My Struggles with Pop-Up Events: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at PatrykMedia

By Patryk, Founder of PatrykMedia.com

Introduction: Why I Started Pop-Up Events

As a photographer and videographer running PatrykMedia.com in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, I’ve always been driven by a passion for capturing moments and giving back to the community. A few years ago, I launched pop-up photography events across Northern Ireland, a concept I believed was unique and impactful. My goal was threefold: build my client base, generate leads for my business, and make professional photography accessible to families who might not afford a full session. With my faith guiding me, I wanted to serve my community while sharing my craft.

Pop-up events seemed like the perfect way to do this. But behind the smiles and stunning photos, I’ve faced real challenges that have taught me tough lessons about business, generosity, and balance. In this blog, I’m pulling back the curtain to share the highs and lows of running pop-up events, why I’m rethinking my approach, and how my faith keeps me grounded. Stick around for a BTS reel on Instagram (@PatrykMedia) showing the chaos and joy of these events!

 The Vision Behind Pop-Up Events

The concept of my pop-up events is simple: instead of a traditional, full-scale photo session costing £150–£200, I offer short, affordable mini-sessions at pop-up events for a fraction of the price – typically £15 for two edited digital photos. These events last 2–3 hours, with clients booking 10–15 minute time slots. I often partner with local venues, like children’s play centres or community spaces in Ireland, to create a fun, family-friendly experience, sometimes bundling photos with discounted play sessions or other perks.

The idea was to make photography accessible while covering my costs through volume. For example, if 20 families book slots at £15 each, that’s £300, roughly matching the revenue of a single full session, but benefiting more people. More importantly, it was a way to give back to the community that’s supported me. My faith plays a big role here – I believe in using my talents to serve others, inspired by my values as a Christian to uplift those around me.

Personal Anecdote: One of my favorite pop-up moments was at a Lisburn play centre, where I captured a shy toddler’s first big smile as he awkwarding looked sideways at me. His mum teared up seeing the photo, saying it was their first professional picture. Moments like that make pop-ups feel worth it – they’re about more than just photos; they’re about creating joy.

The Struggles: When Generosity Gets Complicated

While pop-up events started with good intentions, they’ve come with unexpected challenges that have tested my patience and business savvy. Here’s a raw look at what’s gone wrong:

• Unrealistic Expectations: Some clients expect full-session results from a £15 mini-session. I’ve had families request extra photos or extensive edits beyond the agreed two images, assuming my low price means endless deliverables. It’s tough to explain that mini-sessions are streamlined to keep costs down while maintaining quality.

• Taking Generosity for Granted: Offering affordable sessions was meant to build goodwill, but occasionally, clients see the low price as a sign of lower value. This has led to no-shows or last-minute cancellations, leaving me with gaps in my schedule and out-of-pocket costs.

• Venue Collaboration Challenges: I often partner with local businesses, like play centres, to host pop-ups, offering deals like discounted playtime with a photo session. However, some attendees come for the venue’s perks but have no interest in photos, which defeats the purpose of the event. For example, at one event, half the visitors used the play centre but skipped the photography, leaving me with fewer bookings than expected.

• Financial Risk: Pop-ups require upfront costs – travel, equipment setup, marketing, and sometimes venue fees. Without guaranteed bookings, I risk losing money. A single no-show can hurt when margins are tight, especially compared to a standard session where I can plan for one client’s commitment.

• Brand Perception: The biggest lesson? Offering £15 sessions can unintentionally make my full-priced services (£150–£200) seem overpriced. Clients have asked, “Why pay £200 for a session when you offer photos for £15?” This dilutes my brand’s premium positioning, making it harder to attract high-end clients for weddings or commercial shoots.

Personal Struggle: At a recent pop-up in a Amragh Play-centre, I spent hours setting up lights and backdrops, only for several families to cancel/not attend last-minute. I still paid for the materials and my time, but made a loss.

 Lessons Learned: What I’m Changing

These struggles have taught me valuable lessons about balancing generosity with business sustainability. Here’s how I’m rethinking pop-up events at PatrykMedia:

1. Focusing on Charity Pop-Ups: Moving forward, I’ll reserve pop-up events primarily for charity work, offering free or low-cost sessions to families who can’t afford professional photography. This aligns with my faith and desire to give back, without diluting my brand’s value.

2. Clearer Communication: To manage expectations, I’ll provide detailed booking info upfront, explaining that mini-sessions include two edited photos with limited edits. This helps clients understand the value and scope of the service.

3. Selective Venue Partnerships: I’ll choose partners whose audiences align with my photography goals.

4. Premium Positioning: To protect my brand, I’ll emphasize the quality and exclusivity of my full sessions in marketing. Pop-ups will be framed as special, limited-time community events, not a reflection of my standard pricing.

   
   

Faith-Driven Reflection: My faith keeps me grounded through these challenges. I believe God calls me to serve, but also to be a wise steward of my talents and resources. Stepping back from regular pop-ups feels like a step toward honouring both my community and my business.

 For Clients: What This Means for You

If you’re considering booking with PatrykMedia, here’s how these changes benefit you:

- Premium Quality: My focus on full sessions (£150–£200) ensures you get personalized, high-end photography and videography, perfect for weddings, family portraits, or commercial projects.

- Community Impact: By shifting pop-ups to charity work, your support for PatrykMedia helps fund free sessions for those in need, making your booking part of a bigger mission.

- Transparent Experience: Clear communication means you’ll know exactly what to expect, from session scope to deliverables, for a stress-free experience.

- Cinematic Reels: My pop-up lessons have honed my ability to create engaging BTS content. Check out my Instagram (@PatrykMedia) for a reel showing the chaos and joy of a pop-up event!

Call to Action: Ready to capture your moments with premium photography? DM me on Instagram (@PatrykMedia) or visit PatrykMedia.com to book a full session. Want to support my charity pop-ups? Mention “CHARITY” in your message for updates on upcoming community events!

Conclusion: Keeping It Real

Pop-up events started as a way to grow PatrykMedia and give back to the Irish community, but they’ve taught me hard lessons about balancing generosity with sustainability. While I’m stepping back from regular pop-ups, my commitment to serving others remains stronger than ever, now focused on charity work and premium sessions. My faith and passion for photography drive me to keep improving, and I’m excited to share this journey with you.

Let’s Connect: Follow me on Instagram (@PatrykMedia) for BTS reels and more real talk. Ready to book a session that captures your story? Visit PatrykMedia.com or DM me today. Let’s make moments that matter!