Liverpool conference photographer at 3 iconic venues in the city

Published on Tue Dec 10, 2024 by David J Colbran

As a professional photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing a wide range of events, but there's something uniquely rewarding about photographing business conferences. Recently, I had the opportunity to showcase my skills at a multi-day business event spread across various venues in Liverpool. It was for the BioIndustry Association (BIA), capturing everything from keynote speeches to exhibition networking to more relaxed social evening celebrations. All while blending into the background to capture the essence of the event.

Business conferences are fast-paced and can vary in scale, but my role as the photographer remains constant: I’m there to visually document the event, capturing moments that attendees and organisers will look back on with pride. Whether it’s a group of executives in deep discussion or a powerful speaker inspiring an audience, each moment is significant.

At this particular event in Liverpool, I was tasked with covering a series of sessions across several venues. The venues themselves were a mix of large conference halls, an impressive auditorium, and more intimate spaces in historic buildings, each with its unique lighting, layout, and atmosphere. A good photographer has to adapt quickly, blending technical skill with a keen eye for composition, and that’s exactly what I did.

First up was the Lutyens’ Crypt in the Metropolitan Cathedral for a drink reception. The Crypt is all that remains of an earlier Cathedral for Liverpool, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1930’s. Lutyens’ Cathedral was to have a dome bigger than St Peter’s Basilica in Rome – but plans faltered when funds proved hard to find after the second world war. And as the name crypt suggests, it is below ground, with zero natural light. So photography there is always challenging and tested the capabilities of my cameras when not using flash.

The main conference and exhibition was in another iconic Liverpool landmark, St George's Hall. For those new to Liverpool, it is a Grade I listed building opposite Lime Street railway station. The large and impressive Neoclassical building contains concert halls and law courts and often host corporate events.

Event photography, especially in a business setting, requires more than just technical knowledge. It’s about anticipating moments, understanding the flow of the event, and being in the right place at the right time.

Anticipating Key Moments

I make it my priority to learn about the schedule, speakers, and key participants ahead of time. This allows me to anticipate important moments, from the opening speech to panel discussions and Q&A sessions. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive. I need to know when to take a step back and when to zoom in for a closer, more emotional shot.

Lighting & Composition

Conference venues vary in lighting and with this commission it was particularly challenging at every venue. It’s essential to understand how to work with natural light or artificial lighting to create the best possible images. In larger venues, I might need to use additional equipment, while in smaller, more intimate settings, I rely on capturing moments with minimal distraction, allowing the natural ambiance to shine through. Balancing these technical aspects with the energy of the event is what makes conference photography so rewarding.

Capturing the Essence of Networking

Beyond the talks and presentations, business conferences are about connections. Networking moments are where people are engaged, exchanging ideas, and building relationships. These are often some of the most intimate and meaningful photos I take. Being able to capture genuine interactions between participants is a skill I’ve honed over the years, and it’s a crucial part of what makes my photography stand out.

Speed and Agility

Conferences often feature rapid transitions between activities, from panel discussions to breakout sessions, or from formal talks to casual networking events. This means being able to switch gears quickly and capture the full spectrum of the event, from wide shots that encompass the entire room to close-ups of key moments. It’s all about being flexible, agile, and ready to move with the event as it unfolds.

The final location for this conference was at my favourite building in the city, the Anglican Cathedral. Again for visitors a few facts - it is the largest cathedral and religious building in Britain, and the eighth largest church in the world ! The BIA were hosting their evening dinner gala there and obviously wanted some quality photography of the celebrations. As with the other venues, fairly dark inside, low lighting but not a problem for pro kit and confident I got a great range of images for the client.

As a city, Liverpool was the perfect place for this event. The blend of historic venues and locations like the The Crypt, The Anglican Cathedral and St George's Hall offered a stunning backdrop for my photos. Taking full advantage of the architecture, and vibrant atmosphere to add layers of context and character to my shots. From panoramic views of the venues to close-ups of attendees engaged in thoughtful conversation, it was a perfect location for a corporate conference.

At the end of each day, the goal is to deliver photographs that tell a story — whether it's an entire series that encapsulates the spirit of the event or a carefully selected set of images highlighting key moments shared across social media.

For me, event photography is more than just taking pictures — its about documenting experiences, preserving memories, and visually narrating a story.

When you choose me as your conference photographer, you can trust that your event will be illustrated perfectly through stylish and creative photography. To find out more about my Liverpool conference photography services get in touch on 07810321634 or drop me an email david@djcdesign.co.uk and let's schedule a video call.

Author: David J Colbran