How I Found My Path in Corporate Event Photography: Lessons from My Journey

When I started out as a photographer, like many others, I believed I had to shoot everything. Weddings, portraits, pets, food photography—you name it, I gave it a try. It was only after some time, and through trial and error, that I realized the importance of specialization. Not because I was trying to "niche down," but because the opportunities I had access to naturally led me to discover what I enjoy most—and where I excel.

For me, that niche turned out to be corporate and event photography, encompassing everything from large-scale conferences to intimate business gatherings. It wasn't my original dream (I wanted to be a wedding photographer inspired by others before me), but it became a decision that was not only practical but deeply rewarding.

A turning point in my journey came when I connected with Fixers Group, a production agency that opened doors to working with prestigious brands like Adidas, Audi, Cartier, and Prada. This opportunity not only provided invaluable experience but also helped me understand the high standards required in corporate event photography. Now, over two and a half years into my corporate photography journey, I've built upon that foundation to develop my own client base and establish myself in this specialized field. I’ve even traveled internationally for corporate assignments, including shooting in Malta, and have photographed events in almost every major venue in Amsterdam.

Finding Your Niche as a Photographer

When starting out in photography, it’s normal to want to do everything. A camera in your hands feels like a golden ticket—you’re convinced you can shoot weddings, commercial gigs, family portraits, product shots, and more. And in the beginning, this exploration is important to find where your passion and skills align.

But here's what I’ve learned: specialization isn’t just about passion, it’s about positioning yourself in the market.

Sometimes, opportunities guide you more than ambition. In my case, I was trying hard to establish myself as a wedding photographer. But weddings are tough, especially when you’re starting out. Convincing couples to trust you with their most important day can feel like climbing a mountain. While pursuing that dream, I took on other gigs—food, dogs, headshots, anything to stay busy.

What changed for me was networking. I made connections here and there, and eventually, someone referred me to a production company that planned large corporate events. Reluctantly, I accepted their offer to shoot an event. That event turned into another, and then another. Suddenly, I realized that corporate event photography wasn’t just interesting—it was a fantastic fit for me. The fast-paced dynamics, the challenge of capturing candid moments, and the professionalism of working with established businesses all appealed to me.

My advice? Be open to opportunities and don’t be afraid to pivot.

You might not land where you initially planned, but sometimes the business—and the joy—is in letting the work find you. This industry can take you places you never expected. With hard work and the right mindset, you can find yourself working with industry leaders, attending high-profile events, and making a career doing something truly impactful.

Lessons Learned: Building Your Reputation

Once I realized that corporate and event photography was my niche, I made a critical decision: I rebranded. This meant changing everything from my website to my social media marketing and eliminating distractions. No more marketing myself as a wedding or pet photographer. My portfolio, social media bios, and services were now laser-focused on business photography: corporate events, headshots, and anything business-related.

Here’s why this matters:

• Clarity sells. Clients want to hire a specialist. By focusing on corporate/event photography, I became a go-to for businesses, instead of competing in saturated spaces like wedding photography.

• Credibility builds trust. High-quality work, paired with a professional look and clear messaging, made me stand out from less serious photographers. My clients appreciated that I had a niche—and expertise.

• Clients remember the experience, not just the photos. Being easy to work with, delivering on time, and maintaining professionalism have led to repeat clients and referrals.

Corporate Event Photography is Not "Easy"

I’ve heard it before: “Event photography is easy. You just shoot, hand over the SD card, and you’re done.”

My response? Respect the craft.

Corporate event clients are often multi-million or billion-dollar companies. They put time, effort, and budget into their events because the imagery plays an important role in their marketing, communications, or even internal branding. As a true professional, I believe the photos should reflect the quality of those events.

How I Approach Corporate Event Photography:

A. Shooting Strategy

• Gear Setup: I shoot with two camera bodies at all times.

• One with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens for capturing speakers, close-ups, and candid moments.

• Another with a 14-24mm f/2.8 for wide shots that capture the ambiance or audience.

• During networking sessions and coffee breaks, I switch to prime lenses for a more intimate, natural look.

• Settings:

• Shutter speeds between 1/180 and 1/500 (especially for speakers or panelists to avoid motion blur).

• Max ISO of 4000 to avoid significant noise in shadows.

• I shoot in RAW for maximum editing flexibility.

B. Editing Philosophy

• I’m a believer in quality over quantity. While turnaround time is critical, I always prioritize delivering polished images that convey professionalism.

• My editing is clean, simple, and sharp—no over-the-top filters or effects.

• Clients want a consistent, professional look, and that’s exactly what I provide.

Finding Clients: What Worked for Me

Getting clients is a process, but here’s what I’ve learned:

What Didn’t Work:

• Cold calling and emailing: Sending random inquiries rarely landed any gigs.

• Social media ads: Instagram and Facebook ads didn’t generate serious leads.

• Marketplace listings: Platforms like Marktplaats weren’t useful for high-end clients.

What Worked:

• Building a Strong Portfolio: Clients appreciated seeing full event galleries on my website, which built trust.

• Google Ads: Running targeted campaigns for “Amsterdam corporate event photographer” brought in serious leads.

• Clear Pricing: Companies appreciate transparency—no guesswork, just straightforward rates.

Final Words: Define Your Standards

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Corporate photography isn’t just about making great images—it’s about being a trusted professional.

This niche might not have been what I dreamed of initially, but it has taken me to amazing places, allowed me to work with some of the biggest brands, and helped me build a sustainable career. I’ve learned that success in photography isn’t just about passion—it’s about understanding the value you bring, positioning yourself effectively, and delivering consistently.

To any photographer looking to carve out a niche, my advice is simple: Say yes to opportunities, refine your craft, and never stop evolving. You never know where it might take you.