by Kristin Healy | Feb 18, 2018 | blog
Hiring a photographer for your next business event is an important decision, but before you go looking for the perfect professional, you have some homework to do according to Leah LaRiccia.
“You have to be clear on how these photos are going to be used after the event. Is it for social media? Part of printed materials like a brochure or magazine?” Leah recommends key people in the organization meet to brainstorm how to capture the event and go over the following points:
- Who are the key people you would like the photographer to focus on?
- What are some of the key moments that need to be captured?
- What feelings should the photos convey? Causal? Formal?
- Are you capturing specific aspects of the venue, food or on-site branding?
It’s about using the photographer to shoot your business event in a way that conveys “….what you want to say about your business.” says Leah “The photographer is making your business look its best!” Going over these points well before the big day is important to ensure that expectations are met. Depending on what your answers are, it may influence what professional you hire based on their specialty or portfolio.
AIER hosting a curriculum workshop for teachers wanted photographs for use on social media and to showcase the students interacting with one another. By Leah LaRiccia Photography
AIER workshop by Leah LaRiccia Photography
“I had one client that wanted to show that they were fun and had a casual atmosphere versus another that wanted serious photos that would be used in their annual report to stockholders. I approached these two events very differently.” explains Leah.
“[This] client wanted images for their website that would fit in seamlessly with their rebranding efforts. After meeting with members of the organization prior to the event, it became clear that they wanted images highlighting the important individuals presenting at the event. They also wanted to focus on interactions between event attendees in order to showcase the friendly and approachable nature of the firm.”
G20 by Leah LaRiccia Photography
G20 by Leah LaRiccia Photography
G20 by Leah LaRiccia Photography
Having an Event Planner available before and during the event is also extremely helpful for the other professionals working on the event – especially the photographer! Great Event Planners can point out important people to photograph, help troubleshoot any issues as they arise and be familiar with the flow of the evening.
Our warmest thanks to Leah for her time and points to keep in mind when engaging a photographer.
Keep Swank Events in mind when planning your next event!
by Kristin Healy | Apr 22, 2016 | blog
Kero Photography: Kathryn O’Kane
Kathryn photographed a corporate outing we planned at Tupper Manor in Beverly last summer. She was super easy to work with and got some great shots! She even corralled the group of more than 100 employees for a group photo! Read on to learn more about Kathryn.
Where did you grow up?
Weymouth, MA
How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
I have been in business for 5 years. I have always loved photography. Growing up my father worked for Polaroid so we always had instant cameras around the house. I used to photograph my brother before my parents would wake up on weekends and pretend that our living room was my studio. After realizing I was not totally content with my 9-5 job as an adult I went back to school to earn a degree in digital photography from Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging and Arts. During school I assisted a number of Boston Wedding photographers before going out on my own. I am booked mostly every weekend from May until October each year.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love that I get to see the bride and groom all dressed up before they get mobbed by friends and family at the reception. I know this is a privilege to be let into such an intimate part of someone’s life and it is something that I do not take for granted.
How would you describe your style?
I like my images to feel “airy” and fun. When you look at my photos I want you to hear the laughter between the groomsmen, the whispers between the bridesmaids and witness the craziness that happens on the dance floor during receptions. Some of the best moments are captured in photos and I love to help document those memorable moments that you can not always do for yourself.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Keeping up with the Kardashian/Jenner clan on Instagram. Also sitting on the couch all day on Sundays watching football with my family, wings and beer!
What is your favorite quote?
“Some people strive for perfect, but I often find perfection boring.” Sometimes during weddings I find the greatest images in imperfect moments. I have many brides and grooms tell me that these extremely candid shots mean the most to them.
What makes you unique in your field?
I have worked in customer service my entire life so I thrive during the formals because I know how to talk to people and how to make sure that each person looks their best in a short amount of time. During the reception I hang back and am like a fly on the wall. I love capturing black and white candids that show how much fun everyone is having. I like to party as much as the next person (not at your wedding of course!!), so I think the photos should reflect that! Lastly, I am meticulous in making sure that I get that shot of your favorite aunt that is camera shy. Family and friends make your wedding, the more loved ones I get pictures of, the more accomplished I feel at the end of the day.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to a couple?
Plan the heck out of your wedding day! But on the day of, give your cellphone to a trusted friend, so you can enjoy every moment without having to answer anymore questions. If you did your absolute best planning each detail ahead of time, you are entitled to reap the rewards and take it all in!
Check out more of Kathryn’s work here.
Cheers,
The Swank Team
by Kristin Healy | Mar 9, 2016 | blog
Channing Johnson Photography
Channing with his son; photo credit: Gina Brocker
We first worked with Channing on Matt & Seth’s wedding last September at the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center. Channing was cool, calm and collected throughout the entire event. He loves taking candid shots and was so discreet- you wouldn’t even know he was there until you see the amazing shots he captured! Here’s a bit more about Channing and to see photos from M & S’s big day, click here.
Where did you grow up?
I mainly grew up in North Carolina but also lived in New York and Missouri before graduating high school.
How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
I’ve been a professional photographer for 12 years. The first 4 years were spent working as a staff photographer for newspapers. I have a degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri. I’ve been documenting weddings for 8 years.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love the opportunity to be creative. Although I mainly like being around people. So it’s a real honor that photography allows you to be present in situations that strangers aren’t usually allowed.
How would you describe your style?
Documentary. I generally don’t interfere with what I’m taking pictures of. I don’t try to perfect a situation by directing or moving things. You lose personality and authenticity when you do that. This approach doesn’t require sacrificing beauty in images either. It forces you to recognize the inherit beauty of your own life and the people in it instead of trying to unsuccessfully replicate something from pinterest. The only exception to all of this is during the portraits. That’s when I definitely take control, art direct, and make sure that part of the day moves along as efficiently as possible.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I have no shame. I don’t feel guilt for any of my pleasures: The Bachelor. All 730 calories of a Burger King Whopper. I move effortlessly between high and low brow.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Stay this moment” – Sam Abell
What makes you unique in your field?
My commitment to not interfering on a wedding day which creates a better experience for those being photographed and yields pictures where you recognize the expressions and emotions of your friends and family.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to a couple?
You probably don’t need a second photographer. Some weddings can certainly benefit from one, but the number of photographers including them in packages doesn’t reflect the need. More isn’t always better. Thoughtful and purposeful coverage is always better though. Occasionally, that means adding on a second photographer.
See more of Channing’s work here.
Cheers,
The Swank Team
by Kristin Healy | Jan 15, 2016 | blog
The Snap Boxx: Alan Duro
We first worked with Al on Lydia and Henrik’s wedding at the Lyman Estate and then again at Kim and James’ wedding at the New England Aquarium. We think one of the coolest features of The Snap Boxx is that you can leave a video message for the couple, in addition to taking fun photos and posting them immediately to social media! We loved working with The Snap Boxx and hope to do so again soon. Read on to learn more about Al and his business!
Where did you grow up?
Hingham, MA
How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
We’ve been in business just over 1 year. After seeing a “GIF Booth” at a friend’s wedding in New York I decided it was the perfect business for me. It combined skills I already had, localized internet marketing, with a fun event-based business.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Going to events and seeing people have fun with the booth. It’s great to be able to share important events in people’s lives and help them create lasting memories.
How would you describe your style?
An old school concept met with current technology to create memories in new and fun ways.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Chewy Chips Ahoy Cookies
What’s your favorite quote?
“Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But soon or late the man who wins, is the man who thinks he can.” -Walter Wintle
What makes you unique in your field?
The “open-air” booth layout and the animated GIF capabilities separate us from most other photo booth rental companies. However, the green screen capabilities and willingness to fully customize our events, backdrops, and prints around our clients’ needs is what really sets us apart.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to a couple?
Keep making each other laugh and don’t take things too seriously.
Click here to get in touch with Alan and to book The Snap Boxx for your next event.
Cheers,
The Swank Team
by Kristin Healy | Nov 29, 2015 | blog
Benway Entertainment: Frank Benway
Photo Credit: Erin Curran Photography
We had the pleasure of working with Frank during Kim and James’ wedding this past September at the New England Aquarium. He was a good friend of theirs who also offered his DJ services for their wedding. Not only was Frank fantastic to work with, but he kept everyone on the dance floor the entire night and really knows how to read the crowd. We look forward to working with Benway Entertainment again soon! In the meantime, get to know Frank.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Milton, MA and graduated from Milton High School. I then went on to Northeastern University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies.
How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
I have been in the DJ business for 15 years. I first became interested in the DJ business as a middle school student, helping the DJ set up and break down our monthly school dances. By 8th grade, he was letting me DJ during some of the school dances. As a high school sophomore, I started DJ’ing professionally at local middle and high school dances. After a few years of learning the business, I was DJ’ing college events, private parties, and weddings across Boston and Southern New England.
Photo Credit: You Ought To Be In Pictures!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is watching my clients enjoy the most important day of their lives with their closest family and friends. After spending many months helping plan their big day, it is truly exciting to watch it become a reality.
How would you describe your style?
I take a lot of time to listen to my clients and make sure that the music I play at their wedding reflects their personality and style — I tell all of my clients, “it’s your wedding reception, not mine.” However, when a client asks for my input on their itinerary or a song selection, I am happy to share my suggestions with them. I work very hard to make sure that my client’s weddings remain classy, elegant, and fun. I think it’s important to engage the crowd and make announcements in an upbeat manner, while maintaining the elegance of a wedding reception. When the formalities are over and the dance floor opens, I put down the microphone as much as possible and let the music do the talking. People came out to have fun and dance with the bride and groom, not hear my voice all night!
Photo Credit: Barefotos Photography
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Two of my favorite comedies: Wayne’s World and Wayne’s World 2.
What’s your favorite quote?
“I’m the guy who does his job. You must be the other guy.” -Mark Wahlburg, The Departed
What makes you unique in your field?
I try to get to know each and every one of my clients on a personal level. In the months leading up to a wedding, I want to learn all about my clients – how did they meet, how did they get engaged, will the wedding be more friends, family, or both? This allows me to tailor my performance to them.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to a couple?
At the end of almost every wedding I DJ, the couple comes up to me and says, “I can’t believe it’s over, it went by so fast!” My best piece of advice to every couple is to make sure to take some time during their wedding reception and enjoy it. They worked so hard for months or years to plan every detail of their big day — make sure to take time to enjoy each other’s company, look around the room and take lots of mental pictures, and make sure to get out on the dance floor with your family and friends!
Photo Credit: Sedman Photography
Click here to get in touch with Frank and to book him for your next event.
Cheers,
The Swank Team
