The all-seeing eye: today, as part of our behind-the-scenes series, we’re introducing Pierre Banoori, our long-time photography partner.
Remember the thousands of photos captured over the years at the Global Shrimp Forum? The vast majority were taken by Pierre—and then painstakingly edited, often on the spot—so they could reach those of you who couldn’t join us in Utrecht as close to real time as possible.
Pierre gets access to places even many of our delegates never see: behind closed doors. He’s there before almost anyone else, and he notices things the rest of us miss. (So be careful what you do—the camera is always watching.)
What’s it like documenting the Global Shrimp Forum year after year? We sat down with Pierre to talk about that and much more.
What is your name, and your role outside of the GSF?
Pierre Banoori – I’m a freelance photographer, specialized in documentary (culture, environment, the nexus between humans and the landscapes they live in). I’m also a researcher – business developer at a startup called Solaq – we create a sustainable and scalable source of water security, anywhere, by producing water from the air around us.
Describe your role at GSF.
At GSF, I’m the lead event photographer – taking photographs of every speaker, important action, guests, and all the fleeting moments in between.
How long have you been working with the GSF?
Coming up to 5 years.
What do you most enjoy about collaborating with the GSF team?
The easy-going atmosphere as well as the professionalism! All while keeping it fun. Everything is very well organized and together we make up a well-oiled machine; that gets the work done and has a great time doing it.
What would you say makes the Global Shrimp Forum unique?
I myself have learned much more than I thought I’d ever know about shrimp – and the seafound ecosystem as a whole. I go to many conferences all over the globe, and GSF sticks out as an extraordinary event in that it is a concentrate of key individuals from around the world, representing all pillars of the industry, all together in one space, with valuable presentations and panels, as well as time and space to network. I witness true connections be made, year after year.
What is a part of your role that you think goes unnoticed, but is vital in the delivery of the forum?
All the memorable moments? I often zoom between all the different rooms, even going up and down floors (top floor, bottom floor of the hotel) to capture as much as possible. Secondly, once the event ends the work continues for me: quickly preparing one or two dozen photographs to send out in the night, to have ready by the morning for an online publication.
For how long, ahead of the event in September, are you preparing?
Months before I keep making sure that my time is as free as possible during the event in September. I start checking and cleaning my equipment approx. 1 or 2 weeks before – and then simply jump into the event!
