PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Please advise me if certain pictures cannot be taken using flash.

Unless evident, please advise me whether the event will be held outside, both outside and inside, and whether there are photographs that you want that are unusual.

One of the most important elements of any photograph of people is the eyes. For outside events, please advise speakers that they should remove their sunglasses briefly at the beginning of their speech for photographs.

Advise me prior to the event if it is anticipated that photographs will be required of complete tables of attendees, only certain attendees at a certain table, or groups of attendees where more than one row of people will be involved.

Advise me before the event if the podium will be on a platform.

If it is anticipated that the event will held yearly, you may want some photographs of the room setup and other details so that new committee members can visually see the arrangement.

The podium should not be so encompassing so that the photograph will only show the speaker's head or have the speaker hidden behind the microphone.

The podium should not be in front of strong back lighting, a mirror, or a picture covered by a glass frame.

The background should not be too "busy", glaring, or distracting so that it detracts from the subject(s) in the photograph.

Try not to have table centerpieces that stand so high so that persons at the table are hidden behind them or that the centerpieces detract from the subject(s) of the photograph.

Are there any restrictions on photographs to be taken or restrictions on movement?
I try to refrain from taking photographs after initial opening remarks of speakers who have sensitive personal stories to relate.

Entertainers should be requested to advise what their policy is concerning photographs during a performance.

Advise me of  any restraints on the time available for taking photographs. Luncheon events may be especially time sensitive.

A determination should be made prior to the beginning of the event where is the best location to take individual and/or group award photographs. Each person involved should be aware that a picture will be taken and how to properly display the award.

In relation to photographs of groups, it is essential that the clothing be coordinated and that the straight lines of heads be avoided. An "up and down" flow of all the different head heights is preferrable. This can be done by just directing the persons where to stand or sit, and using children in front to create different head heights.

If feasible, photographs should be taken with the name of the organization or the name of the event somewhere in the photograph.

Increase photographic opportunities by visually enhancing auction items and donor presentations, e.g. a weekend vacation trip with a few large pictures of the destination; a large oversize check for use at the presentation; airline tickets with a photograph of the airline and destination.

If the organization is a Chapter of a National Organization, furnish a digital photo album of the event to the National Organization.

Put photographs in a scrapbook at your offices, such as in the waiting room, to show potential donors, sponsors or volunteers.

 Obtain the name and/or address of the participants in each photograph or other identifier and send a copy to each participant along with a thank you letter. (I have drafteed a "negative accounting" form for that purpose)

If at all possible, have recipients of the services of the organization involved in the event. A photograph could be taken of recipients and patrons.(This would also create an atmosphere for personal discussions between patrons and recipients.)

SERVICE UNLIMITED