The client Dilemma
As creatives, client relationships sometimes break down for one simple reason: misaligned goals. We recently documented a 3-day event down in Diani, and it was a great reminder that it's on us to bridge that gap. When capturing an event, you can't just take pictures for the sake of it. True storytelling is about capturing the right moments, focusing on people who are engaged, smiling, and actively participating.
Bridging the gap
Upon arriving on set, our first priority was to coordinate with the client as it was a dry run. The venue was well-lit and beautifully prepared, giving us an immediate sense of how spectacular the event would be. To capture every angle, my team consisted of two photographers, two event videographers, and a drone pilot.
On-site, we engaged with the client to define their specific deliverables. We asked clarifying questions: Do you prefer a short or long video? Which speakers should we focus on? What key moments must we capture? Do you need interviews? Asking these questions helps align the client's vision with your own as a creative. More often than not, client disappointment arises simply because creatives fail to engage with them properly before the shoot begins.
Execution; Hit or Miss?
When the shoot kicked off the next day, we spent the three-day event focused on capturing the true essence of the room: people collaborating, laughing, and building real human connection. We made sure to highlight the diverse crowd and grab those authentic, unscripted moments, from sticky notes on boards to post-pitch handshakes. The client was absolutely blown away! Our visuals truly dictated the narrative of the event. At one point, another service provider even asked to use our photos because they were so impressed by the level of professionalism.
Moments like these highlight the importance of photographers and videographers actively engaging with clients during scripting and pre-production. That level of communication is exactly how we nailed the project. Ultimately, mastering these simple, foundational aspects not only guarantees a successful shoot but also helps secure future referrals.
