Client: Can We Talk
Capturing the Essence of Feedback: Photographing Georgia Murch’s “Can We Talk” Series
Working with ‘Can We Talk’ to document Georgia Murch’s insightful talks on the importance of feedback in the workplace has been an incredible experience. Held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground convention rooms during Adairs’ 2023 roadshow, this series of talks offered a unique opportunity to capture the dynamic interaction between Georgia and the company executives. In this blog post, I’ll share the photographic techniques used to showcase these engaging sessions, highlighting crowd interaction, expressive interest, and storytelling through shot selection.
Understanding the Event’s Atmosphere
Before the shoot, it was vital to grasp the essence of Georgia Murch’s message and the event’s atmosphere. Georgia’s talks focus on fostering open communication and constructive feedback in the workplace. This understanding guided our approach to capturing images that reflect the importance of these topics and the engagement of the audience.
Showcasing Crowd Interaction
One of the key elements to capture was the interaction between Georgia and her audience. To achieve this, we used a combination of wide-angle shots and close-ups. Wide-angle shots of the audience provided a sense of the scale and energy of the event, while close-ups of individuals reacting to Georgia’s points showcased the personal impact of her message. Capturing moments of laughter, thoughtful expressions, and spontaneous applause helped in portraying the lively and interactive nature of the talks.
Highlighting Expressive Interest
To highlight the audience’s interest and engagement, it was essential to focus on their expressions. By positioning the camera at various angles around the room, we were able to capture genuine reactions from different perspectives. Shots of executives leaning forward, nodding in agreement, and taking notes conveyed their active participation and the value they found in Georgia’s insights.
Telling a Story Through Shot Selection
Effective storytelling through photography was a crucial aspect of this project. We aimed to create a visual narrative that would take viewers through the entire event, from the anticipation before Georgia’s arrival to the final round of applause. Key moments included:
• Arrival and Setup: Capturing the venue setup, and Georgia’s preparation helped set the stage.
• Opening Remarks: Photos of Georgia’s initial address and the audience settling in provided a sense of beginning.
• Interactive Sessions: Images of Georgia engaging with the audience, asking questions, and facilitating discussions showcased the interactive nature of the talk.
• Key Points and Reactions: Highlighting moments when Georgia emphasized critical points and the audience’s reactions helped in illustrating the impact of her words.
• Closing and Networking: Photos of the closing remarks, final applause, and post-talk networking captured the event’s conclusion and the ongoing conversations inspired by the session.
Making the Most of Available Light
The Melbourne Cricket Ground convention rooms offered a mix of lighting conditions that added depth to the images. The available light included natural light filtered through the large windows, stage lighting, and light from projector screens. These elements combined to create a dynamic and visually appealing atmosphere. By balancing these different light sources, we were able to highlight key moments and expressions effectively.
Conclusion
Photographing Georgia Murch’s “Can We Talk” series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was a fantastic opportunity to capture the essence of her powerful message on workplace feedback. By focusing on crowd interaction, expressive interest, and storytelling through shot selection, we created a visual narrative that reflects the dynamic and impactful nature of the event. This project underscored the importance of thoughtful photography in telling a story and capturing the spirit of a live event.
