Guest-generated event albums: building your story, one snap at a time

If you’re planning on hosting an event, whether that’s a wedding, corporate gathering or anything else, you may think the only way to have a decent photographic record of it would be to hire a professional snapper. In fact, the best photographers are often the guests themselves.

Modern smartphones capture moments that may elude the professionals who, after all, can’t be everywhere during every moment. So use guests’ imagery to create a compelling, authentic narrative of the occasion and drive organic engagement. Crucially, this story is as seen through the eyes of those in attendance, and not outsiders.

Using photographic contributions from guests yields numerous benefits, including:

• - Authenticity: You’ll enjoy the candid nature of these shots, which are typically more unguarded and unposed than professional ones. Often, people may not realise they’re being photographed, adding to the images’ natural feel. Or you might get behind-the-scenes glimpses, reflecting the day’s spontaneity and joy. Such content can help you build brand trust and credibility. In some ways, frank, intimate shots like these have greater impact than more polished versions, since they won’t look like they’ve been manipulated to fit your brand’s narrative.
• - It’s cost-effective: Clearly, you’re not paying for a photographer, so guest shots are highly affordable.
• - Engagement: Most people love it when photos that they’ve taken and shared are used, or when they’re pictured themselves. They’ll feel a stronger sense of community and engagement, and more part of the occasion.
• - Versatility: Use your pictures in social media, newsletters or on your website, plus other marketing channels.

• - Create social media-friendly backdrops and photo opportunities: Have visually appealing spaces and props which encourage people to get snapping. Or consider installing a photo booth.
• - Get the best angle: Consider marking spots on the floor or having signs indicating the best spots for taking photos.
• - Have a unique, catchy hashtag: This allows you to track content online. Promote it, urge people to use it and include it on all event materials.
• - Make sharing worthwhile: Reward sharers with discounts or freebies and give prizes for the best photos.
• - Credit where its due: Tag the photographer’s user name, mention their actual name or link to their profile or website.

There are several best practices for curating a visual story with user-generated content:

• - Be mindful of privacy preferences: While most people will be happy for their picture to be used or to be photographed themselves, not everyone necessarily will. Have procedures for protecting privacy and tell people their images may be used – and how. That’s particularly true when in private spaces or with pictures which are not intended for public consumption.
• - Vet images: Have a moderation system to verify that what you’re displaying is appropriate. Give someone specific responsibility for approving pictures so they’re suitable for your audience.
• - Best of both worlds: Combine user-generated and official content to get a mix of authenticity and more formal imagery.
• - Use analytics tools: A tool such as Google Analytics measures your user-generated content’s performance online, and assesses its impact. Monitor things like engagement and conversion rates and social shares.
• - Keep the momentum going: Share user-created photos in follow-up emails and newsletters. You could also have post-event recaps and reels of highlights in which the imagery features – these pictures aren’t just for the day itself. Equally, use great shots, taken by attendees, to promote the same event when it rolls around again next year.
• - Create dedicated areas for user-generated content: Have a particular area of your website with images, comments and testimonials where people can remember and place their thoughts on the event. Also consider displaying your social media feed on your website.
• - Go for quality: Choose shots which are high-resolution and promote a positive, inclusive impression of the occasion.
• - Organising upload: Compile the best user-submitted pictures in a dedicated album on your website or a private web-based gallery, and share a section on your social media platforms. Add branded frames or templates for extra polish. Don’t forget to add engaging captions. During the event, showcase images and capture the spirit of the occasion via a big screen, and encourage guests or attendees to add their own.

Whatever the occasion, having an online gallery with EventsAlbum allows your guests to share photos they’ve taken incredibly easily. It works like this:

• Set up the event via our website in seconds – this creates a QR code for your album.
• Guests or delegates then scan this code, allowing them to upload images without having to create an account or log-in, share personal details or download an app.
• Display the resulting pictures as a rolling gallery; you can vet these in advance.
• Download afterwards – and store an unlimited number of pictures with us securely for up to a year.

View our pricing structure here, and try a free demo. Email [email protected] or give us a call on 01252 958 214 if you have any questions.