The Brewery in London is a sought-after venue that combines historic charm with modern functionality, making it an exceptional setting for awards events. From glittering ceremonies to heartfelt speeches, photographing awards events here offers countless opportunities to capture unforgettable moments. Having photographed numerous awards events at The Brewery I’ve experienced first hand what makes this venue both a photographer’s delight and a rewarding challenge.
This blog is purely my experience and not funded in any way.
I use a mix of Lightroom and Photoshop for my editing. An Awards Event, like many events is a two part process. Taking the picture then processing it to look it's very beat.
The new Develop module in Lightroom is a massive improvement, especially the de-noise. It means you can shoot very high iso which would normally give incredibly grainy pictures. Now lightroom's de-noise can make shooting in near darkness possible. It important to shoot at the correct exposure. Underexpose a tiny bit to to capture the highlights as the noise is in the shadows and not the highlights.
One awards event that I particularly enjoy is the KBBFocus Awards. From the start, the event was buzzing with excitement. Guests arrive with the Brewery’s facade beautifully illuminated. As people entered, there is an air of anticipation that is incredibly inspiring to photograph.
During the presentations, I capture the genuine emotions of winners as they step onto the stage, with the dramatic lighting of the Porter Tun Room accentuating their expressions. The bright follow spots contrast beautifully with the soft, ambient light, creating dramatic compositions. Later, candid shots of attendees laughing, networking, and celebrating fill my memory card, each image telling a story of success and connection. The KBBFocus Awards are a much anticipated event within the KBB (Kitchen, Bathrooms and Bedrooms) world as as Christmas draws close. As much a party for the Industry as an Awards event. The drinks are flowing and the laughter loud. Especially when the A lister comedians are on stage. I love the event for the quality of the production, the talent on stage, and the warmth from the guests.
Photographing awards events at The Brewery in London is a gift to a photographer. The venue’s rich history, versatile spaces, and dynamic lighting provide a rewarding ambience for the pictures. Overcoming challenges like mixed lighting conditions and tight schedules only adds to the sense of accomplishment. For any photographer, capturing these milestones is both a technical achievement and a creative privilege. Events like the KBBFocus Awards showcase not just the venue’s grandeur but the vibrancy and joy of awards ceremonies. Being part of these celebrations, camera in hand, is truly unforgettable.