Need an Event Production Team?

Behind the scenes of AV Actions Studio party event

Your audio-visual needs go far beyond simply flipping on a projector, like that kid from high school used to do. Today’s conference audiences are sophisticated—they expect crystal-clear sound, visuals that grab their attention, and presentations that are both informative and visually striking. Strong audio and compelling visuals aren’t extras—they’re essential to the success of your event.

And let’s be honest: plenty can go wrong if your AV isn’t handled properly. That’s why finding a team who can manage everything—from setup to showtime—gives you peace of mind and frees you to focus on the rest of your conference.

Recently, I connected with an outstanding event production company: AV Actions Inc. Based in the DMV, they’ve been delivering cutting-edge staging solutions for more than 20 years, serving organizations of all sizes—from intimate gatherings of 10 to massive audiences in the thousands.

Their services cover it all: video production, projection (both computer and traditional), lighting, staging, audio, rigging, truss systems, stage design, drapery, and more. I was especially impressed with the owner, Mohamed El Hajam. He didn’t know me beforehand, yet greeted me like an old friend, gave me a tour of their studio and warehouse, and personally introduced me to his staff. His warmth and commitment to customer service really stood out.

Even if you’re already working with another AV team, it’s worth giving them a call. They might complement your current supplier—or even elevate what you’re used to.

Page Carr and me at her retirement party.  That is my photo on the screen. 

The highlight for me? Their stunning LED screen backdrop. At their studio, I handed over a quick iPhone photo, and within moments it was projected in brilliant clarity. It looked incredible—and showed me just how powerful the right technology can be for making an event unforgettable.

Contact AV Actions info@avactions.com www.avactions.com

Ask me anything larrylevin@verizon.net see my website www.LLLevin.com

Awarded A Top 25 Storyteller of Events: Laurence L. Levin Photography

World Photography Day: A Toast to the Top 25 Storytellers of Events  presented by InEvents.  Posted on August 19, 2025 

Every event has its music, its speeches, its drama, and its magical moments… but if there isn’t a photographer there to capture these moments, did it even really happen? Thankful I was chosen as InEvent World Photography Day 2025 as a Top 25 Storyteller of Events 

Here is what they said: 

Larry is the kind of photographer who has a knack for preserving legacies. With nearly 40 years behind the lens, this Washington D.C. native has documented everything from Capitol Hill moments and nonprofit galas to weddings, conferences, and leadership panels. He’s been called the #1 DC event photographer by Peerspace. 

But beyond event coverage, Larry is also an educator (Trinity Washington, American U., NOVA), a mentor to rising photojournalists, and a DC Notary Public. He’s the official documentarian for Best Buddies International, a Special Olympics basketball ref, and just casually helped change actual legislation around notary law in DC. So yes, he’s making the world better one frame and one form at a time. 

With Larry, a photographer is only a tiny pa
rt of what you get. You get a partner, a pro, and the kind of energy that makes your whole team feel comfortable. If you want someone who can handle your high-profile event, teach your students, notarize your forms, and still remember everyone’s name by dessert, Larry’s your guy.

Here is the post  https://inevent.com/blog/events/world-photography-day-top-25-event-storytellers.html#19_Laurence_L_“Larry”_Levin

Ask me anything larrylevin@verizon.net.  See my website  www.LLLevin.com

Website Made Easy : Sitewelder

 

Sitewelder Page Designs 

Website Simplicity

Many of my colleagues are frustrated with their websites—slow designers, hidden costs, endless delays, clunky updates, or worse…being ghosted after launch. The result? Poor satisfaction and wasted time.

Options abound—solo designers, big agencies, or DIY platforms—but problems often multiply: long hold times, unhelpful support, and no real person to guide you.

What we all want is simple: a modern website that’s easy to update, mobile-friendly, expandable, SEO-ready, and backed by responsive human support. This super techno human staffed website design company does exist. I know from personal experience. I personally know the principals, their staff, their office and they even host my website.

That’s exactly what Sitewelder delivers. The company is run by my college friend and fellow photographer, Alan Dorow*, along with Mason Miller. Since 2002, they’ve built an intuitive platform originally for photographers and artists, but adaptable to anyone who needs a professional online presence. If you can use MS Word, you can manage your Sitewelder site—from anywhere, even your phone.

Here’s the best part: when you call, you speak directly to Alan or Mason. No lag, no runaround, just solutions. Their pricing is straightforward, their designs are beautiful, and after 20+ years in business, they’re clearly doing something right.

If you’re ready to upgrade your online presence—or escape your current frustrations—check out www.Sitewelder.com.

Serenity now.

Ask me anything larrylevin@verizon.net   See my Sitewelder website www.LLLevin.com

*Alan is an accomplished photographer.  We were at Indiana University at the same time working on the yearbook and student paper, he freelanced in New York, worked at the New York Times, taught at RIT, I even hired him when I was a photo editor.  His photos hang on my wall.  

Teaching is Good for the Soul

 

Student at Basilica of the Immaculate Conception 

Why I Teach

Me and my parents, circa a long time ago

Growing up, unknowingly to me, my parents taught me by example.  My dad was an
accountant, he had a passion for classical music, knowledge and had the ability to simplify complex situations into understandable explanations.  My mom just did things, whether it was volunteering, helping a neighbor or helping family.  She would unconditionally take on the task.  They were always helping and sharing their time and resources to help friends, family and

 other people.  They never asked for anything in return. 

In celebrating my 10th year as an adjunct professor at Trinity Washington University, (Also taught at American University and Northern Virginia Community College) I started to reflect on my role at a teacher.  My basic photography class is an elective.  The pay is low, there aren’t any benefits, and there is no job security.

However, the lessons by my parents and other teaching mentors instilled in me was the passion to share my knowledge, to pass it forward.  I have a desire to share my experiences and photography knowledge.  The beauty of learning photography is the skills gained in photography are skills that are transferable to almost every profession.  As a photographer, you learn to be an observer, a storyteller, you interact with people, you learn how to compose and discern what is important, problem solve, you encounter problems and learn how to solve them, you become adaptable,  you learn how to learn, in every task, you enhance your creative thinking, and with utilizing the new technology you gain technical proficiency.    

Thus, all of these characteristics are vital skills needed in the new work environment.  Today’s students need all these proficiencies and more since the job market is constantly changing.  Especially in this job hopping and gig-based economy.

This internal drive is a calling to help others to gain their own experiences like the incredible opportunities I have had. We need to empower our students, provide them with skills and opportunities to face this ever-changing work life.  These are the reasons I teach is to share my passion for photography, to mentor students, help them develop their creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset. 

Ask me anything larrylevin@verizon.net. See my website www.LLLevin.com

More photos: 

Field Trip

In class assignment: portraits

Field Trip, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception 

At the Basilica

A summer high school photo class at American University

Class with guest speaker, Sharon Farmer

Vendor Relationships, the Key to Successful Events. Why I am the Official Photographer for the Consular Corps

 

    Consular Corp Ball at the Austrian Embassy 

The Consular Corps of Washington, DC is a membership-based organization of career consuls and embassy officials in the diplomatic scene in Washington, DC.  This brings a sense of community between all the embassies and other people who work within this group.

Membership Benefits: Professional training, networking with Federal and Local Government officials, share experiences with other diplomatic colleagues, and enjoy fun social events.

As the photographer of the organization, I get to attend all the events held at the various embassies and hotels in Washington, DC.  The networking to meet influential and world-class diplomats is rewarding.  The social events are top-notch and fun.  Most importantly I make friends from around the world.  My photos from their events are seen by many and appear in their social media and website. 

This is a mutual benefit for the organization and me.

•     You receive consistent imagery of their events and people.  
•         Familiarity with the members helps to make natural imagery.
•     .   Regularly scheduled events create certainty on the calendar.
•         Exclusivity of photos. 
•     Loyalty 

I am thankful for the opportunity. 

For your organization, may I suggest you have a regular photographer.  Matter of fact, develop relationships with all your vendors. For these reasons:

1. Familiarity with members and your procedures. 

2. Loyalty is such a wonderful quality for both you and your vendor.

3. Clear communication, someone who understands what you need and when you need it.

4. Flexibility, on so many levels.

5. Enjoy the people you work with. Surround yourself with good people.

Ask me anything LarryLevin@verizon.net.  See my Website www.LLLevin.com

More Photos

Presentation by the Austrian Ambassador 

Professional Training at The Mexican Art & Cultural Center

At the Consular Corp Annual Gala, Austrian Embassy 

Happy Hour at the Churchill Hotel 

Networking at the Canadian Embassy 

Professional Training with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Romanian Embassy  

Use your skills to give back: working for a charity

 

Opening Ceremony for the Best Buddies Leadership Conference, the theme,"Wickedly Inclusive"

Covering the big event for your charity.

One inspirational conference where over 2500 people come together to learn and celebrate inclusion for people with Intellectual Disabilities.  Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.

Students from the United States and around the world descend upon Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.  They are leaders in their school chapters who come to learn how to support and grow the mission.   

At one time I was the only photographer covering this conference.  Now we have two additional photographers and a team of videographers delivering content to social media. It takes a coordinated effort to cover the various activities and personalities.  There are workshops, speakers, training, activities, celebrations and motivational entertainment.

I continue my 34 years photographing events for Best Buddies because of the Buddies.  

Find a charity that you care about

1.        Your talents are needed and what you do helps the charity’s mission.

2.        Not only do you build your skills, but you also expand your network.

3.        You are making a difference

Ask me anything, larrylevin@verizon.net  See my website. www.LLLevin.com

More Photos

Best Buddies Founder Anthony Shriver with Kid Autistic

Recognition of fund raising

Job Training

Speech Training

Talking to parents

Bonding

Capturing Award Presentations: What You Need to Know

 

Best Buddies Leadership Conference, photographed 60 groups in less than 90 minutes.

Capturing an award presentation or the delivery of a check moment is the basic hero shot an event photographer makes.  These shots are vital for the organization, the recipient of the award or the person or group making the large donation.  These are set up situations, this photo needs to be perfect.

These moments can happen at a live event, where the audience is watching or they can be done after the show.  During a live event, time is of the essence.  Here are the top tips in getting a wonderful shot.

1.        Be prepared, know the staging of the presentation.  Put a piece of tape on the stage for where the group should stand.

2.        This “position” provides the best composition.  Include all the branding elements if there is signage or other elements that should be in the frame.  (Or elements that should not be in the frame.)

3.        MOST IMPORTANT, make sure the award or check or whatever the group is holding, is held at an angle to the camera.  We don’t want to have the award bouncing light back in the camera.  If there is a highlight on the award, nothing can be done to correct it.

4.        Take multiple shots, nothing is worse than when someone’s eyes are closed. Also, slightly change the angle for each shot.  That change might make the difference to improve the shot.

5.        Timing is everything.  If it’s a live show, be quick.  People hate to wait.

6.        All of the staging is discussed beforehand with the MC/award presenter.  They are your friend in getting this shot done efficiently.

7.        Be ready and capture the hero shot and any other moment you can.

Doing award presentation is a lasting memory for the recipient as well as for instant social media play for the organization. Technical skills, preparation, timing and awareness of the situation are important factors for the photographer.

Ask me anything larrylevin@verizon.net View my website www.LLLevin.com

Photography for the Best Buddies Leadership Conference

Friendship Walks are an integral part of each chapter's activities 

One inspirational conference where over 2500 people come together to learn and celebrate inclusion for people with Intellectual Disabilities.  Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.

Students from the United States and around the world descend upon Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.  They are leaders in their school chapters who come to learn how to support and grow the mission.   

At one time I was the only photographer covering this conference.  Now we have two additional photographers and a team of videographers delivering content to social media. It takes a coordinated effort to cover the various activities and personalities.  

There are workshops, speakers, training, activities, celebrations and motivational entertainment.  I continue my 34 years photographing events for Best Buddies because of the Buddies.  

Ask me anything, larrylevin@verizon.net  See my website. www.LLLevin.com

More Photos:

State Ambassador

International Students

Job Training

Global Ambassadors 

Tanner Smith from (Love on the Spectrum) and his mother Nicci Smith

Miss America 2025 Abbie Stockard and her Buddy Grace Davis

Rice Stephens and Echo Picone sing from the Broadway Show Wicked.  This year's conference theme was "Wickedly Inclusive"