Case Study: Portraits at the Big Sisters Soirée 2025
Empowering the Community and Capturing Bold Professional Images at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver
I had the privilege of creating portraits at the Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland’s Soirée 2025, a glamorous evening of mentorship, connection, and community at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. The event celebrated 65 years of empowering young women through mentorship and raised over $700,000 to support the Big Sisters’ programs. (Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland)
As a photographer, I see events like this as more than just a celebration. They are opportunities to tell a story visually. In this case study, I’ll share how my portraits at the Big Sisters Soirée 2025 helped elevate the event experience and why portraits are becoming one of the most valuable event activations for modern galas and corporate gatherings.
The Event in a Snapshot
The Big Sisters Soirée 2025 was held at Vancouver’s stunning Westin Bayshore, one of the city’s most iconic waterfront venues. Guests arrived in full gala attire—dressed to the nines—for a night of impact and inspiration.
The evening featured a premium live and silent auction, heartfelt mentorship stories, and an energetic dance floor that capped off the celebration. A highlight of the night came when Haleluya, a participant in the Study Buddy Mentorship Program, shared how her mentor helped shape her confidence and future. Her story captured the true essence of what Big Sisters is all about: connection, guidance, and growth.
Meanwhile, in the cocktail lounge, I set up my event portraits photo booth, a place where guests could step into the light, strike a pose, and walk away with a bold, professional image that captured their confidence and personality.
Why Portraits Mattered
More than ever, people crave real experiences. They want to connect in person, celebrate together, and walk away with something tangible. That’s why an event portrait photo booth has become one of the most valuable event activations.
Unlike a typical selfie booth, a portrait station delivers something lasting, images that look and feel professional. Guests at an event like the Big Sisters Soirée 2025 expect photography that reflects the quality and purpose of the evening. My setup complemented the event’s existing selfie booth rather than competing with it. Both activations worked together to provide guests with a mix of fun, candid, and editorial-style imagery that reflected the spirit of the night.
Furthermore, portraits create lasting value for organizers. The Big Sisters team now has a gallery of authentic, high-quality photos that can be used in newsletters, annual reports, sponsorship decks, and social-media content for years to come.
Most importantly, a portrait booth adds energy to the room. Guests stop, chat, laugh, and connect—creating moments of joy that reflect the spirit of the event itself. Even though each portrait session lasted only 30 seconds, we shared genuine conversations and a lot of laughs. As a result, I photographed over 60 individuals and groups in just 90 minutes, and every single person walked away smiling.
How I Executed the Portrait Experience
Lighting and Backdrop
To align with the elegant tone of the Soirée, I chose a hand-painted dark grey canvas backdrop paired with Rembrandt-inspired lighting. This timeless combination produced a sophisticated look—flattering yet bold, perfect for an upscale evening event.
Speed and Efficiency
Because the portrait station was open only during cocktail hour, efficiency was key. Each session was quick—about 30 seconds per person or group—but still personal. My process usually starts with a warm, “Hi, I’m Rob—how are you tonight?” From there, I give light posing direction to help guests feel comfortable and confident before capturing a few strong frames.
Real-Time Preview and Instant Delivery
I tether my camera directly to a laptop so guests can see their portraits immediately. This not only adds excitement but also builds trust in the process. Moments later, attendees receive their image right in their inbox, ready to post, share, or print.
Brand Alignment
Every detail of the booth reflected the Big Sisters brand: professional, confident, warm, and inclusive. From lighting and backdrop to how I greeted each guest, the tone stayed consistent with the organization’s mission of empowerment and belonging.
Post-Event Delivery
After the event, I curated the portraits and provided the Big Sisters team with ready-to-use files along with suggested social-media captions and tagging options. This follow-up ensured the portraits continued to provide value long after the lights dimmed at the Westin Bayshore.
What Made It Successful
1. Location, Location, Location
My portrait booth was positioned at the heart of the cocktail lounge, visible to everyone. Guests could see others having fun and naturally wanted to join in. When it comes to event photography, visibility drives participation. In contrast, placing a photo booth in a separate room often limits engagement—out of sight, out of mind.
2. Simplicity Wins
A simple setup—clean backdrop, excellent lighting, and efficient workflow—kept the line moving while maintaining high quality. Each session lasted only half a minute, yet the results looked like full studio portraits. In event photography, overcomplication kills flow; simplicity keeps things sharp and enjoyable.
3. Make It Comfortable and Fun
My goal is always to make people feel at ease in front of the camera. I guide every guest through posing and expression, making the experience lighthearted and human. One guest left this five-star Google review after the event:
“Not only is he super talented behind the camera, but he also made the whole process fun and relaxed.”
That’s exactly the experience I aim to deliver—professional results with a friendly, easygoing approach.
4. Ensure Brand Alignment
The portraits reflected the tone of the event: inclusive, vibrant, and elegant. For the Big Sisters Soirée 2025, that meant emphasizing empowerment, leadership, and authenticity. Each photo felt true to the energy of the night.
If I were photographing a corporate event headshot booth, the aesthetic would shift toward polished LinkedIn-ready portraits. The key is always aligning visuals with brand identity.
5. Turn Images into Assets
Instant digital delivery meant guests walked away with new, high-quality content to use immediately. For the organizers, these portraits became a library of brand assets. One attendee shared another five-star review afterward:
“Wonderful with me and my daughter – knows how to make kids feel comfortable and gets great shots.”
That kind of feedback shows how great photography goes beyond logistics—it builds connection and trust.
The Results
The portraits not only complemented the elegance of the Soirée but also created a lasting visual impact. Guests were excited to share their professional images online, which organically amplified the Big Sisters brand long after the event ended.
In addition, the $700,000 raised that night highlighted the depth of community engagement. While photography can’t take credit for the fundraising total, it undeniably contributes to how the event is remembered and shared. Strong visuals strengthen brand reputation, which ultimately supports future campaigns and partnerships.
Hearing stories like Haleluya’s reminds me why this work matters. Photography captures those intangible values—confidence, belonging, and leadership—in a way words alone can’t.
On a personal note, this project reaffirmed why I love blending corporate professionalism with creativity. My early years as a skateboard photographer taught me to move fast, stay flexible, and think creatively under pressure—all of which came in handy during this high-paced 90-minute portrait session.
Would You Like This for Your Next Event?
If you’re planning an event in Vancouver—whether a fundraising gala, corporate leadership retreat, or brand-moment celebration—and you want bold, professional portraits that tell your story, then let’s chat.
What’s your vision for the portraits? Who are your key people? How many guests do you expect, and what’s your timeline?
Email me at rob@robtrendiak.com or visit my Vancouver Event Headshot Photo Booth page to see how we can build something memorable together.
