I’m shooting an event for CCH.  CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business is a leading provider of integrated information services, software and workflow tools to address the evolving requirements of tax, accounting, business and legal professionals. Sounds stuffy? Not at all. This event is like Photoshop World for accountants! 

Three weeks before the event, I received a complete detail list; scheduling, event happenings, travel arrangements and who was picking me up at the airport.  I’m impressed with their organizational skills and how they communicate with staff.

The team they assigned me to is made up of several talented CCH employees. From the beginning I made it clear, I will kept my mouth shut and ears open. I will adapt to their work-flow and will only give advice was asked. Remember, I’ve never worked with this company before. I was welcomed in return with open minds! They gave me freedom to pull from my Lightroom and Photoshop skills. 

In the morning, I photographed the Golf event. During my break I decided to experiment with lighting so I went around and took shots of registration, interactions of staff and attendees. The evening we were treated to an amazing feast. Again, I took shots that showed fun, excitment and most important, people networking with each other.  How did I know what to shoot?  I spent 20 minutes with CCH’s talented marking personal Tracy Moton.

She is responsible for creating brochures, signs and overall marketing material. I asked her from a marketing stand point what do you need. She went into detail what worked last time and what didn’t. Armed with this information, I was able to get the shots she needed.

My simple point, before you begin to photograph an event, do your homework ahead of time. Ask the right questions, check with the right people and everyone will be happy! 

More to follow during the week.