We collaborated with the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Excellence as they hosted a fireside chat featuring former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and Kirk Center Director Jeffrey Nelson. 

Our objective was to document and capture compelling images of highlighted speakers, candid images of attendees, and VIP reception which included formal portraits with the former Vice President. 

The case study below covers the challenges we faced as well as strategies and overall success in helping the Kirk Center capture a collection of images that will help them not only remember the event well, but will tell the story through web and print publications. 

Challenges:

Time Restraints: We had to be quick on our feet to ensure that priority guests and attendees were getting successful shots. High-profile guests have limited schedules, leaving limited time for us to capture every single moment. 

Multiple Receptions: We had to cover 2 different receptions in 2 different spaces at Frederik Meijer Gardens. That meant multiple photographers were part of the event. 

Strategies:

Pre-Planning: We collaborated with the Kirk Center to determine what their shot list included, which revealed grip and grin photos with Vice President Pence. We had about 15 minutes to work through about 75 guests. 

Multiple Angles: We covered multiple receptions which provided multiple stories to tell of the event. In addition, we captured images both close up of the speakers as well as the overall room to share what the audience looked like for the evening. 

Event Coverage:

Keynote Speeches: Strategic placement to make sure we were getting the best smiles, laughs and moments of passion from former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and Kirk Center Director Jeffrey Nelson.

Attendee Interactions: Team captured audience reactions to speeches and strategically captured those moments in real time. From handshakes, smiles, nods of agreement to conversations with the keynote speakers.

Behind-The-Scenes: The team was able to capture one on ones with the former Vice President with attendees before and after the event in a private setting. Allowing up to get a bit of background experience with attendees.

Conclusion:

All photos were released to the Kirk Center and showcased the success of the event. The images captured the keynote speakers' presence and impact of the event overall. 

Documenting an event such as this one required careful planning, adaptability and technical expertise. Our team’s coverage of the conference demonstrates our ability to capture key moments despite challenges along the way. Playing an essential role in bringing these photographs forward for a broader audience!