Corporate Event Photography: SEABOTA Annual Meeting

I love being an event photographer, and that means any sort of event, honestly! Corporate event photography, press releases, festivals, small weddings, family reunions, you name it.

There's just something so special about walking into any gathering and telling that story in the most visually captivating and creative way you can come up with. It can absolutely be a challenge, but what a fun way to spend your workday.

Last weekend was a conference photography job that's been over a year in the making, thanks to the pandemic. The Southeastern Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates, more familiarly known as SEABOTA, provides "a consolidated voice in matters of importance to the legal profession in our region" and maintains the goal of "preserving the Seventh Amendment and the enhancement of the honor of our noble profession through our ideals of professionalism and civility in the practice of law." This year's annual meeting (finally) took place in Destin, Florida at the stunning Henderson Resort.

I've been privileged to photograph three of SEABOTA's annual meetings now, and they've been a delight each time. I've been their corporate event photographer in Charleston, Durham, and now Destin, and I lovingly refer to SEABOTA as "my favorite lawyers," which says something since I grew up surrounded by attorneys!

Corporate event photography by Reese Moore Photography

The beautiful thing about the SEABOTA meetings, other than the warm and welcoming people, is how the intensive speaking portions of the conference are paired with relaxing, approachable activities.

And, selfishly, I love being a fly on the wall during the lectures. When else would I ever get to hear Judge Herbert Phipps' account of eating fried chicken in jail with Dr. Martin Luther King? Or learn about the dangers of vaping from a toxicologist? Or hear reporter Joshua Sharpe's firsthand account of his investigation into the Swain murders, which ultimately freed Dennis Perry after 20 years behind bars?

Each presentation is always thought-provoking and intense, even for the lone event photographer in a room full of legal professionals! So, it's a lovely counterpoint to step out into the warm sea breezes for a cocktail hour on the patio or cheeseboard tutorial, to duck into a bourbon tasting (twist my arm, y'all), or relax at a football game watch.

It also never hurts when a conference is set against a stunning backdrop, like the Henderson Resort's white sand beaches and clear water. I know my husband and I had a blast during my breaks, and there's no other poolside cabana I'd rather use as an editing office... though I'm absolutely willing to be persuaded if anyone else has a beach-front conference they'd like photographed!

A heartfelt thank you to SEABOTA for having me back again this year, to Sarah Wahlert for all her hard work putting together this year's meeting, and to the members for making me feel so welcomed and appreciated. It was a pleasure to capture your experience!