Event photography London
I’m David a London event photographer. I have an eye for detail and a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and candid moments, I excel at blending reportage-style photography with beautiful portraiture. This approach allows clients to relive the full experience of their event, from intimate moments to grandiose celebrations.
Having worked with a wide range of clients, I pride myself on delivering personalised service and high-quality images. Whether in the bustling heart of London or at a location further afield, I offer professionalism, discretion, and technical expertise which has made me a trusted choice for individuals and brands seeking to document their most important moments with authenticity and style. I offer tailored solutions that seamlessly align with your business goals. Below are some of my previous clients and examples of recent work.
Previous clients
Aston Martin, BBC, British Gas, Bupa, Canary Wharf Group, Cancer Research UK, De Beers Group, Diageo Plc, Halifax Bank, Heathrow Airport Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group, John Lewis Partnership, Land Securities, Lloyds Banking Group, Marylebone Cricket Club, NHS, PPHE Hotel Group, Rolls Royce, Severn Trent Water, Sport England, Tate & Lyle, Technicolor, The Guardian, Vodafone.
My experience doing event photography London
I’ve been lucky enough to have a very varied career in photography and have worked on an interesting range of commissions across the UK, Europe and globally. Everything from photography for advertising, brand image libraries, corporate reporting and communications to lifestyle campaigns. Below is the type of work I have been commissioned to photograph:
– Advertising photography
– Annual report photography
– Brand photography for companies and businesses
– Business portraits and corporate headshots
– Event photography for business and sports
– Lifestyle photography for branding and advertising
– Property and interior photography
– Hotel, restaurant and food photography
Corporate event photography London
Corporate event photography is a specialised form of photography aimed at capturing moments at business-related events such as conferences, seminars, trade shows, product launches, corporate parties, team-building events, and more. These images are used for a variety of purposes, including marketing, public relations, social media, internal communications. Here are some key aspects of corporate event photography:
Planning and preparation
Understanding the event: It's essential to have a clear understanding of the event’s goals, key moments, and the target audience. Whether it's a formal conference or a casual networking event, each setting requires a different approach.
Schedule and timeline: The event organiser will understand the timeline, key moments to capture (e.g., keynote speakers, group photos, awards ceremonies), and special instructions (e.g., no photos of certain individuals or specific branding requirements).
The venue and location: Arriving early to scout the location is important. Understanding lighting conditions, layout, and possible backgrounds for photos always helps achieve the best result.
Key moments
Speakers and presentations: Capturing the main speaker, panel discussions, or presentations helps document the knowledge shared at the event.
Networking and interaction: Candid shots of attendees interacting, networking, and engaging in conversations often show the personal side of the corporate world.
Awards ceremony: If there’s an awards ceremony, getting clear shots of winners receiving accolades or shaking hands with executives is a key moment.
Group and team photos: Corporate events often include team-building activities or group photos that should be framed carefully for posterity. These are often the photos to go into corporate newsletters.
Details and branding: Close-up shots of branding elements to ensure that the event’s identity is captured.
Corporate event clients
I have photographed corporate events for: Aviva, Canary Wharf Group, Cypfer, Digital Catapult, Engage Group, Finsbury Food Group, ICON, Heathrow Airport, Hermes Fund Managers, Lords Cricket Ground, NS&I, RTW Investments.
Sporting hospitality photography
Sporting hospitality photography is a niche within event and sports photography that focuses on capturing the essence of luxury, comfort, and exclusivity offered to VIP guests at sporting events. It blends elements of both sports and event photography, showcasing not only the action but also the atmosphere surrounding the event, particularly in hospitality areas like suites, lounges, and private boxes.
Key aspects of sporting hospitality photography
Venue atmosphere: Capturing the ambiance of hospitality areas—VIP suites, corporate boxes, exclusive lounges, or private areas that offer premium views of the sporting action.
Guest experience: Photographers focus on capturing guests enjoying the event. This includes interactions, expressions of excitement, and moments of relaxation and engagement, such as guests cheering, socializing, enjoying gourmet food, and having drinks.
Event action shots: While the primary focus is on the hospitality experience, photographers often include dynamic shots of the sports action from the VIP areas to highlight the exclusivity of the view.
Branding and sponsorship: Many sporting hospitality events are sponsored by brands, so photography often emphasizes sponsor logos, branding, and product placements within the hospitality areas, while also capturing the guests interacting with the brand.
Elegant decor & catering: Shots of the luxury aspects of the event, including food, drink, decor, and overall event presentation, are important for highlighting the high-end experience.
Interaction with athletes or celebrities: At some exclusive events, guests might have the opportunity to meet athletes, celebrities, or key figures in the sport. Capturing these moments of interaction adds an additional layer of exclusivity to the photographs.
Tips for capturing sporting hospitality photography
Wide-angle lenses: Use wide-angle lenses to capture the scope of hospitality spaces and the large crowds of guests.
Natural and ambient lighting: Focus on natural light when possible, as hospitality areas often feature elegant lighting. This can add a luxurious feel to the photographs.
Timing and moments: Pay close attention to moments when guests are most engaged—during key moments in the game, reactions to the action, or personal interactions.
Candid shots: While posed portraits can be part of the shot list, candid moments of enjoyment, surprise, or laughter often make for more engaging and genuine imagery.
Sports action shots: Ensure you capture the action from strategic vantage points that show both the event and the atmosphere of the hospitality area.
Equipment for sporting hospitality photography
Camera body: A full-frame camera with fast autofocus is essential for both the action shots of the sport and the candid moments within hospitality areas.
Lenses: A combination of a zoom lens (70-200mm) for capturing the action, and a wide-angle lens (24-70mm) or prime lens for interior and candid shots, is ideal.
Flash and lighting: A bounce flash or diffused light may be useful in dimly lit hospitality areas, though it's important not to disrupt the atmosphere or guests.
Sporting hospitality photography is about more than just the sport; it's about conveying the luxury and excitement of the event through the lens. Whether it's showcasing the energy of the guests or the elegance of the venue, these images help promote both the event and the high-end experience offered to guests.
Event photography at Lord’s Cricket Ground
Event photography at Lord’s Cricket Ground, one of the most iconic sports venues in the world, presents an exciting opportunity to capture the grandeur of both the sport and the atmosphere of a prestigious event. Whether it is photographing a major cricket match, a corporate event, or a private gathering, there are several considerations to make the photography stand out.
I was Lord’s cricket hospitality photographer for over 10 years. I photographed their photography at key events during that time such as The Ashes and have been at the ground many times over that period. The principles below can be applied to all key sporting grounds and events and are how I approach each event shoot.
Understand the venue
Lord’s Cricket Ground is vast and consists of several key areas like the Pavilion, the Mound Stand, and the Nursery End. Familiarizing yourself with these locations before the event helps you plan your shots and anticipate key moments on shoot day.
Make sure to scout out the best vantage points: the stands, media boxes, and balconies often offer excellent overhead shots of the action. If you're capturing a smaller event, you may want to focus on close-ups and intimate moments.
Know the event type
Cricket matches: If you’re photographing a live match, capturing the action is key. Be prepared to shoot fast-moving subjects and anticipate key moments like wickets, runs, and celebrations.
Corporate/private events: At a corporate event or a private function, focus on the guests, the atmosphere, and candid moments. Capture speeches, networking, or group shots with the iconic Lord’s backdrop.
Media events or press conferences: If you're at a press event, pay attention to the personalities involved, the reactions of the crowd, and the key speakers. Emphasize composition, framing, and natural expressions.
Key photography gear
Lenses: A versatile zoom lens (such as a 24-70mm f/2.8 or a 70-200mm f/2.8) works great for both wide shots and close-ups. For cricket, a longer telephoto lens is essential for action shots from a distance.
Fast shutter speed: Cricket is a fast-paced game, and capturing quick movements (such as bowlers in mid-delivery or players diving for a catch) requires a high shutter speed. Set your shutter speed at 1/1000th of a second or faster.
ISO settings: Adjust your ISO depending on lighting. At outdoor events, you may not need a high ISO during daylight, but as the light fades, you may need to boost it to maintain a fast shutter speed.
Spare batteries and memory cards: Expect to take many shots during a cricket match or an event.
Capturing the atmosphere
Wide shots: These are essential for setting the scene and showing the scale of the event. Try to capture the entire cricket pitch or the large crowds to convey the full atmosphere of Lord’s.
Close-ups and details: For cricket, detail shots such as close-ups of players, the cricket ball, or bats are important. During corporate or social events, focus on candid shots, guest interactions, and subtle details (e.g., champagne glasses, event branding).
Fan reactions: Lord’s attracts passionate fans, so capturing their reactions during key moments—cheering, clapping, or even tense silence—adds emotional depth to your photos.
Lighting considerations
Daytime cricket matches: Natural light is your best friend. Lord's is an open-air venue, so take advantage of sunlight for vibrant, well-lit photos.
Evening or night events: The floodlights at Lord’s can create dramatic lighting for evening matches, but they can also present challenges. Be mindful of the shadows they create and adjust your settings accordingly.
Indoor events: If you're photographing an indoor event (e.g., a dinner or conference), use a flash sparingly to avoid disrupting the atmosphere. Consider using a diffuser to soften the light.
Composition
Leading lines: Use the lines of the pitch, stands, or walkways to draw attention to key subjects in your frame.
Framing: Look for natural frames within the venue, like players’ faces framed by their helmets, or the stumps in the foreground with the bowler in the background.
Rule of thirds: This is especially useful for action shots, where you can position key elements (like a batsman or bowler) off-center to create a dynamic composition.
Timing is key
Anticipate key moments: For a cricket match, key moments include wickets, boundary hits, and celebrations. For social events, expect speeches, award ceremonies, or moments of laughter and connection.
Sequence shots: Capture sequences of action, like a bowler’s delivery or a batsman’s shot. This helps tell a story of the game and creates a more dynamic series of images.
Enjoy the historic venue
Lord's Cricket Ground is steeped in history, so remember to appreciate its charm and beauty while you're working. It’s a place where legendary matches have been played, and the atmosphere of the crowd and surroundings can add an extra layer of magic to your photos.
Create a photo story: Instead of just capturing individual shots, create a photo story by documenting the entire event from start to finish.
Capture crowd energy: Lord's is famous for its passionate cricket fans. Their reactions and emotions are a great way to convey the energy of the event.
Whether you’re shooting a live cricket match or a corporate event at Lord's, taking advantage of the venue’s unique characteristics and your skill as a photographer will ensure that you create impactful and memorable images.
Have a project in mind?
To discuss a project, arrange a meeting or view my portfolio please contact me on +44 (0)7956 902 509
or by email at mail@davidhares.com