Why It Is Time To Rethink The Traditional Table Shot

by | Mar 23, 2026 | Awards, Commercial photography, Events, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Laurence DeLallio sat with Sean Holley and another English Rugby Player sat on stools speaking at a corporate event

Why It Is Time To Rethink The Traditional Table Shot

As an event photographer in South Wales, my goal is always to capture the energy, the elegance, and the genuine connections that make your occasion special. Whether I am documenting a corporate gala in Cardiff city centre, a charity fundraiser in Swansea, or a black-tie awards ceremony in the Vale of Glamorgan, many clients include a request for table shots in their initial brief.

The logic is sound: you want to ensure that every single VIP and guest is documented. However, in professional practice, the formal table group is often the most difficult and least flattering shot to capture. Here is why I often recommend moving away from this tradition in favour of more authentic alternatives.

The Problem With Posing At The Table

While the intention is to be inclusive, the execution of table shots faces several practical hurdles that can impact the quality of your event gallery:

  • The Disruption: To get a clear photo of everyone at a round table, guests usually have to stop their conversation, stand up, or awkwardly lean in while clutching their napkins. It interrupts the natural flow of the networking or dinner and can feel like a chore for your attendees.

  • The Clutter: Even the most beautiful tablescapes look different once dinner begins. Half finished glasses, used cutlery, and bread baskets become the focal point of the foreground. These elements are impossible to crop out and often distract from the professional polish of the frame.

  • Unflattering Light: Many of our stunning South Wales event venues, from historic halls to modern hotel ballrooms, have complex lighting. When a group huddles together around a table, it creates harsh shadows and makes it difficult to ensure every executive or guest is lit evenly.

Better Alternatives For Your Gallery

If the goal is to provide evidence of attendance for stakeholders or sponsors, there are far more sophisticated ways to achieve this without the awkwardness of a formal table photo:

Candid Drinks Reception Coverage: The best time to photograph your guests is during the drinks reception. Whether you are at a waterfront venue in Cardiff Bay or a conference centre in Newport, people look their best when they are standing, relaxed, and engaging with others.

Strategic Awards Groupings: If there are specific teams or award winners who need a photo together, catching them in a dedicated media area or near the stage results in a much cleaner, more professional portrait.

The Atmosphere Shot: A well timed wide angle shot of the room during the keynote or a toast captures the scale of the event and everyone in attendance without making them “perform” for the camera.

Professional Event Photography In South Wales

Ultimately, your event gallery should tell a story of success and high level networking. By skipping the impractical table shots, we create more space for the candid, fleeting moments that truly reflect the prestige of the evening.

If you are looking for an event photographer in Cardiff, Newport, or Swansea who prioritises genuine moments over forced poses, I would love to chat about your upcoming project.

Let’s Plan Your Next Event

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