2025 Energy and Climate Youth Leadership Conference

Hosted by Inside Education

posted April 2, 2025

Sharing highlights today from the 2025 Generate Summit that I photographed this past March. This three-day youth-focused energy and environmental educational summit is hosted by Inside Education, a non-profit organization that promotes environmental and natural resource education for youth in Alberta. The summit is designed to bring together high school students and educators from across the province of Alberta to explore issues related to energy, climate, and sustainability.

The event provides students with insights into Alberta’s energy landscape, renewable energy solutions, and environmental challenges. It includes various networking opportunities, speakers, and breakout sessions with industry leaders, environmental organizations and policymakers who share their knowledge and expertise on energy systems and sustainability.The high school participants in attendance have an opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and panel discussions with these professionals in addition to field trips to energy facilities and opportunities to see sustainability projects to give students real-world exposure. One of the main goals of the summit is to inspire high school students across the province to take action in their communities through energy-related initiatives.

The importance of event photography

In a world where moments flash by in an instant, professional event photography emerges as the key to preserving the laughter, emotions, and important celebrations that define our lives. Whether your event is a birthday celebration, corporate event, award gala or yearly conference, the art of capturing these memories is essential. Each image captured tells part of a larger story, weaving together the various elements of the event into a cohesive and engaging narrative. This not only enhances the overall experience but also ensures that these memories are preserved in a way that is both meaningful and impactful.

Event photography is more than just capturing images - it's about preserving memories and creating a visual narrative that can be cherished for years to come. Moments captured during your personal celebration or corporate event are often filled with raw emotions, genuine interactions, and spontaneous joy, which are fleeting and cannot be recreated. These event photos serve as a timeless reminder of the happiness, laughter, and bonds shared among your guests during these special occasions.

Types of events perfect for professional event photography in Calgary

Event photography spans a wide array of occasions, each with its unique essence and requirements. Weddings are a prime example where photography is indispensable. From the bride's first look to the couple’s first dance, every moment is filled with emotion and significance. Capturing these moments ensures that the couple can relive their special day for years to come.

Corporate events are another area where event photography is highly valued not only by the corporations that host these incredible corporate events but also the guests that are in attendance. Types of corporate events that would benefit from professional event photography often include large scale conferences, product launches, award galas, networking events, book launches, youth summits, and company parties, where the goal is not only to document the event but also to capture the essence of the brand and the energy of the participants. High-quality event images can be used for marketing on their website and social media platforms to share the success of the event but also to promote future events. The event photography documented can also be used for internal communications with staff and clients making these event photos a vital asset for any business.

Personal celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions also benefit from professional event photography services. These events are often filled with spontaneous moments, laughter, and genuine interactions that are priceless and once in a lifetime kind of moments. Capturing these moments by hiring an experienced event photographer ensures that your family memories are not only preserved but can be shared with future generations, strengthening your family bonds. Hiring an event photographer in Calgary also ensures that you can rest easy knowing that your event is being documented by a professional so that you can enjoy and participate in the festivities and be included in the event photos during your event.

Essential gear for event photographers

Choosing the right gear is crucial for any professional event photographer whether you are the lead photographer or a second shooter at an event. A reliable camera is essential when documenting events and while there are numerous options available from full-frame DSLR’s to mirrorless camera options, it is often preferred to go with a camera that offers superior image quality with low-light performance and a lens choice that provides versatility. I myself use the Canon R5 as my primary camera body and the Canon R6 Mark II as my back up camera body. I usually pair these bodies with a versatile zoom lens, specifically the RF24-70mm F2.8L IS USM which is a great all-purpose option that can handle a variety of shooting conditions. My second go to lens is the RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM which is perfect for capturing candid shots and event details from a distance. Other essential gear includes two reliable flashes which is very important for indoor or low-light event photography. I myself you two Profoto A10’s which I have found to be the most reliable and produce the most consistent light when in these low light situations. Additionally, carrying extra batteries for your camera and flashes, high speed memory cards, and a comfortable easy to carry camera bag can ensure that you are prepared for any situation that may arise during the event.

Tips for capturing unforgettable event photos

Capturing unforgettable moments requires a keen eye, quick reflexes, and a deep understanding of human emotions. One of the most effective techniques is to blend into the background and capture candid shots. These unposed moments often reveal the most genuine emotions and interactions, resulting in more authentic and memorable event photography. Understanding the importance of timing is also crucial. Anticipate key moments and position yourself strategically to capture them. This might include the applause during a speech, interaction with the audience during a panel discussion or the laughter and singing during a cake presentation. Being in the right place at the right time can make all the difference in capturing the essence of the event and delivering stunning event photos to your client.

Effective communication with guests when in front of your camera is another important aspect when photographing speaker portraits, group portraits and award winners during any corporate event. Whether it's directing the guests for the group photo or helping someone feel comfortable in front of the camera during an individual speakers portrait, the ability to guide and interact with your clients event guests can significantly impact the quality of your event photography. A friendly and professional demeanor is essential to help put everyone at ease, resulting in more natural and engaging event photos.

How to find the right photographer to photograph your event

Selecting the right event photographer is important to ensure that your personal or corporate event is captured beautifully. Start by researching event photographers in Calgary or the city where you are hosting your event and review their event photography portfolios and past client work. Look for an event photographer that has a style of images that resonates with you and matches the tone of your event. It is important to pay attention to their ability to capture emotions, interactions, and key moments as you will want a variety of images that provide the overall mood and feel of your event.

Meeting in person with potential event photographers you would like to hire can provide valuable insights into their personality and professionalism. Discuss your expectations ahead of time, review the event schedule, and any specific requirements you may have. This meeting can also help you gauge if they have lots of event photography experience and the ability to handle different situations. It is important to consider the photographer's experience and reputation so do ask for references and check their credentials to ensure that they are a qualified professional photographer that has lots experience documenting all sorts of events.

An experienced Calgary event photographer who comes highly recommended is more likely to deliver results that meet your expectations. While these photographers charge professional rates and are more expensive, the professionalism and high quality of your event images will be worth every penny. Quality photographs are an investment that can provide lasting joy and preserve memories for years to come.While it may be tempting to cut costs, opting for a less experienced photographer can result in subpar images that fail to capture the essence of your event. Clear communication and transparency can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that you get the best value for your investment.

I myself am a full time professional event photographer in Calgary with over 14 years documenting all sorts of events. I have also received my event photography Accreditation from the Professional Photographers of Canada which recognizes my event photography imagery as being at a professional standard in the photography industry.

Looking for an event photographer in Calgary for your next event?

Connect with me below and let’s start the conversation!