CAST Academy · For partners
Photos that sell your work
Clients decide with their eyes first. Before they read your description or your reviews, they look at your photos. Good photos don't need an expensive camera. They need the right moments, good light and a little care.
Show real work
Use photos of events you actually did. Clients can often tell when a photo is a stock image or copied from someone else, and it makes them doubt everything else on your profile.
If you're just starting and have few events, a smaller set of real photos is better than a big set of borrowed ones.
Take photos before guests arrive
The best time to photograph your work is right after setup, before guests come in. The tables are perfect, the space is clean and nobody is blocking the view.
Make it a habit: once setup is done, take five minutes to photograph your work.
Use good light
- Natural light is best. Shoot near windows or outdoors during the day.
- Avoid harsh direct sunlight at midday; it creates strong shadows.
- Indoors at night, turn on all available lights and hold your phone steady.
- Avoid flash when you can; it flattens colors and details.
Show the whole and the details
For each event, try to capture:
- A wide shot showing the full space or setup
- A medium shot of a key area, like the stage, buffet or a guest table
- Close-ups of details: plating, flowers, fabrics, lettering, finishing
Together, these tell clients what it feels like to be there and how much care goes into your work.
Keep it clean
- Remove clutter, boxes, bags and cables from the frame.
- Straighten tablecloths and chairs.
- Hold your phone level so lines don't look tilted.
- Wipe your phone camera lens. It sounds simple, but it makes a big difference.
Light editing only
Adjust brightness and straighten the photo if needed. Avoid heavy filters or editing that changes colors. Clients need to see what they'll actually get; a photo that looks very different from reality leads to disappointment.
Ask for consent
Not every photo from an event is yours to share.
- Ask your client before posting photos from their event, especially photos with their family or guests in them. Many clients are happy to say yes, but some prefer privacy.
- Be extra careful with photos of children. Ask the parents, or choose photos where children can't be identified.
- Credit and permission for other people's photos. If a photographer took the photo, ask their permission before using it, and credit them if they ask.
- When in doubt, use photos of the setup without people.
It's a good idea to include a simple photo-use clause in your contract, so clients can agree upfront.
Choose and update your best
You don't need every photo on your profile. Choose your best: a mix of event types, styles and sizes that shows your range. Lead with your strongest photo; it's the one most clients will see first.
Add new photos every few months. A recently updated profile tells clients you're active and in demand.
Quick checklist
- Only real photos of your own work
- Photographed right after setup, before guests arrive
- Wide shots, medium shots and details
- Good light, no clutter, phone held level
- Client consent for photos with people
- Strongest photo first, profile updated every few months
In CAST: update your photos in My profile → Edit profile.