Branding Your Event with a Step & Repeat. Good Strategy

 

Stand & Repeat Background at a Holiday Party

Branding your Event

Your “brand” is a combination of many elements that help to achieve a positive response in people’s perception.  In photographing an event, it is great to have recognizable elements in the frame that identify your event and your organization.  Your logo, tag line, the typography you use are key components in your symbols that help to instill your brand.  

One of the better forms of branding is a step and repeat.  This banner with your message can be used behind speakers, or on the red carpet or as a backdrop.  Key features of a good step and repeat are:

1.        Non reflective, usually a matte surface so shiny spots don’t reflect into the camera.

2.        Wide enough so that when shot from different angles, the banner fits within the composition.  And it should be high enough to fit the tallest people.

3.        Simple design, subtle, not to overpower the person or people in front of it.  

4.        Keep colors muted but consistent with your company’s color scheme

5.        Make sure it is durable; you will be using this for many events.  As well as, it should be easy to assemble and pack up when finished. 

One of the best Stand and Repeat was from a company called Revolution.  Check out their website www.eventrevolution.com  (fyi I get no fee for this endorsement!) 

Best Buddies, simple design, with Logo and Typography.

Correction Leaders Association, Strong branding, muted color that enhances the speaker.

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

Top Tips for Photographing Diplomats

Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum, Algeria, Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, Japan, Ambassador Matilda Mukantabana, Rwanda

Working for and with people who are professional and fun and have become friends, is the best part of freelancing.   The Potomac Exchange is a private lunch group consisting of selected executives of global firms.  At each lunch a foreign country ambassador is invited to share and discuss issues, initiate business relationships and network. 

I am grateful for the trust the Potomac Exchange has granted to me as their Official Photographer.  Each luncheon meeting, I am tasked to photograph the activities of the luncheon. In the room, I must be stealth in maneuvering around the table to capture spontaneous and interesting expressions during the discussions, all while food is served and eaten.  It takes patience and understanding when to take photos as well as finding creative composition as people eat. It is a challenge to find those special moments between participants, too. In the hour and a half meeting, it all gets done. 

 
Top Suggestions while photographing a lunch:

1.        Stay out of the server’s way!
2.        Watch the composition, avoid taking a photo when someone in the frame is eating or   drinking.
3.        Look for angles, trying to find something different than all the other luncheons.
4.        Be stealth and as inconspicuous as possible.  Vital that the camera is in silent mode. 
5.        Be patient, look for interesting gestures, facial expression, and eye contact with speaker and participant.
6.        In formal set up photos, make sure clothes are in place.  Jacket buttoned, tie straight.

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

More Photos

Ambassador Catalina Crespo Sancho, Costa Rica

Ambassador Laurent Bili, France

Ambassador Jovita Neliupsiene, European Union

Ambassador Dr. Elsie Kanza, Tanzania

Ambassador Anniken Huitfeldt, Norway

Ambassador Jesper Molleer Sorensen, Denmark

Photographer's Life

Annika

The Life of a Photographer........June 6-7, 2025. One of the most inspiring weekends of my life was in Treviso Italy at a Special Olympics Unified Basketball Tournament. I was one of the 27 basketball referees invited to officiate the two-day event. Accompanying me were three friends, Sandy, Annika & Keith, who have worked with me at other Special Olympic Games. So in between my games, I was able to make pictures of them during their games. Each one got several impactful photos. Nice images they can cherish and share. Through the years, all I asked was that someone would take a photo of me during a game. A nice photo with athletes or me in a game situation. And this is the one that I got…..see the last photo. Shot made by David Thompson on his phone from the stands.

Keith

Keith,  (He has so many other wonderful images from the years of World Games we have worked.)

Sandy

Sandy

Annika

Me

Photographing Groups

The Potomac Exchange with the Ambassador of Japan.  Set up, two rows and three lights

Photographing Groups

As an event photographer, photographing groups is an important function I do.  It’s a fun challenge to figure out where, and how to organize the group.  Half the time it’s a spur of the moment to do the shot.  Other times, there is some planning of where to stage it.  And the most important aspect is lighting.  If it is a big group, it is preferable to have additional lights, 2 or 3 is optimal.  You want to make sure shadows don’t hit on anyone.  And more importantly, the extra light allows more depth, so everyone is in focus.  

Strategies for getting exceptional Group Shots

1.      Composition.  Whether you are using rows, steps, or the sitting, kneeling, standing spontaneous group, make certain no one’s face is blocked.  People need to be in between shoulders of people in front of them.  Before I shoot, I look from my camera perspective to see everyone’s face.   

2.      Light.  Natural light is best, if possible, with fill flash.  Bounced light or flash with a diffuser helps to eliminate harsh shadows and contrast.  

3.      Interacting with the group, helps to keep people’s attention so they aren’t distracted or are not looking away.  

4.      Eye Level is fine, but using a ladder or some elevation helps when there is a large group.

5.      Posing tips: try to have everyone look natural and relaxed.  Men is the front row should button their jackets.  If the front row is seated, hand placement should look natural in lap. Grabbing people around the shoulders makes that person look wider and sometimes makes their  clothes look awkward. 

6.      ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS shoot more than one frame.  That avoids having a frame with someone with closed eyes.  

It takes patience, ability to manage people, being pleasant, keeping people engaged with small talk and get it done quickly and efficiently.  

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

A few more images: Click on the images to see larger size.  

Chance group of top scientists, luckily they knew me and were happy to be in this highly esteemed group photo. One light bounced. 

Family in backyard, all natural light.  It was fun to keep everyone's attention. 

On a tour of a hotel, "Let's take a group shot"  Fun, natural, and not your usual situation. 

VP Pence with students.  Students were standing by so the VP just on in place. 

Consular Corp Gala shot from the balcony, one light. 

The Environmental Portrait

 

The Environmental Portrait

The headshot versus an environmental portrait brings an additional element to your photo. By using props or being photographed in a location, it provides an insight to your personality. The environmental portrait enhances your stature, shows an insight to your talents and gives a narrative to your brand. Here are the tips to incorporate in your environmental picture.

1.  Find a location that tells your story.  For example, if you work on Capitol Hill find somewhere inside or outside the Capitol.  If you are a musician, use your instrument as a prop, if you are a speaker use your podium and powerpoint slide in your photo.

2.   Using composition techniques that avoid distracting elements but emphasizes you.  The focus is on you, make sure you are prominent in the composition.  Do all the elements in the frame enrich the photo?

3. Lighting is vital.  Soft natural light is best, but it can be enhanced with proper flash or other lighting tools.

4.  Is your pose and expression engaging?  Are you projecting an authentic emotion?  Do you look comfortable?  Your image helps to project your confidence, friendliness and approachability.

Chef Michel Richard 

One of my favorite images from years ago, is the portrait of Chef Michel Richard.  He was always comfortable in photos, he had a warm personality, he knew how to pose, smile and exude confidence.  

 

5. Post-Production of your image is vital.  Photo files directly out of the camera always need a little help.  Color enhancements, proper focus, emphasizing the light should be subtle without being too extreme.  It takes skill and patience to properly adjust the image.

It is all about collaboration with a photographer that makes your photo.  Creative efforts between the two of you, finding a location, using props, and knowing how to authentically pose are the key concepts to your successful image.

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

Click on the an image to see a larger version of each photo. 

A few more selected images:

My "selfie" with my Basketball Referee Mentor, Bill Dixon.
I set up the composition, lighting and let someone else push the button!

 Four techniques to get a better portrait photo.

Your portrait is your proof of your professionalism, character, confidence, approachability and friendliness.  In today’s environment—social media, LinkedIn, or company websites—a high quality portrait is a necessity.   You want to be recognized as a trusted professional, create your visual identity and gain a comfort level with potential clients or employer.   

There are many factors that go into making your portrait.  You need to consider the photographic skill and creativity of the photographer.  Additionally, you need to work and be comfortable with the person making your portrait.

1.        Lighting    Soft lighting that enhances your skin tone, reducing harsh shadows and highlights is best.  

2.        Composition   Balanced within the frame, that draws focus to your eyes and face. A clean background that is unobstructive and not distractive. 

3.        Sharpness & Focus   Your eyes should be sharp and the background a little fuzzy so the focus is on you.

4.        Connection   Your natural and authentic smile, facial expression and relaxed pose create that connection allowing your personality to come through.

The assignment was to do staff portraits.  Each person had 10-minute intervals.  There was a makeup artist to assist each person.  So within our shoot time, we had to quickly develop a rapport, alleviate the shyness and figure out how to get the best expression. A lighting setup, a large camera, and a fun and friendly photographer can be intimidating.  Quickly figuring out each person’s best qualities, gaining confidence and catching the natural expression is what a professional photographer does.  

Make no mistake, some people can get it done in one frame.  Some may take a bit longer.  It all works out. The selected imaged is adjusted in post-production.  And everyone is pleased.

Ask me anything, larrylevin@verizon.net

See my website www.LLLevin.com

Inspirational Basketball: The Treviso Special Olympics International Unified Basketball Tournament

June 2025

For the twelfth time in so many years, teams gathered in a small Italian city to inspire the world. Thirty-seven teams from around the world came to play basketball. Not your ordinary type of teams, but Special Olympics Unified teams. Unified sports combine teammates with and without intellectual disabilities. This simple concept breaks down barriers, promotes social inclusion, and highlights each participant's abilities.

Treviso, Italy, a sports mecca, hosted over 450 athletes, including teams not only from Italy but from Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland and USA. Over 74 games were played over the two days on 4 courts, both outside (in the Italian sun and 85-degree temperatures) and two indoor courts. There were six levels of competition. Teams played against teams with similar abilities.

The beauty of this event is more than just about competition, It provides a showcase of inclusion, where athletes with varied backgrounds and skills can thrive and develop lifelong connections.

I was honored to be a part of this tournament as a volunteer referee and make these photos to document this event.

All Photography Copyright 2025 Laurence L. Levin. No publication rights granted without written permission.