10 Event Photography Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And How to Avoid Them)
Award recipients at an Abbott Sales Meeting accepting their awards. Photo: James Le, JDL MEDIA
Event photography can be one of the most powerful tools for telling your event’s story—when it’s done right. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the common mistakes they’re making until it’s too late. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, gala, or conference, these are the most common issues I’ve seen as a professional event photographer—and how to avoid them.
1. “Why Does Your Team Page Look Like It’s Stuck in 2010?”
Your team page is often the first impression someone has of your business. But mismatched headshots taken in different lighting, with clashing styles, or (worse) with phone cameras make it look chaotic and unprofessional.
Real-World Example:
AvidXchange in Charlotte reached out for help updating their team photos. They realized their outdated headshots didn’t reflect the polished, forward-thinking image of their brand. We used their annual retreat to create a consistent, professional look for their team. Now their website and LinkedIn profiles look cohesive and on-brand, which is critical for attracting new clients and talent. You don’t want your team page to look like a quilt.
Don’t Let This Happen:
Your next company meeting or event is the perfect opportunity to schedule a headshot photographer for updated team headshots. With professional photography, you’ll elevate your brand instantly.
2. “Scrambling for Vendors? That’s How the Stress Starts…”
Leaving things like photography until the last minute is the quickest way to add unnecessary stress to your event planning. By that point, your options are limited, and you could end up with an event photographer who doesn’t fit your needs—or no one at all.
Real-World Example:
A non-profit I worked with called me in a panic five days before their gala. They thought that the videographer they hired was doing photography as well and that both services were the same – and they were scrambling to find a replacement. Thankfully, I was available, but planning last minute meant they didn’t have time to fully communicate their goals for the event photography. Luckily for them, we have years of experience and knew the right questions to ask so we didn’t waste the little time we had left before their event.
Avoid the Vendor Shuffle:
Booking a professional event photographer early ensures you have time to plan everything properly. It also gives you access to the best event photographers in your area—before their calendars fill up. Whether you’re in Charlotte or beyond, locking in your photographer early can make or break your event. I don’t want to sound too dramatic but one of the reasons for throwing such extravagant events is to create hype for next year’s event. How would you do that with zero event coverage?
Event goer snapping a quick photo at the Mint Museum Gala in Charlotte, NC. Photo: James Le, JDL MEDIA
3. “Do Your Event Photos Look Like a Family Reunion?”
When event photos are stiff, overly posed, and lifeless, it can make a professional event look amateur. You don’t want people scrolling through your website or marketing materials thinking, “This could’ve been taken at a backyard barbecue.”
Real-World Example:
Recently at a conference in Charlotte, the organizers originally requested a lot of formal, posed group photos. But once I started capturing candid shots of attendees networking, smiling, and engaging in dynamic conversations, they realized how much more engaging these photos were. Those candid moments became the most shared images on their social media.
What Works Best:
The best event photographers know how to capture the energy of an event. Candid shots of people interacting, laughing, and engaging with speakers or exhibits bring your event to life. These are the photos that tell a story—and make people want to attend your next event. This is achieved by instincts and anticipation. Knowing that at the beginning of the event is when people are most excited about being in a new environment and interacting with their colleagues because they might not have seen them since last year’s conference.
Two coworkers candidly chatting with one another. Photo: James Le, JDL MEDIA
4. “Are Selfies Really the Best Your Team Can Do?”
Selfies and blurry, poorly lit photos might be fine for personal use, but they have no place in your professional image. Your team deserves better.
Real-World Example:
A sales team I worked with had been using selfies and old headshots from college for LinkedIn and client presentations, which wasn’t doing them any favors. We set up a headshot station during their company retreat for 215 people, and the result was a set of polished, professional portraits that reflected their confidence and expertise. They immediately noticed an increase in engagement on LinkedIn and a stronger response from prospective clients.
Why It Matters:
A headshot photographer can provide outstanding results that elevate your team’s image. Whether you’re refreshing LinkedIn profiles or using headshots in presentations, investing in professional event photography sends the message that your team is polished and trustworthy.
5. “Feeling Like Event Planning Is One Giant Game of Jenga?”
Event planning is overwhelming enough without worrying about whether your photographer is capturing the right moments. From managing speakers to coordinating schedules, it can feel like one wrong move could topple everything.
Real-World Example:
I worked with an event planner in Charlotte who was managing a massive corporate event with hundreds of attendees. By pre-planning the photography schedule with her, we were able to identify key moments to capture—like the CEO’s keynote, breakout sessions, and networking events—without adding to her stress.
Here’s the Truth:
When you hire a corporate event photographer, they’ll handle the details so you can focus on everything else. Professional event photographers know how to adapt to changing schedules and capture every important moment without needing constant direction. We get all the important stuff while being unnoticeable.
6. “Why Do Your Event Photos Feel as Flat as a PowerPoint Slide?”
Your event might have been buzzing with energy, but if the photos don’t reflect that, they’ll fall flat. Bland, uninspired photos fail to capture the excitement you worked so hard to create.
Real-World Example:
An organization I worked with shared that their previous event photographer’s images didn’t capture the energy of their conference. They wanted to showcase the excitement of their speakers and the engagement of their attendees. By focusing on dynamic angles, vibrant lighting, and candid moments, I was able to deliver professional photography that matched the energy of the event.
Why It Matters:
People hugging, laughing, and staying engaged in the activities are all great ways to tell the story of how the event unfolded. Great event photography is about more than just snapping pictures—it’s about telling a story. Capturing the energy, excitement, and professionalism of your event ensures that those photos will resonate with attendees, sponsors, and future clients.
7. “Are Your Attendees Zoning Out or Actually Engaged?”
If your attendees seem more focused on their phones than what’s happening at your event, you’ve got a problem. Engagement is key to a successful event, and photography can play a surprising role in keeping people involved.
Real-World Example:
At a trade show in Charlotte, we set up a branded photo booth for Sertifi Inc. as part of the event photography package. Not only did it give attendees something fun to do, but it also created unique headshots. Engagement soared, and the event trended locally on LinkedIn.
Pro Tip:
Interactive photo experiences like branded headshot booths or quick headshot stations can keep attendees engaged and create buzz around your event. Clients have raved about how much foot traffic a headshot booth brings to their booth during large conventions where it’s easy to get lost in a sea of vendors.
A woman in red dress speaking in a ballroom of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Picture: James Le at JDL MEDIA
8. “Running Out of Social Media Content When It Matters Most?”
Live events are full of amazing moments, but if you don’t have a plan for capturing them, you’ll miss out on the chance to share them in real-time.
Real-World Example:
A client admitted they struggled to keep up with social media during their annual conference. By working with an event photographer, they were able to get a steady stream of ready-to-post images—from speaker highlights to candid moments—that kept their audience engaged throughout the event and long after it ended.
Don’t Let This Happen to You:
A professional event photographer will deliver a curated library of photos, perfect for live posting and post-event marketing. With the right photographer, events photography can become one of your most powerful marketing tools.
9. “Can You Prove Your Event Was Worth It?”
When leadership asks about the ROI of your event, do you have the visuals to back it up? Without strong visuals, it’s hard to show the impact of your hard work.
Real-World Example:
LendingTree, a Charlotte fintech company I worked with used professional event photography and video to showcase packed sessions engage attendees, and sponsor activations. The photos helped them secure additional sponsorships for the following year and proved the event’s success to their leadership team.
Why It’s Important:
Photos of full rooms, happy attendees, and key moments can tell the story of your event’s success in a way numbers can’t. Corporate event photography is a critical investment when proving ROI.
10. “Does Anyone Even Know How Much Work You Put Into This?”
Event planners often feel like their hard work goes unnoticed—especially if no one captures the behind-the-scenes details.
Real-World Example:
At a board meeting for HB Fuller I photographed in Charlotte, Mosaix Group, the planner specifically requested photos of the décor, table settings, and branded swag. Those details were a huge part of her vision, and having them documented gave her the recognition she deserved.
Dinner set up at the Duke Mansion in Charlotte, NC. Photo: James Le, JDL MEDIA
Here’s the Takeaway: Professional event photographers know how to capture the big moments and the small details. From the grand stage to the smallest touches, your hard work should shine in every photo.
Final Thoughts
Event photography is about more than just capturing what happened—it’s about showing the energy, professionalism, and success of your event. Hiring the right professional event photographer ensures that your event looks just as good in photos as it felt in real life.
If you’re planning your next event, whether it’s a corporate meeting, gala, or conference, don’t overlook the importance of events photography. The cost of event photography is an investment in your brand’s image and your event’s legacy. Whether you’re in Charlotte or beyond, finding the best event photographer for your needs will make all the difference.
