Last December, I photographed the 2024 Cybersecurity Conference hosted by the French-American Foundation at Greenberg Traurig LLP in Washington, D.C. As a Washington DC event photographer, I often document policy forums, legal panels, and high-level conferences—but this event stood out for its international focus, timely subject matter, and the caliber of participants in the room.

Cybersecurity is one of those topics that sits at the intersection of law, diplomacy, business, and national security—and this event brought together experts from all four spheres. There was a distinct sense of urgency in the room, but also collaboration: French and American leaders engaging in dialogue about shared threats, technological resilience, and the legal and policy frameworks needed to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

Photographing this kind of event requires more than just documenting what happened. It’s about capturing the relationships, tone, and moments of insight that give the event weight—and telling the visual story in a way that reflects the professionalism and purpose of the hosts. Here’s a look behind the scenes.

The Setting: Greenberg Traurig’s D.C. Offices

The conference took place in Greenberg Traurig’s sleek and modern Washington, D.C. offices, which offered an ideal backdrop: clean architectural lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a boardroom setup that was both formal and inviting. From a photographer’s perspective, the space provided great natural light in the morning, complemented by strong indoor lighting that made it easy to maintain consistent exposure throughout the day.

I arrived early to document the venue before guests arrived—capturing environmental shots, signage, table setups, and branded materials. These details are often overlooked, but they help tell the full story when the photos are used for recaps, newsletters, or annual reports. It also gives event hosts and sponsors visual assets they can reuse to promote future programming.

A Global Guest List and Purpose-Driven Conversations

As guests began to arrive, it became clear just how international this event truly was. Attendees included representatives from the French government, cybersecurity officials from U.S. federal agencies, legal experts, think tank analysts, and executives from multinational companies operating on both sides of the Atlantic.

From the start, I focused on candid images that highlighted the diversity of participation and the ease with which French and American guests engaged with each other. Capturing informal networking before the panels started is always key—it gives texture to the gallery and reflects the human connection behind the policy talk.

Throughout the day, the event featured a series of panel discussions and closed-door roundtables that addressed topics like:

• Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats

• International legal frameworks for digital security

• Public-private partnerships in cyber defense

• Emerging risks around artificial intelligence and deepfake technology

As a Washington DC photographer who often works with policy-focused organizations, I knew how important it would be to capture these moments with clarity and professionalism—especially for an audience that includes government officials and C-suite executives.

Photographing Panels: Timing, Angles, and Atmosphere

Photographing a cybersecurity conference—where subject matter can be dense and technical—means being intentional about the visual story. My goal is always to bring warmth and humanity to what could otherwise appear like a series of stiff discussions.

I positioned myself at multiple points throughout the room to capture a variety of angles: wide shots of the panelists in conversation, mid-shots showing speaker engagement, and tight headshots of individuals as they made key points. I also documented audience reactions, which are often some of the most underappreciated but powerful shots—they show curiosity, agreement, and occasionally disagreement, all of which adds dynamism to a visual narrative.

Throughout the event, the French-American Foundation team kept the energy moving with a combination of structured discussion and informal conversation. That rhythm gave me plenty of opportunities to capture a mix of formal and candid moments—everything from handshakes after a strong panel to side conversations during coffee breaks.

Brand Alignment and Tone

As a Washington DC event photographer, I’m always thinking about more than just lighting and composition—I’m also thinking about brand alignment. The French-American Foundation has a long history of fostering transatlantic dialogue and diplomacy, and the tone of this event reflected that mission: serious, substantive, and collaborative.

That tone informed how I approached the edit. In post-processing, I kept colors clean and neutral, favoring natural light and minimal retouching to preserve the realism of the setting.

Deliverables and Quick Turnaround

I provided a next-day highlights gallery to the French-American Foundation team so they could share visuals with participants and stakeholders. The full gallery followed shortly after, categorized by session (arrival, opening remarks, panel 1, panel 2, networking lunch, etc.).

Because many of the guests were high-profile professionals, I made sure every image was sharp, well-framed, and publication-ready. These images weren’t just for social media—they were also destined for press releases, program archives, and donor communications.

Final Thoughts: Why This Event Mattered

Photographing the 2024 Cybersecurity Conference was a reminder of how photography can help document international cooperation in real time. The threats discussed in the room were complex and evolving—but the solutions require clarity, trust, and communication across borders. I was honored to play a small part in helping the French-American Foundation tell that story through visual imagery.

As a Washington DC photographer, I work with organizations every week that are trying to communicate ideas, influence policy, and bring people together. That’s what makes events like this so rewarding to capture. It’s not just about the faces in the room—it’s about the mission behind the meeting.

If you’re planning a high-level conference, embassy event, or global policy forum in Washington, D.C., and want polished, editorial-quality photography that reflects your organization’s values and vision—I’d love to work with you.

I specialize in documenting events where professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail are non-negotiable.

Based in DC | Available for conferences, diplomatic receptions, and roundtables across the region

See more of my work here or reach out to check availability.