Getting Started with Conference Photography  /  Introduction to Conference Photography

Understanding event schedules and flow

Conference photographers must understand how events unfold throughout the day. Unlike weddings, conferences run on tight schedules with overlapping sessions.

Below are some of the common types of programming you can expect in a typical conference day:

Morning

  1. Morning Activity (Yoga/Bike Rides/Tour)
  2. Registration (Arrival)
  3. Breakfast networking
  4. Opening keynote

Midday

  1. Breakout sessions
  2. Panel discussions
  3. Executive sessions
  4. Expo floor activity
  5. Sponsor booths

Afternoon

  1. Workshops
  2. Product demos
  3. Meet and greets
  4. More sessions

Evening

  1. Cocktail receptions
  2. Award ceremonies
  3. After parties
  4. Dinners

Photographers must constantly balance:

  1. Planned schedule coverage
  2. Capturing candid networking moment
  3. Covering sponsor deliverables
  4. Responding to last-minute schedule changes

At Lumetry, photographers are expected to:

  1. Review the run of show
  2. Know the priority sessions
  3. Anticipate important moments before they happen

Great conference photographers read the room and stay ahead of the schedule