I’ve got a couple of event photography gigs lined up, and it got me thinking about something I often get asked: why do event photographers charge what we do? If you’re not a photographer, it’s totally understandable if you’re not aware of all the moving pieces that go into event photography. So, I thought I’d take a moment to break it down for you.
The Three Stages of Event Photography
When it comes to event photography, there are three main stages: preparation before the event, the actual shooting during the event, and what happens after the event. Let’s dive into each of these stages.
1. Preparation Before the Event
Preparation is key, and it applies to all types of photography, whether it’s business events, weddings, or portraits. When a client books me, they usually provide the date and location, but I like to dig deeper. I always ask for a shot list—this helps me understand what specific moments they want captured.
We often go back and forth over email for weeks, sometimes even months, especially with my awesome repeat clients. I want to know if they’re looking for candid shots of their guests, posed group photos, or maybe some artistic shots of the food and decorations. Communication is everything!
I also like to ask for a program of events. For instance, if it’s a fundraising event, I want to know the order of speakers, when the big check presentation is happening, and so on. This way, I can plan where I need to be at specific times.
And let’s not forget the usual must-haves: contracts, payments, and receipts. All of these steps take time, and they’re part of what I charge for.
Scoping Out the Venue: One of my favorite parts of preparation is scoping out the venue. I’ll often drive to the location beforehand to get a feel for the space. I’ll introduce myself to the staff and check out the lighting conditions. This is crucial because I want to know where the stage is, how big the room is, and what the parking situation looks like.
All of this takes time, and it’s something that many people who aren’t in the photography world might not realize. But trust me, it’s essential for a successful shoot!
2. The Day of the Event
On the day of the event, I make sure to arrive early. I want to get a good parking spot and have time to set up. Sometimes, I’ll take photos of the room before guests arrive, capturing the setup, the food, and any sponsor boards.
Once the event starts, I’m on it! I follow the shot list and make sure to capture all the key moments. I position myself strategically to get the best shots, whether it’s during speeches or candid moments among guests.
And if the event runs over, I’m happy to stay a little longer to get those important group photos.
3. After the Event
Now, here’s where a lot of people might not realize the work continues. After the event, there’s a ton of photo organization and editing to do. In fact, it often takes longer to edit the photos than it does to shoot the event itself.
I usually spend several days editing, and sometimes clients want a few photos sent over quickly for social media. I’m always happy to accommodate that, but the bulk of the editing takes time.
And let’s not forget about revisions. Clients might want some slight changes, and I’m more than willing to make those adjustments.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it! The three stages of event photography: preparation, shooting, and post-event editing. It’s a lot of fun, but it also requires a significant investment of time and effort.
When you hire an experienced photographer, you’re not just paying for the hours spent at the event. You’re also paying for the preparation, the editing, and the expertise that comes with years of experience.
If you have any questions about event photography or if you’re considering hiring a professional for an upcoming event, feel free to reach out. I’d love to chat!