The Trade Show Scene

For the last 3 years now, I have been providing photography services to the Virginia Society of Association Executives' (VSAE) Fall Marketplace. Rather than payment, I am given a booth (a $500 post, I think) to promote my business.

The Marketplace is for event planners to be persuaded to have their conferences at participating vendor's resorts (or use the catering, video, photo, etc. services).

The day starts with a handful of sessions put on by folks who have relevant information for the attendees, so I start shooting early. I have one thing to say about this kind of event - people eat. I say this because, as a photographer, this is a nightmare. Not only do they eat before and during the informational sessions, but many of the vendors are using food as enticement for potential clients.

When a photographer is omnipresent in a situation like this, there are two problems. #1 - no photo looks good with someone stuffing their face, no matter how attractive they are. #2 - everyone avoids you; and you are forced to use the long lens in a dim environment. Anyway, you end up with a lot more shots of vendors than attendees, which kind of negates the purpose of being there. Which is why, having done this quite a bit, I leave people with food in their hands alone. They appreciate it, and will be more willing to give you the shot you need later on. The only 2 times you should ever take shots of someone eating is when it is a prop for a food product, and when the bride and groom are eating their wedding cake. NO EXCEPTIONS!