Headshots Vancouver BC – Event Headshot Photo Booth at FTR LNK
How Fairmont Pacific Rim Elevated the Student Experience with Professional Headshots at the SFT LNK event.
When you think about an Event Headshot Photo Booth, you might picture corporate executives in a boardroom or a high-end conference filled with established professionals. However, this case study focuses on something completely different. It centres on hospitality students, early career momentum, and a sponsor who wanted to give them an opportunity most people simply do not receive at the beginning of their professional lives.
Earlier this month, I brought my Event Headshot Photo Booth to FTR LNK, an industry networking event created by Partners in Tourism and hosted at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver. Over three hours, I photographed 120 students. That pace works out to one new portrait every ninety seconds, which kept the room moving and the energy high. Although it was intense, the outcome was absolutely worth it.
Thanks to Fairmont Pacific Rim, every student received a complimentary headshot. Their sponsorship genuinely elevated the entire experience.
Kayla from Fairmont said this about the event headshot photo booth at the FTR LNK event:
Having you at FTR LNK this time really elevated the experience. Thank you, Rob.
This article takes you behind the scenes of the day, explains why it mattered, and shows how a simple headshot booth became one of the most valuable features of the event.

Why a Headshot Matters for Hospitality Students
A headshot is often the very first piece of someone’s personal brand. Before a resume is polished or references are lined up, people need an image that represents them professionally. It appears on LinkedIn, on email signatures, and anywhere someone searches their name. Because of that, the quality of a headshot can influence how a student is perceived long before they speak to a hiring manager.
However, students rarely have access to the type of professional portraits they actually need. Budgets are tight. Gear is expensive. Great photography typically caters to established professionals. As a result, many students enter the industry with photos that do not match their potential.
That is why the Fairmont Pacific Rim sponsorship made such a meaningful difference. Rather than leaving students to figure it out on their own, the event provided something they could immediately use to strengthen their presence online.
If you want to see how my booth typically works, you can find an overview here:
https://www.robtrendiak.com/vancouver-event-headshot-photo-booth/
Event Overview
Here is a quick snapshot of the day.
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Hosted by FTR LNK in partnership with Partners in Tourism
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Sponsored by Fairmont Pacific Rim
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Located at the Sheraton Wall Centre
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Three hours of nonstop portraits
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One hundred and twenty headshots delivered instantly to each participant’s email
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Students from tourism, hospitality, and hotel management programs
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Built around learning, networking, and early career support
The room blended excitement with professionalism. Students were dressed sharply. Some brought their classmates for support. Others confessed that this was their first high quality photo. Throughout the day, I heard over and over again
I have been wanting to update my LinkedIn photo for so long.
Those moments seem small, yet they carry real weight.



What It Takes to Photograph 120 People in 3 Hours
High-volume headshot days have their own specific rhythm. Once the lighting is set and the backdrop is dialed in, everything moves in a controlled flow. Because consistency is essential, I use my signature Vancouver lighting style that creates a clean, sharp, professional look without feeling stiff or overly formal.
Each person receives clear guidance the second they step toward the camera.
Relax the shoulders.
Turn slightly.
Bring the chin forward a touch.
Hold a soft smile.
Simple direction helps people feel comfortable almost instantly. As the session continues, the energy builds. Students cheer one another on, compare photos, and encourage their friends to step into the booth. Consequently, the sponsor sees the value unfolding in real time.
This is exactly why an Event Headshot Photo Booth adds so much life to a conference.
The Role Fairmont Pacific Rim Played
Fairmont Pacific Rim has long been a leader in Vancouver’s hospitality scene, and their involvement at FTR LNK demonstrated that commitment again.
Their sponsorship was not just a nice extra. Instead, it made a strategic statement. The hospitality students at FTR LNK will become future concierge teams, event planners, front desk managers, chefs, sales professionals, and hotel executives. Supporting them during their education sends a powerful message.
Throughout the event, countless students expressed their appreciation for Fairmont’s support. They felt seen, valued, and encouraged. That type of goodwill has a long-lasting impact.
Why Quality Headshots Matter in Hospitality
I have spent more than two decades photographing headshots across Vancouver. With that background, I can confidently say that a high-quality portrait makes a significant difference, especially in hospitality. Presentation, body language, and first impressions matter. Managers and recruiters notice professionalism instantly.
When students update their LinkedIn profile with a polished, well-lit image, they stand out and look prepared. I remember one conversation with a student who wanted to appear more serious. He wanted to be front of the house and my advice was to be more approachable in his headshot becasue he would be dealing with clients. These small details make all the difference in your headshots.
Because millions of low-quality profile photos exist online, a strong headshot cuts through the noise. At FTR LNK, you could see students recognise their potential in real time. Their posture shifted. Their confidence grew. That immediate impact is exactly why this work never gets old.
Why This Event Headshot Photo Booth Worked So Well
Every event has one feature that draws people in. At FTR LNK, the headshot booth became that anchor. Here are a few reasons why.
It created a premium experience
Students felt like professionals. They stepped into a true photography setup with lighting, coaching, and attention to detail.
It encouraged connection
The line created its own momentum. While they waited, students chatted, networked, and built relationships.
It offered something long-lasting
Headshots do not get tossed away. They help students apply for jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities immediately.
It elevated the sponsor
Fairmont Pacific Rim received meaningful visibility and a positive association. The students knew exactly who made their portrait possible.
It improved the quality of the entire event
A good headshot booth adds polish. It makes the event feel organized, intentional, and industry-ready.
The Sponsor Advantage
Sponsors rarely get remembered for a logo printed on a sign. Instead, they get remembered for the moments people actually feel. An Event Headshot Photo Booth creates one of those moments.
Fairmont Pacific Rim invested in something students will carry into the next stage of their careers. That emotional connection extends far beyond the conference. Over time, these students will become the very professionals who shape Vancouver’s hospitality scene.
This is one reason companies across the city are increasingly investing in Headshots Vancouver BC – Event Headshot Photo Booth at FTR LNK experiences. The value is visible. The impact is measurable. The goodwill is undeniable.




The Bigger Picture
This event reminded me why I enjoy high-volume headshot work so much. You get to help people see themselves differently. You get to witness confidence happen in real time. And in a room full of learning and networking, you get to give attendees something tangible that moves them forward.
One hundred and twenty students left with a headshot they can use on LinkedIn, on job applications, in internship searches, and anywhere they want to make a strong first impression.
If your organization wants to create that same value at your next event, you can find more information here:
https://www.robtrendiak.com/vancouver-event-headshot-photo-booth/

