When you invest in hosting an event, whether it’s a conference, gala, fundraiser, retreat, or company celebration, you’re doing a lot more than just having a party. When you host these events, you’re creating an opportunity to tell a story, market your brand, and create a  connection with your audience. Professional photography turns these moments into marketing assets that you can use long after the event is over.

At Melissa Kelly Photography, my team and I help organizations capture the energy, emotion, and intentionality behind your events so you can leverage those photos across platforms year-round. Here’s why professional event photography delivers such a strong ROI.

Back in October, I had the chance to photograph “Contested Frames: Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples Confronting the Colonial Gaze” at the Temple Anthropology Lab & Museum. It was one of those projects that stays with you long after you pack up your gear.

The campus of Holy Family University came alive as the institution officially launched its new campaign, “Bold Vision: Empowering Futures. Transforming Lives.

Widener University Homecoming weekend is always a good time! Last year we had picture perfect weather, so we were due for a little drizzle this year (while inconvenient for the event, made for some memorable photos)! This year, MKP team member, Theresa, ran with the show and did an amazing job capturing every event across campus, both big and small. I’m so thankful for the incredible team I’ve assembled over the years. Their professionalism makes sure every client experiences the same high-quality photography we’re known for.

The transition to corporate work wasn't something I planned in the early days of MKP. (If I’m honest, I’m really not much of a planner, I’m more of a “recognize your opportunities and seize them” kind of gal.) It happened gradually as I began exploring what else my photography could accomplish beyond documenting life's big moments. It didn’t take long to I realize that the skills I was using while shooting weddings and portraits had many more applications than I imagined.

Last month, the Drexel Dragons traded textbooks for paddles as students from LeBow College of Business’s Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program took to the river for a day of dragon boat racing.

It’s probably true that most people don’t get excited about annual reports. But they can be exciting, especially when they are telling a real story - and great photography is one of the best ways to deliver that message.

Whether you’re wrapping up a big year or sharing your organization’s long-term impact, your visuals can do more than just “fill space” between the numbers. Here’s how to make your annual report photography feel intentional, human, and story-driven.

Spent some time with the students and teachers at St. John’s Prep for some branding photo updates. We were there in the Fall, but smart marketing professionals know that a new season = new photos!

Saint John’s Prep is just outside of Boston and has a beautiful 175 acre campus for their 1,400+ middle and high school students. I always love being able to tell a school’s community story through photos.

But also, how has it been 18 years? Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way and a few favorites from our whirlwind of a May so far.