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.

When your organization launches a brand-new event, capturing the right visuals from day one is key to building momentum for future marketing campaigns. Recently, we had the opportunity to photograph EW Community Day, an event designed to bring the community together for a day of fun, learning, and engagement. Besides documenting the day, the goal was to create a library of marketing ready images that could be used to promote future events and show the value of attending future events.

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.

I was on site to photograph an exciting event for Piramal Pharma Solutions as they announced a new partnership with NewAmsterdam Pharma Corporation. The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated a major investment in a dedicated manufacturing site at their Sellersville, PA location. This new space will help support global production of a key cardiovascular treatment. Who knew such incredible work was going on in our little neck of the woods??

I have been working with the Center for Loss and Bereavement for a few years now, and I love supporting their mission any way that I can. In April they held their 5th Annual Strides of Hope 5K at Heebner Park in Worcester, PA. This event raised funds and awareness for grief support services at the Center and brought together the community to remember loved ones. The day was filled with hope, healing, and connection.

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.

Recently I had the opportunity to photograph a community event hosted by Main Line Health and local emergency services: the launch of the Delaware County Overdose Response Team. This new initiative brings together police, EMTs, and peer recovery specialists to provide immediate support and resources to individuals in the aftermath of an overdose.