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Client field guide · Schwab

Schwab event photography guidelines

For Orange Photography associates covering Schwab events, branch grand openings, and architectural assignments. Expectations onsite, what to capture, how to edit, and Schwab’s file-naming convention.

Attendees engaged at a corporate event

Schwab events follow our standard event approach, with two important differences: architectural coverage for branch openings, and a Schwab-specific file-naming convention.

The current project brief and producer direction take precedence over anything on this page.

Required for every Schwab event

  • Contact the onsite client the day before; arrive at least 15 minutes early.
  • Route any turnaround questions to the producer.
  • No assistant or second shooter without producer clearance.
  • Don’t share images or event details on social media.
  • Deliver 35–50 edited images per hour of coverage.
  • Name files State_City_EventDescription_XXX, not our standard convention.

01 · Before and during the event

Show up early, communicate, and protect the client

Contact the client

Reach out to the onsite client the day before the event to introduce yourself, so they know who to expect.

Arrive early

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the event starts to set up and get comfortable; it puts the client at ease. If you’re running late, tell the client as soon as possible.

Route turnaround questions

Don’t discuss file delivery timing with the client. Politely ask them to direct any timing requests to the producer.

Keep it confidential

Don’t bring an assistant or second shooter unless your producer has cleared it first, and don’t share images or event details on social media.

02 · Grand openings and architecture

When the branch itself is part of the brief

When architectural shots and a grand opening are part of the assignment, capture these key elements. Read the full Branch Photography Style Guide before the shoot.

Outdoor shots

The main entrance, signage, a variety of angles, a possible ribbon cutting, and a group shot. Move around the building to capture different angles of the structure and the surrounding landscaping.

Interior shots

The reception area, group shots, walls with signage, branding and logos, promotional materials, and attendee activities during the event.
0–50
Edited images per hour of coverage
0 min
Arrive at least this early
0–10
Strong shots of each key speaker, minimum
0 %
Rated 4-star best-of (15–20% of edited images)

03 · Candid and environmental shots

The people attending are the story

  • Use a mix of prime lenses and medium zooms for a variety of angles and perspectives. Use flash when needed, but don’t rely on it exclusively.
  • Shoot RAW. If your camera has dual card slots, save JPGs to the second slot as a backup.
  • Minimize profile shots. Position yourself for clear, face-on expressions whenever possible.
  • When you light subjects with flash, adjust ISO and shutter speed to balance the ambient light so the environment is well represented.
  • Focus on attendees. Avoid photographing wait staff, bartenders, security, and others unless they’re part of a fun, employee-related interaction.

04 · Keynotes, speeches, and presenters

Speakers in context, audiences engaged

  • Get at least 5–10 high-quality shots of each key speaker from various angles, and more if they’re on stage for 20 minutes or longer.
  • Always include shots of the speaker with branding, logos, or slides in the background.
  • Capture a mix of wide shots of the entire audience and tighter shots of individuals or small groups who look engaged and attentive.
  • For panel discussions, take wide shots of the entire panel and individual shots of each panelist from multiple angles.
  • Capture at least two images of each winner.
  • Coordinate with the client beforehand to find out whether winners will pause on stage for photos or whether shots should be more candid.
Billy Beane keynote stage interview

See the types of images we’re looking for: conference gallery · evening reception gallery

05 · Post-production and file naming

Edit in two passes, name the Schwab way

The more mindful you are while shooting, the less time you’ll spend in post-production.

Two-pass image selection

Aim for 35–50 edited images per hour of coverage. First pass: eliminate everything unusable (poor focus, unsalvageable exposure, odd expressions, closed eyes) and count what remains. Second pass: refine the selection to the target number.

During the second pass, rate the best images 4 stars. They should be about 15–20% of the edited images.

Make color and exposure corrections in Lightroom Classic, using Sync Settings to apply adjustments in batches. Crop to improve compositions, always keeping a 2:3 aspect ratio.
Schwab filename

State_City_EventDescription_XXX

XXX is the sequence number.
Examples

WA_Tacoma_Pickleball_001
IL_Chicago_Golf_001
AZ_Phoenix_HyattHotel_001

06 · Schwab event checklist

Before you call it done

  • Contacted the onsite client the day before and arrived 15+ minutes early.
  • For grand openings: exterior, entrance, signage, landscaping, ribbon cutting, group, and interior branding shots captured per the Branch Photography Style Guide.
  • Attendees covered face-on, with staff only in fun employee interactions.
  • 5–10+ shots of each key speaker with branding; crowds, panels, and award winners covered.
  • 35–50 edited images per hour, corrected in Lightroom Classic, cropped 2:3.
  • Best 15–20% rated 4 stars.
  • Files named State_City_EventDescription_XXX.