New Work: Avalon Housing Team Picnic
This month, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph a company picnic for Avalon Housing, a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to creating affordable housing solutions in Michigan.
As a Michigan event photographer, I’ve learned how critical event photography can be for organizations like Avalon Housing. There’s a lot of benefits to having a photographer capturing your event.
It Gives You Authentic Marketing Collateral
Having high-quality visuals is a powerful tool for communication. When done right, it conveys the organization’s mission, values, and the vibrant community it supports. It tells the story about what your organization does and who they are.
One of the main reasons I shoot events for corporate/business clients is to create content for marketing. These photos will show up on websites, brochures, social media, and advertisements.
Two common objectives with these photos are;
Creating content that could be used for their internal communications.
Enriching its website content with updated dynamic visuals.
The photographs I took were not just about documenting the event; they were designed to enhance the company’s ability to communicate efficiently, making content more engaging and relatable to its audience.
The first part of the event was spent capturing candid moments from the event. As employees arrived and got settled in, I made sure to capture interactions from afar so I wouldn’t impede on authentic moments.
These spontaneous shots often tell the most compelling stories. Whether it was a staff member laughing with a colleague or getting their face painted, these candid images add depth to the event’s narrative. They showcased the genuine interactions and positive atmosphere that makes Avalon Housing’s work so impactful.
Quick candid moments like this image of two employees laughing are some of my favorites to capture. Not only is it capsulizing a good memory between two colleagues, but these sorts of photos have diverse usage and can be used for many reasons. It’ll be Avalon’s decision to choose how they’ll use this - but am I the only one who sees the birth of a company meme?
Event Photography Refreshes Company and Individual Images
While candid photos were taken throughout the entire event, we switched gears and started getting team and individual shots next. Team shots are a powerful way to capture the unity and spirit of your group. These photos highlight the collaboration and camaraderie among team members, providing a professional yet personal touch to your marketing materials. Switching from candid to team shots ensures a balanced portrayal of both dynamic interactions and organized group presence.
Following the team shots, we moved on to individual headshots. These portraits are crucial for personal branding and professional representation. Each staff member had the opportunity to shine individually, and it was important to capture their professionalism and personality.
Headshots and portraits are usually my favorite part of shooting events. Every time you stand before someone with your camera, it’s a chance to engage with someone new in a meaningful way.
Everyone’s personality shows up differently on a headshot and that’s because I’m a chatterbox and want to know your entire life story before we shoot.
I get a chance to hear a little of my subject’s story and they then feel more comfortable opening up to my camera. It’s a symbiotic exchange that’s hard to describe.
Each person walked away with a high-quality headshot that was useful for website profiles LinkedIn, and other professional networks. For an organization like Avalon Housing, showcasing the faces behind the mission helps humanize the organization and create a personal connection with supporters and potential donors.
It’s a Fun Way To Increase Employee Morale and Company Culture
When considering what to look for in an event photographer, it's essential to find someone who can blend seamlessly into the event while capturing its essence. You need someone who understands the unique needs of your organization and can provide images that align with your goals. You also need someone that can provide a positive experience for the people being shot.
Shooting events like these is something I truly enjoy. Meeting new people and photography are my top favorite things. That’s important because when you have someone shooting your event, you want them to create a positive experience for everyone. It helps bring people out of their shell and gives them something to laugh and connect over.
Once everyone warms up, they come and ask to get pictures with their colleagues. If it’s an open event and their families are there - they want shots with their spouses and children. Again, a great way to capsulize a memory for an employee and give them something fun to do in between the other activities you have planned.
These photos also serve as lasting mementos that strengthen the bond among team members. Plus, they provide authentic and engaging content for your company's marketing and social media.
In Summary
Photographing the Avalon Housing picnic was an incredibly rewarding experience. I learned a lot about their impact by interacting with passionate employees. I also helped a good organization increase its database of high-quality images. It made my heart smile to see them starting to use some of the photos on their website and I can’t wait to see what else they do with them!
When considering what to look for in an event photographer, it's essential to find someone who can blend seamlessly into the event while capturing its essence. You need someone who understands the unique needs of your organization and can provide images that align with your goals. If you need advice on content marketing or event photography - send me a message to schedule a consultation.
