10 things to remember about event photos

1. If you are running the event, find someone else to take the pictures – you’ll always think you have more time for this kind of thing than you really do.

2. Crowd shots have limited value. You need a few, but people like to see faces.

3. Bring extra batteries, or film, or memory cards, or whatever it is you’ll need to keep the camera running.

4. The secret to taking great picture is taking lots of pictures.

5. Take lots of pictures of any kids who are present. They always make people feel good.

6. Don’t use pictures you would not want taken of you

7. Get people’s names.

8. Make a list of shots and/or people you know you want and then remember to take them.

9. Get action shots to go with the poses.

10. Share your photos – or why bother taking them? Put them on your Web site; share them over Facebook; send them to the local newspaper; and share them with your attendees.

Start by making a timeline

One of the first things I do when I start planning an event is create a quick timeline of key things that needs to happen to make the event successful -- starting with the day of the event and working my way backward.

Once that's done, everything else pretty much falls into place.

Here's an example of a preliminary timeline for an awards event:

Tuesday, May 18 Send a “save the date” notice

Tuesday, August 24 Launch Web site and Face book event page

Start accepting nominations

Tuesday, September 21 Deadline for nominations

Wednesday, September 22 Notify nominees

Tuesday, September 28 Send invitations

Tuesday, October 5 Final selections

Tuesday, October 26 Event?

This provided a foundation from which everything else could be created and discussed. As the event approached, we created a plan that included all of the necessary details -- budget, descriptions, assignments for event staff, etc. -- as well as a detailed budget.