and photos.

A shot list is an invaluable tool for keeping track of what has been captured and what still needs to be acquired.

1. Define the Purpose of Your Event Media

Before you even pick up the camera or set up your equipment, you need to understand the purpose behind the event media. Are you looking to document the event for internal purposes, like company memories? Or is the event meant for external use, such as marketing materials or press releases? The purpose of the photos and videos will help determine the style, angles, and focal points of your shoot.

2. Identify Key Moments to Capture

Every event has key moments that should be highlighted. Whether it’s the keynote speaker, awards ceremony, or the first toast of a celebration, identifying these moments beforehand will allow the videographer and photographer to be ready for them. Make sure to communicate these moments with your production team so they can prepare accordingly.

3. Plan for the Right Lighting

Lighting is essential for high-quality photography and videography. Poor lighting can result in dark, grainy images or low-quality video footage. At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we understand the importance of lighting and use customized setups to enhance your production. We can create lighting designs to fit various settings, whether in a small room or a large venue. From our private studio setups to on-location productions, we ensure optimal lighting to capture the best images and video.

4. Prepare Your Venue for Filming and Photography

The location of your event is key to the overall look of your photos and videos. If you’re hosting the event at a venue, do a walkthrough with your production team to identify the best locations for filming and photography. If you’re planning to hold an event at your office or another business location, make sure to clean and prepare the space for optimal shots. At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we offer location scouting and can help you set up for the most effective and attractive shots.

5. Coordinate with Your Event Team and Speakers

It’s crucial to work closely with your event planners, speakers, and anyone involved in the event to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding timing and expectations. Whether you’re filming an event panel or taking formal portraits of the event speakers, being aligned with the event timeline will help capture all of the key moments.

6. Create a Shot List

A shot list is an invaluable tool for keeping track of what has been captured and what still needs to be filmed. A professional photographer and videographer will create a list of essential shots based on the event’s schedule and key moments. This includes wide-angle shots of the venue, close-ups of speakers or guests, candid shots of attendees, and other essential angles. The production team will stay organized and ensure they capture everything you need.

7. Plan for Interviews and Testimonials

Many corporate events include interviews with key speakers, panelists, or guests. These interviews are valuable assets for creating content that can be repurposed for marketing materials, social media, or internal use. Make sure to plan for dedicated times to conduct interviews. Saint Louis Business Portraits has the ability to set up custom interview spaces that look professional and are perfect for video. Our private studio setup provides all the lighting, sound, and camera equipment necessary for smooth and high-quality interviews.

8. Repurpose Your Media for Future Use

One of the most beneficial aspects of event photography and video is its long-term potential. Instead of just letting your media sit unused after the event, repurpose your photos and videos for marketing, internal communications, social media, or future events. Saint Louis Business Portraits specializes in repurposing event photography and video branding to gain more traction. We can help you creatively use your media to engage with your target audience across various platforms.

9. Be Ready for Unexpected Moments

Despite careful planning, unexpected moments will happen during your event, and you’ll want to capture them as they unfold. Whether it’s a surprise announcement, a guest interaction, or a spontaneous moment, having an experienced videographer and photographer ready for anything ensures that these impromptu events are documented.

10. Review the Footage

After the event, it’s crucial to review the footage to ensure that everything you wanted was captured. With the right editing and post-production services, you can enhance your photos and videos to produce polished content. At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we offer full-service editing and post-production to ensure your media meets the highest quality standards.

Why Choose Saint Louis Business Portraits for Your Event Photography and Video Production?

Saint Louis Business Portraits is an expert in capturing high-quality event photos and videos. With decades of experience working with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area, we are well-equipped to handle all of your corporate media needs. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and has the creative expertise to make your event look polished and professional.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone services. Our team can customize productions to meet diverse media requirements and has extensive knowledge of all file types and styles of media. Additionally, our private studio lighting and visual setups are perfect for small productions, interviews, and other intimate events.

Since 1982, we’ve worked with companies to provide high-quality photography and videography that is not only professional but adaptable to a wide range of media uses. Whether you need a custom interview setup, sound and camera operators, or specialized drones for unique shots, we have everything you need to make your next event production perfect.

Let us help you elevate your next event with exceptional photography and videography that you can use to engage your audience and repurpose across various channels for maximum impact.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com

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Tips for Lighting Your Product Shots Like a Pro

In the world of commercial photography and video production, lighting can make or break a product shot. Whether you’re showcasing the sleek design of a new tech gadget or the intricate details of handcrafted jewelry, the way you light your product can significantly impact its appeal. For decision-makers looking to invest in professional photography and video production services, understanding the essentials of lighting is crucial to ensuring your products are presented in the best possible light—literally.

Reflectors bounce light back onto the product, filling in shadows without introducing a new light source.

Understanding the Role of Lighting in Product Photography

Lighting is more than just illuminating your subject; it’s about creating mood, texture, and dimension. Good lighting highlights the product’s features, emphasizes its quality, and ensures the image aligns with your brand’s message. Here’s how you can achieve professional-grade lighting in your product shots:

  1. Choose the Right Lighting SetupThe choice of lighting setup depends on the product you’re shooting. For example:
    • Soft Lighting: Ideal for products with reflective surfaces like glass or metals. Softboxes or diffusers create a soft, even light that minimizes harsh reflections and shadows.
    • Hard Lighting: Used for products where you want to emphasize texture or create dramatic shadows. This setup often involves a single light source without diffusion, producing sharp contrasts.
    • Natural Lighting: Perfect for products that benefit from a more organic, lifestyle-oriented presentation. It’s cost-effective and can produce beautiful, warm images, though it requires careful management of time and weather conditions.
  2. Understand Light Direction and PositioningThe direction from which light hits your product influences how it’s perceived. Here’s a breakdown:
    • Front Lighting: Lights the product evenly, minimizing shadows. It’s straightforward but can sometimes make the product look flat.
    • Side Lighting: Adds depth and dimension by casting shadows on one side, making textures more pronounced.
    • Backlighting: Creates a silhouette effect and can be used creatively to highlight the product’s outline or translucency.
  3. Use Reflectors and Fill LightsReflectors bounce light back onto the product, filling in shadows without introducing a new light source. Fill lights serve a similar purpose but offer more control over the intensity and angle. Both tools are essential for balancing the light and ensuring that no part of the product is underexposed.
  4. Control the EnvironmentControlling the shooting environment is key to managing reflections and unwanted light. Using flags (black cards) to block light spill, controlling ambient light, and ensuring a clutter-free background are all vital steps in achieving a clean, professional look.
  5. Color Temperature and White BalanceEnsuring the correct color temperature and white balance is crucial for maintaining color accuracy. Whether you’re using tungsten lights (which have a warm, yellowish hue) or daylight-balanced LEDs, consistent white balance ensures the product’s colors are true to life.
  6. Experiment with Creative Lighting Techniques
    • Low-Key Lighting: For a moody, high-contrast effect that adds drama.
    • High-Key Lighting: For a clean, bright, and vibrant look, often used in fashion or tech product photography.
    • Spotlighting: Focuses attention on a particular feature of the product, useful for detailed shots.
  7. Post-Production Lighting AdjustmentsWhile getting the lighting right during the shoot is ideal, post-production offers opportunities to fine-tune the image. Adjusting exposure, highlights, shadows, and contrast can enhance the final result, ensuring the product is displayed in the best light possible.

Why Professional Lighting Matters

Investing in professional lighting techniques can elevate your product shots from ordinary to exceptional. It not only enhances the visual appeal but also communicates quality and attention to detail, which can influence purchasing decisions. For businesses, this translates into stronger brand perception and, ultimately, better sales.

Partner with the Experts at St Louis Business Portraits

At St Louis Business Portraits, we understand the intricate art of lighting in product photography and video production. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we have the right equipment and creative crew service experience for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots to meet your diverse media requirements.

Our expertise in repurposing your photography and video branding can help you gain more traction in your marketing efforts. We are well-versed in all file types, styles of media, and accompanying software. Whether you need a private studio lighting setup for small productions or a customized interview studio, our facilities are equipped to handle it all. From providing sound and camera operators to flying specialized drones indoors, we have everything to make your next production perfect.

Since 1982, St Louis Business Portraits has been a trusted partner for businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area, delivering top-notch corporate photography and video services. Let us help you showcase your products in the best light—contact us today to discuss your next project.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller

Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128

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St Louis Headshots

Business Headshots. Professional & Creative. Look your Best, Don’t Accept Less! Book Today!

Real people, looking their very best.

Each headshot photography session is an individual experience in creating the best possible photograph for your needs: we will help you choose the right clothing and look for your head shots based on who you are, what you do, and what you need the photos for.

We’re proud to offer high-quality, affordable business headshots, doctor/lawyer headshots, and personal brand portraits. We approach portrait photography as an opportunity to collaborate with our clients to create top-notch images tailored to your individual needs. We look forward to working with you!

saintlouisbusinessportraits@gmail.com
314-913-5626
Mike Haller

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Professional Photos For Business!

We’ve helped some of St. Louis’s most recognizable companies with their employee profiles, advertising, marketing, and commercial use. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, realtors, and financial planners are just a small sample of our corporate clients who we shoot daily.

A headshot is more than just a business portrait or a selfie. A headshot is a first introduction to your future employer. It’s your client’s reassurance that you’re the right person for the job.

Your headshot goes to work for you when you aren’t in the room to do it yourself, so let’s make it great!

Whether you’re a business professional or in the entertainment industry, we will capture your unique personality in a headshot that will stand out from your competition.

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
314-913-5626
Mike Haller

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Professional Headshots | Business Portraits | Commercial Photographers

As a corporate photographer we work with companies to help with the creation and promotion of their brand, products, and services. Much of our work involves taking portraits and headshots, but we also work on many social and charitable events.

We provide high quality ground and drone aerial images. These photos can then be used on websites, social media, brochures, business cards, newsletters, and more. We are very experienced and have the proper equipment. We also have a clear understanding of the needs of many types of businesses that we are working with. 

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
314-913-5626
Mike Haller

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Advertising Photographers | Business Portraits | Product and Service Photos

Executive, corporate or business headshots or corporate portraits are photos made of staff members, usually head and shoulders but sometimes half-body or three-quarter-body shots, generally made for company websites, internal newsletters, trade publications, public relations, marketing and sometimes advertising. Our photography is created at our studio or at your location.

As a corporate photographer we work with companies to help with the creation and promotion of their brand, products, and services. Much of our work involves taking portraits and headshots, but we also work on many social and charitable events.

St. Louis product and service photographers

Our professional creative photography will make you more money.  It is a valuable profit motive for your business.  Good photography will make your marketing efforts and sales goals much more achievable.  Mediocre photography will detract from the quality of your product.

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
314-913-5626
Mike Haller

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Professional headshots and business portraits.

We are looking for images that convey confidence and approachability. How do I do that (you ask)? I will guide you throughout the session.

The most important part of a successful business portrait and headshot is the expression. It is very important to us to produce quality work and making this happen will be the bulk of the session. We will work together to achieve a relaxed and genuine smile, but we’ll also go beyond that and explore numerous other expressions, until we find the one that is undeniably YOU!

You don’t need to know anything about posing, expression, hair and make-up. I will be watching for stray hairs, bad posture and wrinkles in your clothing.

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
314-913-5626
Mike Haller