Hi Everyone

Today I am going to look at what a specialist photographer can do when his chosen genre is not related to the Christmas market.

I am a conference photographer in Edinburgh and Glasgow and this blog will go into detail on how you can fill your time during that Christmas period, if your business doesn't tend to rely on Christmas sales.

The Christmas season is often a quieter time for conference and event photographers, but it doesn’t have to be a time without productivity. For an Edinburgh conference photographer or a Glasgow conference photographer, the festive period offers unique opportunities to expand skills, network, and even generate extra income. Here’s how a corporate photographer in Edinburgh can fill their calendar with engaging activities over the Christmas season.

1. Capture Corporate Christmas Parties

Many companies hold festive gatherings to celebrate the end of the year, and they often seek an event photographer in Scotland to capture the fun. Corporate Christmas parties are a great way for conference photographers in Scotland to keep busy and earn extra income, providing a change from traditional conference photography while still requiring professional skills in capturing the mood, interactions, and energy of an event. To secure gigs, reach out to local businesses or post about availability on social media and platforms like LinkedIn.

2. Create or Update Your Portfolio

The end of the year is an ideal time for a conference photographer in Edinburgh to refresh their portfolio. This could involve updating online galleries with the best shots from recent conferences, corporate events, and client sessions. Your portfolio is one of your most powerful marketing tools, especially if you’re targeting keywords like “Edinburgh conference photographer” and “corporate photographer Edinburgh.” Ensure your website and social media are optimized with relevant tags and captions to increase discoverability.

3. Build Skills with a Personal Project

Personal projects offer an opportunity to explore creative ideas or improve technical skills. A Glasgow conference photographer could create a series focusing on festive landmarks around the city, while an Edinburgh conference photographer might document the holiday spirit in places like Edinburgh Castle or the Christmas Market. These projects not only keep your skills sharp but also add interesting, holiday-themed content to your portfolio that can appeal to potential clients.  Here are some examples of my event photography images from this website, some if which took place over Christmas.Colin Wright Photography, Edinburgh and Glasgow conference photographer | Corporate Event and Conference Photographer, Edinburgh, Glasgow,Scotland.
 

4. Network at Holiday Events and Markets

Holiday events, markets, and community gatherings are excellent places to network and spread the word about your photography services. As a conference photographer in Scotland, networking can expand your professional circle and open up new opportunities in the coming year. Carry business cards or a digital portfolio on a tablet to showcase your work to prospective clients. Additionally, socialising at these gatherings can help you get to know other photographers, event planners, and vendors, creating valuable connections in the industry.

5. Offer Mini Holiday Sessions for Professionals

Offer mini photoshoots for corporate clients and professionals who may need updated headshots for the new year. Advertise a festive discount for “professional portraits with a holiday twist” or themed corporate headshots that professionals can use on their LinkedIn profiles and company websites. This is an excellent opportunity for an event photographer in Scotland to diversify income while promoting their expertise in capturing polished, professional images.

6. Attend Professional Development Workshops

Many organisations host workshops and online seminars during the winter months, giving photographers a chance to enhance their skills. A corporate photographer in Edinburgh might explore workshops on lighting, editing, or video content creation, which can be especially valuable as more clients look for multimedia solutions. These skills make your services more versatile, which can help when you’re pitching yourself as a conference photographer in Scotland.

7. Start a Photography Blog or Social Media Campaign

If you’re looking to increase your visibility as an Edinburgh conference photographer, blogging and social media are excellent tools for SEO and outreach. Write blog posts about conference photography, event photography trends, or tips for corporate clients planning their events in Scotland. Use SEO phrases like “event photographer Scotland” and “corporate photographer Edinburgh” to attract potential clients searching for these services. Instagram and LinkedIn are ideal platforms for sharing professional highlights from your portfolio and connecting with event planners or corporate clients in the region.

8. Develop or Refine Your Marketing Strategy

The quieter holiday period can be a great time to assess your current marketing approach. Review your website and update keywords like “Edinburgh conference photographer” or “conference photographer Scotland” to optimise for search engines. You could also invest time in creating paid ads on social media or Google to reach a larger audience, helping to keep your name in mind when clients are planning future conferences and events.  Here is a good article on how small businesses can be affected by Christmas: How Christmas Impacts Small Business | BusinessComparison

9. Reach Out to Past Clients with a Holiday Greeting

A friendly holiday message to past clients is a great way to reconnect and remind them of your services. This message could be in the form of a festive email, a card, or even a small printed calendar featuring your best shots. Staying in touch with clients keeps you on their radar, ensuring they’ll think of you when they need a photographer for their next event.

10. Plan for the Next Conference Season

Looking ahead, consider what you want to accomplish in the upcoming year. Research potential conferences or large events coming to Edinburgh or Glasgow where your services as a conference photographer in Scotland might be in demand. With a strategy in place, you’ll be ready to make the most of the next busy season and expand your business.

In Summary

For conference photographers in Edinburgh and across Scotland, the Christmas period can be an opportunity-rich time for networking, skill-building, and portfolio expansion. By using this time strategically, photographers can lay the groundwork for a successful year ahead, ensuring they’re not only busy but also well-prepared for new opportunities in conference and corporate event photography. Whether through festive photoshoots, connecting with past clients, or enhancing their marketing, photographers can turn the quieter holiday period into a productive season.

So, hope this helps

Kind Regards

Colin

www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk

www.edinburghphotographer.com

Hi Everyone

For today's blog I am going to look at the best gear for conference photographers and I have done some research and will try and include different brands, not just CanoN and Fuji, which is what I would use.

Best Photography Gear for Conference Photography:

A Comprehensive Guide for Professional Photographers in Scotland

As a professional Edinburgh conference photographer or conference photographer Glasgow, capturing dynamic corporate events requires the right gear to ensure top-notch results. Whether you’re covering large conferences, intimate corporate meetings, or seminars in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or across Scotland, the right photography equipment can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll cover the best gear to help you excel as a corporate photographer in Edinburgh or a professional event photographer in Scotland.

1. Cameras: Choosing the Right Body for Conference Photography in Scotland

The camera body is the foundation of any photographer's kit. Conference photography often involves low light conditions, fast movements, and a need for sharp, detailed images. Here are the top camera bodies that every Edinburgh event photographer should consider.

Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is a top-tier mirrorless camera perfect for corporate photographers in Edinburgh. With a 45MP sensor and impressive 8K video capabilities, the EOS R5 excels in both photography and videography, making it versatile for conferences. Its superb autofocus and low-light performance help in capturing clear images even in dimly lit conference venues.

Nikon Z6 II
For conference photographers in Glasgow or Edinburgh, the Nikon Z6 II offers excellent image quality with a 24.5MP sensor. Its robust autofocus system, paired with impressive low-light capabilities, ensures that you capture high-quality images without missing important moments. This camera is also great for shooting in tight spaces often encountered during conferences.

Sony A7R IV
Sony’s A7R IV boasts a 61MP full-frame sensor, making it an ideal choice for Edinburgh event photographers focused on capturing every detail of the conference. Its fast and precise autofocus system allows for tracking speakers, audience reactions, and spontaneous networking moments with ease. The excellent dynamic range is also useful when dealing with harsh lighting from conference stages.

2. Lenses: A Crucial Tool for the Perfect Shot

Lenses are just as important as the camera body in delivering professional-quality shots, if not more important. Conference photography typically involves a combination of wide-angle and telephoto shots to capture the venue, keynote speakers, and candid moments. For conference photographers in Scotland, here are the best lenses to have:

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
This versatile lens is perfect for corporate photographers in Edinburgh who need to switch between wide and telephoto shots quickly. The 24-70mm focal length is ideal for capturing everything from wide venue shots to close-ups of speakers and audience members. Its f/2.8 aperture ensures great low-light performance, which is crucial in conference settings.

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
For conference photographers in Glasgow who need to shoot from a distance, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 is an exceptional telephoto lens. Its fast aperture allows for sharp images in low-light environments, and its zoom range is perfect for capturing speakers on stage without intruding on the event.

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
This wide-angle lens is ideal for event photographers in Scotland who want to capture large groups, expansive venues, or dynamic stage shots. The 16-35mm focal length gives a broad perspective, and the fast f/2.8 aperture is excellent for low-light performance, especially in poorly lit conference halls.

3. Lighting: Overcoming Conference Venue Challenges

Lighting can be one of the biggest challenges for Edinburgh conference photographers. Many conference venues have dim, uneven lighting, which can make it hard to get clear, professional-looking shots. Investing in the right lighting gear can help you overcome this obstacle.

Godox V1 Flash
The Godox V1 is a popular choice among corporate photographers in Edinburgh thanks to its round head design, which delivers soft, even lighting. It’s versatile enough for both on-camera and off-camera use, making it ideal for conference settings where you may need to light a speaker or a group shot.

Profoto B10
If you're looking for more powerful lighting options, the Profoto B10 is an excellent portable flash. With its lightweight design and powerful output, it’s perfect for conference photographers in Scotland who need high-quality lighting in a compact form. It also works great with various light modifiers, allowing you to adapt to different lighting situations at conferences.

LED Continuous Lights
For video-focused event photographers in Edinburgh, or for shooting conference highlights, LED continuous lights are a great addition. Portable LED panels like the Aputure Amaran offer adjustable brightness and color temperature, which is perfect for conferences where lighting can shift throughout the day.

4. Accessories: The Must-Haves for a Seamless Workflow for the Conference Photographer in Scotland

No conference photographer in Glasgow or Edinburgh should be without essential accessories that help streamline the photography process. Here’s a list of must-have gear:

Tripods and Monopods
Stability is key for long conference shoots, and a good tripod or monopod will save you from shaky images. The Manfrotto Befree Advanced is a compact, lightweight tripod perfect for corporate photographers in Edinburgh on the go. For more mobile shoots, a monopod like the Sirui P-326 offers stability with flexibility, making it ideal for crowded events.

Memory Cards and Batteries
High-capacity, fast memory cards are a necessity for capturing the non-stop action at conferences. Brands like SanDisk and Lexar offer reliable, high-speed cards that ensure you won’t miss a moment. Additionally, make sure to carry multiple spare batteries, as long conference days can drain power quickly.

Camera Bag
As an Edinburgh conference photographer, you’ll need a reliable, comfortable bag to carry all your gear between sessions. The Peak Design Everyday Backpack is a great option, with customizable compartments to fit your camera, lenses, and accessories, while still looking professional.

5. Audio Equipment: Enhancing Conference Videography
For event photographers in Scotland who offer video services, quality audio is just as important as visual clarity. Conference settings often involve keynote speakers and panel discussions where clear audio is crucial.

Zoom H5 Handy Recorder
This portable audio recorder is perfect for capturing high-quality sound during conferences. With its dual XLR inputs, it can handle professional microphones, making it ideal for recording speeches and panel discussions.

Rode Wireless GO II
If you prefer wireless audio for videography, the Rode Wireless GO II is an excellent choice. It offers crisp sound and easy connectivity, making it ideal for corporate photographers in Edinburgh shooting interviews or live event coverage.

In conclusion

As a professional conference photographer in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or elsewhere in Scotland, having the right gear is essential for capturing the unique atmosphere of corporate events. Whether it’s a high-end mirrorless camera, versatile lenses, or essential lighting and audio gear, investing in top-tier equipment will ensure your clients receive stunning, professional images.

For the best results, always tailor your gear to the specific requirements of the event, and don’t forget to carry backup equipment to avoid any mishaps. With the right preparation and gear, you’ll be able to deliver exceptional photography services as a conference photographer in Scotland or a corporate photographer in Edinburgh.  Here are some example photos from my sister website www.edinburghphotographer.com. Conference and Event Photography Edinburgh Glasgow Scotland - Colin Wright Photography and some photos from this website: Colin Wright Photography, Edinburgh and Glasgow conference photographer | Corporate Event and Conference Photographer, Edinburgh, Glasgow,Scotland.  I also researched other articles on this subject including the following: Conference Photography: 12 Tips To Ace Your Session.

So thats all for now.  Until next time.

Kind Regards

Colin

www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk

www.edinburghphotographer.com.
 

Loch Katrine, TrossachsLoch Katrine by professional landscape and conference photographer, Edinburgh, Scogtland, Colin Wright

Loch Katrine by professional landscape and conference photographer, Edinburgh, Scogtland, Colin Wright.  Autumn colours in the Trossachs on this calm day.  A break from the corporate and conference photography for Colin Wright, corporate photographer based nerar Edinburgh.