Images of you on stage talking to an engaged crowd are gold when it comes to promoting yourself as an industry leader. So here are a few tips to help speakers get better photos.
1. Pause
Pause for a beat between making important points. This gives the photographer a chance to capture a photo of you looking confident and composed.
I love question time, because when you're listening to questions I can usually get a couple of images of you with your mouth shut. I don't want to hand over bad pictures of you, but if you speak continuously with no pauses it's difficult to get a shot with your mouth closed.
2. Look beyond the front rows
When you look down at the first or second row, your eyes tend to appear closed in photos. To avoid this, look at the middle rows or the back of the room — this helps me get a shot with your eyes open.
You're probably an amazing speaker with super engaging content, but looking like you're asleep on stage is not going to leave the internet with that impression.
If you're really brave, look right at your photographer. Do it a few times and you'll be their favourite speaker — plus looking into the lens is the best eyeline for engaging images.
3. When it's a panel of speakers
Remember you're talking to the audience, not each other.
Too many times I've shot events where the panel seem to be talking to each other, not the audience. I feel left out and ignored, and I'm sure others do too. Also be aware that when you're not speaking you're still on stage, and the audience is still looking at you.
4. Communicate with me
I love it when you say hello. I'm there to take pictures, so if you'd like a LinkedIn shot, just let me know.
5. Include a couple of tips the attendees can implement
A couple of solid tips those in attendance can implement when they go back to their business will make you very memorable and valuable as a speaker.
6. Don't stand in front of the presentation
The audience can't read it, and it makes for terrible photos — especially if the presentation is backlit.
I know too often you get terrible pictures from when you're on stage, so I hope these tips help. If your organisation has speakers, I'd love it if you shared this blog with them, or added it to your website so they have a reference they can come back to.
Belinda Bullock
Corporate and commercial photographer