Booking someone to cover your event is a big decision. You only get one go at the night, and the content has to work hard afterwards. These are the questions I would ask if I were in your shoes, and the answers you should expect from any good event photographer or videographer.
I shoot event photography and videography across Liverpool, Merseyside and the North West, so I have answered each of these for you as well.
The short version
- Have you shot events like mine? Ask to see a full gallery or film, not just highlights.
- What happens if a camera fails? Backup kit should be a given.
- When do I get everything? Get turnaround times in writing.
- How can I use it? Know your usage rights before the day.
- What is in the quote? Hours, crew, edits, formats and travel.
Have you shot events like mine?
A dark club, a bright conference hall and a ringside boxing night all need different skills. Ask to see work from similar events, and ask for a full gallery or a whole film rather than a best of. It shows you what a real day looks like. You can see my event showreel and recent work here, from fight nights at the Liverpool Olympia to live music at Liverpool Cathedral and club nights at Circus.
What happens if something goes wrong?
Cameras, lenses and batteries can fail, usually at the worst moment. A professional should bring backup kit so the coverage carries on. I bring backup equipment to every event for exactly that reason.
When will I get the photos and the film?
Turnaround matters, especially if you want to post while people are still talking about the night. Ask when the photos land, when the film lands and whether faster delivery is available. My photo sets come back in 24 or 48 hours, with films following on an agreed date.
How can we use the content?
Usage rights are often left until it is too late. Ask exactly what is included. With me, your own channels are covered: website, social, press, internal comms and sponsor reports. Paid advertising is agreed up front and licensed on top, so there are no surprises.
How will everything be delivered?
A clean, simple delivery saves you hours. Everything I shoot comes back on a private, password protected gallery link you can stream and share, with every file there to watch or download.
What is included in the quote?
Make sure you are comparing like for like. Check the hours of coverage, how many shooters, whether photo and video are both included, how many edits and in what formats (landscape, vertical or both), branding, turnaround and travel. A clear, itemised quote is a good sign.
Your booking checklist
Ask before you book
- Examples from similar events, full galleries or films
- Backup kit on the day
- Photo and film turnaround times
- Usage rights, including paid ads
- How files are delivered
- What the quote includes, itemised
Once you have booked
- Send the running order and must haves
- Share logos and sponsor branding
- Confirm access and a contact on the day
Questions organisers ask
How far in advance should I book an event photographer?
As early as you can, especially for spring, summer and the run up to Christmas when weekends fill quickly. A few weeks ahead is usually fine for smaller events, and a couple of months is better for conferences and awards nights.
Should I book one person for photos and video, or two?
Booking both together keeps the look consistent and makes the day simpler for you. For bigger events I can bring extra crew so both are fully covered.
Do you cover events outside Liverpool?
Yes. I cover Liverpool and Merseyside, out through the North West to Manchester, Warrington and Bolton, and across to the North East.
More guides for event organisers: How to brief an event photographer and videographer and How to get Reels, photos and a film from one event.
Ready to ask?
Send me your questions
Tell me about your event and I will answer anything on this list, with availability and a clear quote.