While I typically work with international companies and event organizers to photograph corporate events and conferences throughout Europe, I'm always open to new types of assignments that provide me with both new opportunities and challenges as a photographer. Prior to 2016 I had only photographed one graduation assignment back in 2014, a very small ceremony for Master graduates at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam. This year was different, however, during the months of September and October of this year I was hit with an avalanche of graduation photography assignments – totaling 6 different ceremonies during the span of two weeks.
I had such a great time taking on these assignments while working with the incredible support staff at the Erasmus University. The graduations I photographed varied greatly in terms of size, from a small ceremony consisting of 15 graduates to a extremely large event with more than 700 graduates and thousands of friends and family members present. It was so much fun being immersed in something new while simultaneously being back at my old alma mater. I am an alumnus of two of the programs in which I photographed, International Bachelor of Communications & Media (Bsc.) and Media & Business. My status as an alumnus made photographing these two graduations extra special for me, it was both an honor and a privilege.
I felt very natural leaping in to this new form of event photography assignment. Nevertheless, that is not to say that it came without challenges. The most notable challenge was coordinating the group photos. Trying to guide and position large groups of energetic graduates oftentimes felt like herding cats, a seemingly impossible task. Thankfully, through the help of support staff and the incorporation of a loud voice and clear communication, overcoming this challenge ended up being a much easier task than initially expected – I am really happy with the results of the group photos.
As an event photographer, I mainly specialize in covering various corporate events, company outings, conferences, trade shows and other business events that are more formal in nature - which is what I love to do. However, I was recently asked to cover a boxing match in Rotterdam and happily took on this new challenge.
This was unfamiliar territory for me but I was more than happy to photograph a new type of event with a much faster pace than what I am used to. Upon taking on this assignment I immediately began studying up on the work of others for ideas on angles and general image composition. I began conceptualizing different shots I had in mind while taking into consideration the specific lenses I should be shooting with as well as my general camera settings.
There were a couple different elements that made this shoot a bit more challenging than others. Namely, capturing and freezing fast movements in low light and keeping up with the pace of the action. I ultimately decided to stick with my extremely fast primes (35 mm 1.4 & 50 mm 1.4) and telephoto lens (70-200 mm 2.8). Occasionally, I also threw on my 16-35 mm f4. Since there were 3 rounds for each match, I decided to use a different lens for each round. There is a lot of action taking place during each round and, not wanting to miss a shot, I chose not to spend time changing out lenses or reaching for a new piece of equipment while a match was in progress. Taking on this strategy turned out to work really well for me – I only changed out lenses between rounds and got into a really nice and efficient work-flow.
I left this assignment very excited and anxious to see what I captured. After all, this was a first for me and I wanted to make sure I provided a final product which met (and hopefully exceeded) the expectations of my client.
Not long after sharing the images with the event organizer, the experienced ring announcer, and a highly esteemed professional photographer I know, the verdict was in! The ring announcer reached out to tell me that these were some of the best boxing images he has ever seen, my fellow photographer let me know that I “nailed it”, and the event organizer wrote to tell me hat she was extremely happy and excited about the photos.
While making a living with photography is great, the real reward comes from knowing that my clients are satisfied and happy with my work! If my clients are happy, I am happy! For a brief overview of the event and the images I delivered to my client, see below.
I recently received the incredible opportunity to team up with with the professionals at Fruitnet to provide comprehensive event photography coverage of the 2016 Global Berry Congress in the Netherlands. Hosted at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Rotterdam, this exciting international event attracted more than 350 delegates from over 30 countries to discuss current and future trends within the global berry industry. Covering this interesting two-day event at the beautiful Rotterdam WTC provided for many fantastic opportunities pertaining to social engagement and interaction between delegates and vendors; the presence of organizational branding by both the organizing party sponsors; and the many speakers who shared their knowledge and insights with delegates.
In addition to being able to photograph this wonderful event, working with the team of professionals at Fruitnet was a delight. We had open lines of communication throughout the entire coordination process so I was able to understand exactly what they wanted and expected. I provided final image sets within one day following the end of their event and immediately received positive feedback concerning the timeliness and quality of my deliverables. As far as I'm concerned, there is no better feeling than providing great services and high quality images to satisfied clients! Read more about my Commitment to Quality.
The following is a short series of images that captures the essence of the 2016 Global Berry Congress in Rotterdam.
When taking on new event photography assignments in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands, one of the first things I ask clients about is the venue where they will be hosting their event. As an event photographer, this is highly important to me as there are many things I take into consideration when planning a shoot: the interior architectural style, natural and artificial light sources, possible seating layouts, and other variables which may influence my photography style, the tools I choose to incorporate, and the overall look and feel of the final images.
It should go without saying that that there are some venues I prefer over others as a result of these factors. In addition to venues influencing how events are experienced by guests, the above-mentioned variables are also highly influential as to how events are portrayed through photography. One place I have recently added to my personal list of preferred venues is the Beurs van Berlage event and conference center in Amsterdam. Located in the in the heart of the city, this beautiful and historic venue offers an elegant atmosphere with exquisite architecture and lighting; each of these variables contribute to a fantastic photography experience that allows me to capture the images that "wow" my clients.
The photographic success and enjoyment I have experienced at this venue has been so rewarding that I recently got in touch with the Beurs van Berlage marketing and management team. After viewing the images I've captured for clients at their venue, I was offered the unique and exciting opportunity to be enlisted as one of their recommended photographers. I am truly honored to receive such an opportunity and greatly look forward to collaborating with Beurs van Berlage to provide their clients with outstanding event photography services.
I recently had the fun and unique opportunity to co-host an episode of Amsterdam Calling, a popular YouTube show that highlights interesting and relatively unknown discoveries around this amazing Dutch city. In addition to being an event and conference photographer in Amsterdam, I enjoy spending my free time exploring and photographing different places throughout the Netherlands, with Amsterdam being one of my favorite locations to photograph. I share most of my Netherlands-themed imagery on Holland Photography, a Facebook page I created in 2012 to celebrate the beauty, history, and culture of the Netherlands through the art of photography.
During this episode of Amsterdam Calling, co-host Ashley Howe and I explored the NDSM Werf in Amsterdam Noord (North). We spent the afternoon checking out this really interesting location, viewing street art, and experiencing IJ-Hallen a massive flea market that takes one a month.
If you're looking to get out of Amsterdam's busy city center, I highly recommend paying a visit to the NDSM Werf! Check out the video!
I've been an event photographer in the Netherlands for quite a few years now. As such, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with a multitude of fantastic clients while covering fun and exciting events throughout the country.
I recently had the opportunity to provide comprehensive reportage event photography coverage for an India-based company in Amsterdam. Every year, the company chooses a new and interesting location to hold their annual gathering. This year, they chose Amsterdam, a lively, beautiful, and culturally-rich city with a lot to offer tourists and business professionals alike. The company flew in more than 150 of their partners from all over the world to take part in a business summit, outdoor team-building activities, and a series of evening dinners and galas. The event lasted three days and I was there from start to finish.
From a professional perspective, the event started as any other and was what I am used to photographing: a conference room full of suited professionals, social interactions, speeches, and formal presentations. The first day was rather formal . As an event photographer who covers formal events, it's my role to capture the life and energy of such events while maintaining a relatively low and discreet profile. After all, my clients don't really want their photographer to draw attention away from the CEO while he's delivering the biggest speech of the year...but they certainly do want fantastic photos from multiple angles.
After the formalities were complete, it was time for fun! The group of partners set out for an unforgettable afternoon exploring Amsterdam, visiting the world famous Madam Tussauds wax museum and enjoying the beautiful sights of the city via a canal cruise (a must-do for anyone visiting Amsterdam). Of course, this was all before the group enjoyed an evening awards ceremony and dinner.
What made my experience memorable was the open, friendly, and inclusionary nature of the group I was photographing. Sure, it was part of my assignment to spend up to 15 hours a day with them, photographing every activity they engaged in. But rather than wanting me just to documents their adventures, they wanted me to be part of their holistic Amsterdam experience.
In addition to being their event photographer, I quickly found myself as their dedicated Amsterdam expert, answering questions about the city and making recommendations as to where they should visit during their free time. This was completely fine with me, as I also offer photography tours in Amsterdam and would like to think I know a thing or two about the city.
By allowing me to take part in their adventure and enter their world, I was able to connect with those I was photographing at an even better level than usual. The groups fun, inclusionary, and accepting nature provided me with the opportunity to meet a lot of great and interesting people while providing highly professional and outstanding event photography services.