The best time to post about an event is while it is still happening. Guests are on their phones, speakers are looking for photos to share and the event hashtag is busy. A week later, the moment has passed. That is why more organisers are asking for same day event photos, and why it can be one of the best value add ons to your coverage.
Here is how same day event photography works, what to prioritise and how to get the most out of it.
The short version
- A small set of edited photos is delivered during or straight after the event.
- The full edited gallery follows a few days later.
- Decide in advance which moments you need fast.
- Have someone ready to post them.
- Speakers, sponsors and guests share them while they still care.
How it works
During the event, I shoot as normal, then at natural breaks I edit a selection of the strongest images and upload them. You get a link to a private gallery that fills up through the day. The full, carefully edited set follows afterwards.
Morning
Room, arrivals, openingFirst batch out by mid morning for the “we are live” post.
Midday
Keynotes and panelsSpeakers on stage, ready for them to share over lunch.
End of day
HighlightsThe best of the day for the wrap up post and thank you email.
Days later
Full galleryEverything, fully edited, in a private gallery.
What to prioritise
Same day images should be the ones that get used straight away. Agree a short list before the event:
- The busy room and the venue branding.
- Each keynote speaker on stage.
- Sponsors and their stands.
- A few great candid moments of guests enjoying themselves.
- Award winners, if there are any.
Have someone ready to post
Fast photos only help if someone posts them. Assign a person on your team to watch the gallery, post to your channels, tag speakers and sponsors, and send links to anyone who asks. Speakers are usually delighted to get a good photo of themselves on stage the same day, and they will share it with their own followers.
Video on the day
The same approach works for video. A short vertical clip or two, edited during the day, can go out as Reels or LinkedIn posts while the event is still running. The full event highlight video follows later. See getting reels, photos and a film from one event for how it fits together.
Is it worth it?
For conferences, launches, awards and anything with speakers or sponsors, almost always. The extra editing time is small compared with the reach you get from posting on the day. For private celebrations, the standard turnaround is usually fine. Ask about it when you book your event photographer.
Questions organisers ask
What is same day event photography?
A selection of edited event photos delivered during or immediately after the event, so they can be posted while the event is still happening. The full gallery follows later.
How many photos do you get on the same day?
A curated selection of the strongest images covering the key moments you agree beforehand, with the full edited set delivered a few days later.
How are same day event photos delivered?
Through a private online gallery link that fills up during the day, so your team can download and post straight away.
Can you also deliver video on the day?
Yes. Short vertical clips can be edited during the event for social media, with the full highlights film delivered later.
More event guides: awards ceremony photography, conference shot list and Christmas party photography.
Want your event on socials while it is happening?
Let’s get the photos out fast
Event photography and video across Liverpool, with same day selections for your team to post.