Events and Awards Night Photographer Leicester & East Midlands

Events and Awards Night Photographer Leicester & East Midlands

The best event photography for awards nights

September should be know as event and awards night month!

I’ve been ran of my feet with events this month, and i’m going to tell you about two of them.

First being the East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women’s Awards night. This was a very last minute booking for me, literally the day before. Despite having two photoshoots in the day, I said yes to the awards night. I thought it would be fun (it was!) and I might see a few people I know (i did!).

Secondly, It was off to the Hilton Park Lane in Mayfair for the Signature Awards. These are always amazing nights. I share photography duties with Damian, a London photographer. With 450+ guests it’s just too much to capture for one photographer. I arrived early with Dave the video guy, then went for a walk into Central London. Shooting the awards was fairly straight forward for me as i’ve done it for a few years now.

As with most of these events, both required a next day turn around for the edited images. EMC was done when I got home straight after the event, and the Signature Awards was done on the M1 as I was a passenger.

Same day edits!

Here are a few images from both events

When planning an awards night, the focus is on celebrating achievements and creating lasting memories. Hiring an event photographer can significantly enhance the experience and provide benefits that extend well beyond the night itself.

Capture Professional Moments
An event photographer brings expertise in capturing key moments with precision. From award presentations to candid interactions, a professional ensures that every significant event is documented beautifully. This means you won’t miss those spontaneous smiles and heartfelt congratulations.

High-Quality Images
Professional photographers use advanced equipment and techniques to produce high-quality images. These photographs will reflect the atmosphere and emotions of the evening, providing images that are sharply detailed and vibrantly colored. Such quality makes a lasting impression whether for internal reporting, social media sharing, or marketing materials.

Stress Reduction
Planning an event can be overwhelming, and the last thing you want is to worry about photography. By hiring an event photographer, you can focus on enjoying the evening with your guests while knowing that every moment is being captured professionally. This allows you to be fully present during the celebration.

Memorable Marketing Material
The images taken during your awards night can be valuable for future promotions. High-quality photographs can be used in brochures, newsletters, and social media posts, helping to enhance your brand’s image and engage your audience. They serve as a compelling visual record of your company culture and achievements.

Create Lasting Memories
Lastly, a professional photographer not only captures the event for immediate enjoyment but also provides a visual archive of your organization’s milestones. These images can be cherished for years to come, allowing everyone to relive the excitement and honor the accomplishments celebrated during the awards night.

Basically, hiring an event photographer for your awards night is an investment in quality, lasting memories, and stress relief that enhances the overall experience. It’s a decision worth considering for any event that celebrates success.

Furnley House Foundation Summer Ball 2024

Leicester Event Photographer Summer Ball

Leicestershire Charity Photographer

A few weeks ago it was the Furnley House Foundations summer ball 2024

Furnley House Foundation

Having done numerous work for FH now, they asked if i’d be interested in photographing ther summer ball. It was a YES from me. Furnley House is an amazing company, and some of my great friends work there.. Their foundation is a registered chairty, they raise money to give to other charities in need.

The ball took place at Winstanley House, with many familiar faces in attendance.

Photo kit wise I pretty much stayed on one camera with a 28-75mm zoom lens and on camera flash. I did occasionally use my 135mm lens for some of the shots of the presenter on stage.

Here are a few shots from the evening. If you are holding a similar event and would like it capturing so you can look back in years to come, please get in touch. There photos are an excellent reminder and keepsake of your event. They can also be used in future marketing in print and social media. Guests can have access to the photo gallery and download digital files as well. Optional print products are also available from the online gallery.

Howden Insurance Open Event Loughborough

Howden Insurance Open Day Event Photography Leicestershire

Quality professional event photography by Pete Martin

It was nice to be asked once again to photography an event for the lovely people at Howden Insurance over in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Following the devastating floods that pretty much destroyed their office, they wanted to re-open after the refurbishment with a bang!

They hired an amazing barrister who served every type of coffee, and brilliant ladies who were cooking up delicious sweet or savoury crepes.

The local Lady Mayor even turned up at the end!

There was lots of nice merchandise available to take away, with my current favourite colour being Orange, that Mug was coming home with me!

If your company is holding an event, consider hiring a photographer to capture those wonderful candid moments. Those photos are not only a great reminder of the event but can be repurposed into social media posts and campaigns throughout the year.

Leicestershire Law Firm Portraits and Headshots

Leicestershire Photographer - Law Firm Portraits and Headshots

Business headshots for websites and Linkedin.

When a client returns to Pete Martin Photography multiple times, it's a testament to the quality and trust i’ve built with my customers. I pride myself on providing consistent, top-notch photography services that meet and exceed my clients' expectations. It's always a pleasure to welcome back familiar faces, knowing that they continue to choose Pete Martin Photography for their special moments.

Thank you to all or my returning clients for placing your trust in me time and time again.

One such client is a Johnson Astills, a brilliant Leicester Law firm.

I was back in January to photography new starters and a couple of people who have changed their appearance over the course of the last 12-14 months.

This local business resquires half body portraits, which then get resized via their website for more of headshot crop. Also I provide them with all the images in a transparant .png file, which means the background has been removed. This is useful for when you want the person to ‘float’ above the websites graphical design. Check it out below.

Portrait with background removal

Check out a few more examples below, could this style of photography help your business stand out?

Get in touch for a no obligation consultation, lets see how I can help you.

Signature & Nachurel Awards

Signature & Nachurel Awards Event Photographer

Event Photographer Leicester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Coventry, Northampton, Coventry & London

Following on from my charity work with LAMP, I photographed their ‘Time to Talk’ event in 2023. At this event there were many guests in attendance to listen to the chosen speakers. 

One of these guests was Mr Ninder Johal, a man who eases many hats. He’s on the board of trustees at Wolverhampton University, he’s also a Deputy Lieutenant of the city too. But, he also founded the Signature and Nachurel Awards. On seeing me work the room, and some of my work was being shown on the screens at the Time to Talk event, Ninder asked if I would photograph the Signature Awards at Wolverhampton Racecourse.

Of course I said yes!

On arrivial I could see the attention to detail everywhere, the venue looked stunning. The AV crew, also from the East Midlands had a superb set up, with multiple camera’s of the presenter and the people receiving the awards. 

The night from my side was a real success, everyone looked great, and so did the photos. I had them edited the next day, and sent off to Ninder. A few hours later and they started to appear on social media.

Shortly after the Wolverhampton event, I had the call from Ninder…. Can you photograph the next awards night, in Mayfair London?!

Le me think about that…… Yep, put me down for it!

This event was much much bigger, so there was also a London photographer there. We shared out the work, he took the stage shots, I took care of the media wall shots of people with their awards. I also did some of the drinks reception too. 

Take a look at a few of the images from both nights below, And yes… I have been booked for the next one!

Event Photography Leicestershire

Event Photographer Leicester & East Midlands

Professional event photography

There are lots of events happening at the moment, and if you put one of thsee events on… what better way to showcase it that with amazing photos.

These photos are not only a great record of the event, they can also be used to highlight the team members who win awards. They are also brilliant to post of social media after the event. I pride myself on being able to get the images ready the very next day, sometimes even on the same tight if required! This is especially important as guests often post their smartphone photos during the night, so the professional ones need to come out asap!

Here are a couple of events i’ve shot this week, an opening of a balcony in a care home, and an awards night for a medial company.

Don’t leave your next event to chance, get a professional in Pete Martin Event Photography

Below is 5 reasons why a professional event photographer is a brilliant idea

5 Reasons Why Events Need a Professional Photographer

1. Expertise: Professional photographers bring their expertise and artistic vision to capture the essence of an event. They have the technical knowledge to adjust camera settings, lighting, and composition to produce high-quality images that showcase the event in the best possible way.
2. Unobtrusive Documentation: While amateurs may disrupt the flow of an event by constantly taking photos, professional photographers have the skill to blend into the background and capture candid moments without interrupting the proceedings. This allows attendees to fully enjoy the event without feeling self-conscious or distracted.
3. Quality Results: Professional photographers use high-end equipment and post-processing techniques to ensure that the images are of the highest quality. This includes retouching, color correction, and editing to produce polished, professional-grade photographs that can be utilized for promotional materials, social media, and future marketing efforts.
4. Complete Coverage: An experienced photographer knows how to cover all aspects of an event, from candid attendee interactions and keynote speakers to venue decorations and special performances, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. This comprehensive coverage provides event organizers with a valuable visual record of the occasion.
5. Brand Representation: For corporate events, having a professional photographer can enhance the brand's image by capturing the event in a way that aligns with the company's style and values. These images can be used for press releases, website content, and promotional materials, presenting a cohesive and professional image to clients, partners, and the public.
Ultimately, hiring a professional photographer for events ensures that the memories and key moments are preserved in a visually stunning and impactful manner, adding long-lasting value to the occasion.

Awards Ceremony for Charity Work

Leicestershire Community Championships Awards 2023

We didn't win Fundraiser of the Year, but 'Team Lamp' made it to the final of Furnley House's Leicestershire Community Champions Awards last Thursday.

Just being nominated is a huge achievement for us.

All finalists were brilliant, and Rachel (the winner) truly deserved that win. The awards ceremony was a lovely opportunity to celebrate our achievements with peers and supporters. While winning the award is undeniably a great honour, just reaching the final stage is a testament to our dedication to the greater cause - Lamp Charity

Well done everyone!

Team Lamp- Charity Fundraiser Finalists

Many LAMP supporters

Leicester Charity Photographer

Leicester Charity Event Photographer

Charity work by a Leicester Photographer

Charity work is a big part of my life, and definitely part of my companies corporate social responsibility.

For the last 5 years I’ve been heavily involved with two charities, LAMP and Menphys.

LAMP is an advocacy service, they help people struggling with mental health issues navigate the  complex issues and get their life back.

Bing a charity LAMP needs funding, and that’s where myself and others step in. So far with LAMP I’ve climbed Ben Nevis, marshalled at a Leicester 10k running event, ran a 10k, helped set up and partake in the now annual 5k campaign during national mental health week and am also part of ‘Team LAMP 23’.

This year we had local Labour MP Jonathan Ashworth run with us, he was also kind enough to be interviewed (if you can call it that!) by me after the run.. and of course i vlogged it here https://youtu.be/uJvpG8ky-vM

Team Lamp is myself, Greg Hollingsworth and Dave Green.  Dave is an ex trustee of LAMP and Greg is an ambassador. Together we set the challenge of running a Parkrun alphabet, in 2023. We sold each letter off to a corporate sponsor and also set up a just giving page for donations. Our target is £10k, which we are well on the way to achieving.

Greg deals with most of the money, Dave does the organising and social media posts. My contribution is a weekly vlog of the run, and anything else that we get up to!.

This was a real challenge for me, as I know it’s hard to believe, I’m not a natural in front of the camera!

Looking back at vlog 1, I couldn’t wait to stop recording and get it over. I walked out fo sight of most people as I was a little shy and almost embarrassed at the thought of recording myself in public!

Now I almost crave it, and I definitely miss recording when we have a week off.

As of writing this, we have completed 22 runs, with just 4 remaining… and the last 2 are going to be amazing as they are international!

Here is a link to the vlog playlist on YouTube

Doing this also led me to try open water swimming with Charlotte Miles from Cross Productions who also hiked Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike with myself and a group of other fundraisers.

Here is a link to those videos. Pete & Charlotte

Charlotte did a training run with me, then I did an open water swim, then we combined a run and a swim. It was so good, just a bit cold! And if you want a good laugh, I’m in a wetsuit!

I also support Menphys, a local charity that runs sport programs for disabled children. I hiked Scalfell Pike for Menphys, and did Ben Nevis for both LAMP and Menphys. Menphys have and amazing business sports club, which i’m a member of, and I also photograph each event at a discounted rate.

Below is a photo gallery containing a selection of images from all of my charity work and events that I’ve been involved in.

#LeicesterPhotographer

#photographer

#eventphotographer

#charity

#mentalhealth

#mentalhealthawareness

Labout MP Jonathan Ashworth joins me for a charity run

Ben Nevis Summit

Event Photographer

Why having an Event Photographer is a brilliant idea!

Leicester Event Photographer

Birthdays are special occasions that mark milestones in our lives, filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. When it comes to celebrating these moments, capturing them through photography becomes an invaluable investment. Hiring a professional photographer for your birthday event not only ensures the preservation of beautiful memories but also offers numerous benefits that make it a worthwhile investment.

1. Emotionally Captivating Memories: Birthdays are moments of immense joy and celebration, surrounded by loved ones. Through professional event photography, these emotional moments are captured and immortalized in a way that allows you to relive them for years to come. The tears of happiness, heartfelt laughter, and genuine interactions are encapsulated, creating a treasure trove of memories that evoke strong emotions whenever revisited.

2. High-Quality Images: While smartphones have made photography more accessible, professional event photographers possess the expertise and equipment to capture high-quality images. They have a keen eye for composition, lighting, and timing, ensuring that every shot is a work of art. With our technical skills and artistic vision, we create visually stunning images that elevate the overall aesthetics of your birthday event.

3. Comprehensive Coverage: By hiring a professional photographer like myself, you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the celebration while knowing that every significant moment is being documented. From the grand entrance and blowing out the candles to heartfelt speeches and the dance floor frenzy, a professional photographer will be present to capture every essential detail. We possess the ability to tell a compelling story through their lens, ensuring that no aspect of the celebration is missed.

4. Unique Perspectives: A professional photographer brings a fresh and unique perspective to your birthday event. We have a trained eye to spot candid moments, capture natural expressions, and document the atmosphere and ambiance of the occasion. Our creativity and ability to see beauty in the ordinary result in captivating photographs that go beyond traditional snapshots.

5. Lasting Family Heirlooms: The photographs captured during your birthday event are not only for the present but for future generations as well. They become priceless family heirlooms that can be passed down from one generation to another, telling the story of your life and the love shared among family and friends. Investing in birthday event photography ensures that these heirlooms are created with care, preserving your legacy for years to come.

6. Stress-Free Experience: By entrusting the photography responsibilities to a professional, you can focus on enjoying your birthday event without the added stress of capturing every moment yourself. Knowing that a skilled photographer is in charge allows you to be fully present and engage with your loved ones, creating genuine connections and beautiful memories.

Investing in birthday event photography is an excellent decision that guarantees a treasure trove of emotionally captivating memories, high-quality images, and comprehensive coverage. These photographs become timeless family heirlooms, telling the story of your life and the love shared among family and friends. With a professional photographer like Pete Martin capturing unique perspectives, you can enjoy a stress-free celebration, knowing that every significant moment will be beautifully preserved. So, don't hesitate to invest in birthday event photography, as it's a decision that will provide joy and cherished memories for a lifetime.

Please take a look below at a recent joint birthday and wedding anniversary party at the City Rooms in Leicester