A retirement party sits between a work event and a family celebration, and the photography should honor both sides. For most people this is the only time their colleagues of thirty years and their grandchildren are in the same room. Photograph that.
The groupings that matter
- The guest of honor with their immediate family
- The guest of honor with their team or department
- Old colleagues who traveled in — grab these early, they leave first
- The guest of honor with their manager or the person who hired them, if present
- Any ‘then and now’ pairings the office has set up
Speeches and the gift
There is always a speech, usually several, and they run long and funny. Get in close with a fast lens for the speaker and, just as importantly, for the guest of honor’s reactions. The hand-over of the gift or the framed something-or-other is the photo the family frames — be in position for it, not caught reloading.
A quick portrait
Pull the guest of honor aside for a two-minute portrait. Many people have not had a decent photograph of themselves taken in years. It costs nothing and it’s often the frame that ends up on the mantel.
Deliver something shareable fast
Colleagues will want to post and email a few shots within a day or two. We can send a small set of web-ready favorites quickly, with the full edited gallery to follow.
Frequently asked questions
Is two hours enough?
Can you photograph at the office instead of a restaurant?
Sending someone off after a long career? Tell us where and when. Check your date and we’ll cover the colleagues, the family and the speeches.