I am planning the week ahead and I am so delighted that I am back at this incredible London Events Venue – on this occasion not for one, but two nights as the Awards Photographer of choice at Tobacco Dock London, situated in the neighbourhood of Wapping, London.
Tobacco Dock is an incredibly versatile venue, where I have photographed previously not just Award Dinners but Conferences, Consumer Shows, Drinks receptions, parties and Trade Shows. Every single time this venue is truly a great fit. The Grade I listed warehouse is regularly used for large corporate and commercial events. Its multiple indoor and outdoor spaces are full or character and offer incredible backdrops for a London Event Photographer.
Tobacco Dock – Awards Dinner
So this week I am back at Tobacco Dock for two nights in a row as their London Awards Photographer of choice for the Best Workplaces Awards – UK’s Best Workplaces Awards 2023, that recognises and celebrates great employers and high-trust, high-performing organisations and brands. So you might be wondering, why two consecutive evenings? Well there are so many Great Places to Work in the UK that on the first evening they celebrate the Small and Large Organisations, and on the second evening the Medium and Super Large ones – I will be there to capture everything in all its glory with my event photography.
I have photographed these Awards in previous years and as an Awards Photographer the best feedback you can receive is that they want you on board again! You can see the full gallery of my previous take on these particular Awards here
London Awards Photographer – Tobacco Dock
So the evening starts with the guests arriving to the venue by the Dock entrance, and this makes great arrival photographs. The guests walk along the statement cobblestone drive and there is the view of The Three Sisters – a 330 tone trade ship (I mean, this is very unique for a venue in the heart of London isn’t it?)
The Tobacco Dock warehouse has a courtyard where guests can enjoy the reception drinks (weather allowing) or alternatively there are plenty of spaces to enjoy a sheltered drinks reception to warm up.
Guests were welcomed with some refreshing bubbles
The drinks reception is a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues and also to network and connect with one another in a more relaxed setting. As a photographer my role during the drinks reception is to capture the atmosphere and interaction between attendees.
I focus on taking candid shots of guests as they chat and mingle with one another, their expression and the laughter.
One of the challenges of photographing a networking drinks reception is to capture the energy and excitement of the event without disrupting the natural flow of conversations. I strive to be as unobtrusive as possible, using natural light and taking candid shots from a distance to ensure that guests feel comfortable and at ease.
But now it’s time for the guests to head to dinner (and I will be capturing that too!)
London Awards Dinner Photographer at Tobacco Dock
The venue can accommodate up to 800 dining guests in The Great Gallery with plenty of other capacities to suit smaller events.
As a photographer, my job was to capture the essence of the event. I worked tirelessly to document every significant moment, from the reactions of the nominees to the cheers of their colleagues. I also took candid shots of the guests as they enjoyed the delicious food and drinks.
One of the highlights of the evening was the award presentation by the incredibly witty British Comedian Tom Allen
Tom Allen was accompanied by Chris Turner with his rappid freestyle raps that got the audience truly laughing out loud.
BUt now to the main bit: The Awards! It was inspiring to see so many companies and organizations recognized for their dedication to creating a positive and supportive workplace culture. The atmosphere was electric as the winners were announced, and the cheers and applause were deafening.
After the awards ceremony, the guests continued to celebrate the winners and network with one another. The atmosphere was relaxed, with music, drinks, and laughter. It was a great opportunity to capture candid shots of the guests as they enjoyed the evening.
Overall, the Great Places to Work Awards Dinner at the Tobacco Dock in London was a fantastic event, and I felt honored to be a part of it. As a photographer, it was a privilege to be able to document such an important event and to capture the joy and excitement of the winners and guests. The venue provided the perfect backdrop for the ceremony, and I can’t wait to be back at this iconic venue to photograph once again The Best Workplaces Awards in their 2023 edition.
