A collage of five event photos showing banners, stage setups, and groups of people at what appears to be a formal gathering.

On February 2nd, I was very honored to be the event photographer at the West Volusia Chamber’s 136th Annual Meeting, Installation and President’s Awards at the beautiful Athens Theatre in Downtown DeLand. It is one of the Chamber’s biggest nights of the year, celebrating accomplishments, installing new leadership, and recognizing members who have made a lasting impact on the West Volusia business community. The evening felt formal and polished from the moment you walked in.

 

First impressions at athens theatre

 

Vintage illuminated theater marquee signs glowing at night in a row along a city street.

 

Guests arrived dressed up and looking polished. It felt elevated compared to the Leadership West Volusia graduation I photographed before. I saw a lot of familiar faces from that event, and a few people even recognized me, which meant a lot. Most of the room knew each other in some way since it was a Chamber exclusive event.


The stage setup was simple. There was a table with plaques and certificates ready to be handed out. Janet presented the awards while Mr. Culbertson called honorees up to the stage. There were beautiful floral arrangements on display and a large projector screen for visuals behind them.


The lighting was minimal stage lighting, which meant the room was fairly dim. I had to rely on flash for most of the evening. This was my first time photographing an event like this inside a theater with a high stage and limited space to move around, so it definitely pushed me.

 

Award ceremony presentation with wooden plaques against red curtain backdrop and decorative floral arrangements.
Conference stage with red curtains and presentation slides showing statistics and data metrics on large projection screens.
A vintage camera lens and red rose petals arranged in an artistic flat lay composition against a white background.
Two people stand in front of a corporate event backdrop with Legacy Investors branding and logos.
A group of people standing in front of corporate banners displaying Legacy and AdventHealth logos at a business event.
Professional event photos showing attendees posing in front of branded sponsor walls with company logos and banners.

There was a step and repeat photo spot set up for guests as they arrived. I photographed several attendees in front of the backdrop before the meeting began. This is usually popular at this event since most people dress up, and many look forward to having a professional photo taken.

 

 

Learning in real time

 

 

Event photography moves quickly, and you have to be ready for anything!


I had a roped off row in the audience that I could use when I needed a wide group shot on stage. I also worked from the side of the stage and stood on a short step ladder at times to get closer images of the honorees.


At the very beginning of the event, I had a small moment of panic. I assumed the pledge of allegiance would happen on stage, but the flag presentation took place below the stage at floor level. Everyone stood, and from my designated row I could not see anything.


I made the quick decision to stand on one of the folding seats, which was not a great idea. My foot got stuck, and I had to quietly untangle myself while a kind man behind me helped. I ran to the front and managed to capture a few shots of the flag bearers just in time.


Moments like that remind me that photographing events is about more than just camera settings. It is about understanding flow, positioning yourself well, and thinking ahead. I am still learning that, and I am okay with that.

 

A group of people stand and raise their hands during what appears to be a political or community gathering.
A group of people stand at attention during a patriotic ceremony with American flags displayed in an indoor venue.
A sequence of five photos showing a formal ceremony with American flags and people standing in a dark conference room.

 

The Leadership transition

 

A speaker stands at a wooden podium with red curtains and floral arrangements in the background during a formal event.
Two people in formal attire stand together at an awards ceremony with red curtains and floral decorations in the background.

 

One of the highlights of the evening was the installation of the new Chamber president.


Michael Culbertson officially opened the meeting by striking the gavel. At the end of the night, Adam Samei struck the gavel to close it, marking the transition of leadership.


Mr. Culbertson had served as Board President for the previous year. Mr. Samei shared kind words about his leadership and presented him with a gift to thank him for his service and guidance. It was a meaningful moment and one that felt important to document well.


The Chamber primarily wanted posed photos of the honorees and leadership groups on stage, which I focused on. I also captured the speakers and a few candid moments in between.

 

A group of professionally dressed people stand together on a stage with red curtains and holiday decorations.
People gathered at an event with red curtains and floral arrangements in the background.
A speaker stands at a wooden podium with red curtains and floral arrangements in the background.

 

Installation & President's Awards

 

 

Several businesses and individuals were recognized throughout the night, including Legacy Investors like AdventHealth and Duke Energy.


Some recipients were visibly surprised and excited when their names were called. Even in a structured and formal setting, those genuine reactions stand out. Those are always my favorite moments to photograph.


In addition to the awards, board officers were sworn in on stage, which added another meaningful layer to the evening. It was a reminder that this event is not just about celebration, but also about responsibility and leadership moving forward.


At the very end of the meeting, there was a large ribbon cutting ceremony to symbolize the beginning of the Chamber’s 136th year. It was a strong visual moment and a fitting way to close out the formal portion of the night before everyone headed to the mixer.

 

Three people in formal attire stand together at an awards ceremony with red curtain backdrop and floral decorations.
Two people stand near floral arrangements with red curtains in the background during an indoor event.
A group of people standing together at a formal event with red curtains and floral arrangements in the background.
Three people in formal attire stand together on a stage with red curtains and floral decorations in the background.
People standing together on a red carpeted stage during what appears to be a formal event or ceremony.
A large group of people in formal attire stand on stage during what appears to be an annual meeting or ceremony.
A speaker in a dark sparkly dress delivers remarks at a wooden podium with floral decorations against red curtains.
A speaker stands at a podium on stage with red curtains and illuminated text display during an annual meeting.
Business conference attendees gather on stage during an awards ceremony with red curtain backdrop and projection screens.

 

Mixer at Venue 142

 

People dancing and having fun at what appears to be a party or social gathering in an indoor venue with brick walls.

After the ceremony, everyone walked a short distance to Venue 142 for a mixer.


The energy completely shifted. It felt relaxed and casual. People were mingling, snacking, and enjoying drinks. The Chamber did not require a lot of coverage at the mixer, just enough to show that it happened, but I ended up taking several photos because people were having a great time.


At one point, I was holding my camera in one hand and a drink in the other. That is when you know the night has settled into something more laid back.


The DJ, DJ Edwin from WSE DJs, kept the energy high. The Chamber loved him and gave him credit for keeping the room lively throughout the evening. If you are local and looking for a DJ, you can find them on Instagram at @wsedjs.

A DJ stands behind black equipment setup against an exposed brick wall with mood lighting.
People gather in a dimly lit event space with round tables and hanging pendant lights creating an intimate atmosphere.
A group of people stand together in a line at a business event against a brick wall background.
A collage of people sitting at tables in a dimly lit bar or restaurant setting.
A couple smiles together at an evening event, with the person in a navy checkered suit and another in dark attire.
Three people sit together at a table during an evening event with brick walls and curtains visible in the background.
Black and white halftone pattern creates abstract portraits and silhouettes in a repeating artistic design.
A group of people pose together at a nighttime social gathering or event.
Three people in formal winter coats pose together at a dimly lit evening event.
A group of people in formal attire gathered at an indoor event space with brick walls and dark lighting.

 

Growing through experience

 

A series of black and white photo booth style images showing people posing and making peace signs.

 

It felt really good to be trusted by the Chamber again. They enjoyed the photos from the Leadership West Volusia graduation, and I was grateful they wanted me back for this event. I have since been booked for a few more Chamber events this year, which I am excited about.


This event pushed me technically in a few ways. Photographing in a dim theater with limited movement required me to stay very aware of lighting and positioning throughout the evening. Event photography requires quick thinking and adaptability, and experiences like this help me continue refining my approach.


I am still building consistency as an event photographer, especially since I am not shooting as frequently as I did when I was in college. I know that improvement comes from experience, and the more events I photograph, the more prepared and confident I become.


Every event teaches me something new.


I am proud of the work I delivered, and I am looking forward to continuing to grow in this space.

 

 

If you are hosting a corporate, nonprofit, or community event in West Volusia and need coverage, I would love to connect.

 

Contact me