The work Christmas party is the one night of the year when everyone relaxes. The photos from it end up in the staff newsletter, on the careers page, on LinkedIn and in the group chat for years. Done well, they show a team that likes working together, which is worth a lot when you are hiring.
I photograph and film events across Liverpool, and December is the busiest month of the year. Here is how to plan Christmas party photography and video that everyone is happy with.
The short version
- Book now. December Fridays go first.
- Focus on candid moments, plus a few group shots and a portrait spot.
- Photograph the early part of the night, when everyone looks their best.
- Give people an easy opt out, and agree how photos will be shared.
- Add short video clips for socials and your careers page.
When to book
Most companies hold their party on one of three December Fridays, so photographers get booked up well in advance. If you know your date and venue, book in the autumn. If your party is in January to avoid the rush, you will have more choice and often a quieter venue.
What to capture
The room
Decorations, tables, the venue before guests arrive. Useful for next year’s planning too.
Arrivals and teams
Each team or department together, early on while everyone is fresh.
Candid moments
Laughing at the table, the speeches, the awards, the first people on the dance floor.
A portrait spot
A lit backdrop or photo corner where people can grab a great photo with friends.
A photo corner that people love
A simple backdrop with good lighting becomes the busiest spot of the night. Teams queue up for group photos, people grab portraits with their best work friend, and everyone leaves with a photo they actually like. It is a friendly alternative to a traditional photo booth, and the images look far better.
Keep everyone comfortable
Not everyone loves being photographed, especially once the night gets going. Tell staff in advance that there will be a photographer, give a simple way to opt out, and agree what gets shared publicly. I focus on the early and middle part of the night, keep things fun and flattering, and leave out anything anyone would be embarrassed by. My guide to event photo usage and consent has more detail.
Add some video
A 60 second highlights film or a few vertical clips of the night make brilliant content for your careers page and LinkedIn. It shows culture in a way words cannot. See event highlight videos and what to include in a recruitment video.
Delivery
Photos are delivered in a private, password protected gallery that you can share with staff. A few quick highlights can come the next morning for the “thank you, team” post, with the full gallery a few days later. Venue ideas are in Liverpool event venues.
Questions party organisers ask
When should we book a Christmas party photographer?
As early as possible, ideally in September or October. December Fridays are the busiest nights of the year for event photographers.
How long should a photographer stay at a Christmas party?
Usually the first two to four hours, covering arrivals, dinner, speeches and the start of the dancing, when people look their best.
What is a photo corner at a Christmas party?
A lit backdrop where guests can have group photos and portraits taken during the night. It is often the most popular part of the coverage.
How are Christmas party photos shared with staff?
Through a private, password protected gallery link, with a few highlights available the next morning for company social posts.
More event guides: same day event photos, event photographer costs and awards night photography.
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Christmas party photography and video across Liverpool, relaxed, flattering and delivered fast.