Celebrity Event Photographer Montreal
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of photographing an Evening With Dr Zahi Hawass, an event organised by Archaeological Paths at one of Montreal’s premiere event venues, the Palais des Congres.
Dr. Hawass is a celebrity in the world of archaeology and one of the most recognisable Egyptologists of his generation. A former Minister of Antiquities in Egypt, he has played a prominent role in archaeological research and public education, and has been involved in some of Egypt’s most significant archaeological discoveries and investigations. He is particularly well known for his work on the pyramids and ancient Egyptian mummies, including pioneering the use of modern scanning technology to learn more about the lives and deaths of the Pharaohs.
For the audience in Montreal, the evening offered a rare opportunity to hear Dr. Hawass speak in person about his work and his experiences as an archaeologist. Attendees were treated to a presentation followed by a book signing, giving me the opportunity to photograph both the formal aspects of the event and the interactions between Dr. Hawass and his audience.
Photographing a high-profile speaker or celebrity at a live event presents a particular set of challenges. The photographer needs to capture the important moments—the presentation, audience reactions, portraits, and interactions—while working unobtrusively and without distracting from the experience of the attendees.
As a celebrity event photographer in Montreal, I aim to produce more than straightforward record shots. The photographs should communicate the atmosphere of the occasion and give the client a useful collection of images for social media, publicity, marketing, editorial use, and future promotion. Candid moments between the guest and audience can be just as valuable as photographs from the stage.
Thank you to the Archaeological Paths team for trusting me with the assignment. It was a real pleasure to photograph an evening devoted to one of the world’s most intriguing ancient civilisations—and one of its most entertaining modern-day ambassadors.