An awards night is a gift for photos. Everyone is dressed up, emotions are high and every winner has a moment on stage they will want to keep. It is also fast. Winners are called, handshake, photo, off stage, next category. Miss it and it is gone.
I photograph and film events across Liverpool, and this is the awards ceremony photography shot list I work from, plus the planning that makes it possible.
The short version
- Get the running order and the list of categories and sponsors in advance.
- Plan a winners’ photo spot with a branded backdrop off stage.
- Agree who presents each award, so sponsor shots are not missed.
- Cover arrivals and the room before the ceremony starts.
- Get photos out fast. Winners post the same night.
The awards shot list
Before guests
The roomTables dressed, stage lit, trophies lined up, branding in place. The wide shot sponsors love.
Arrivals
Guests and the drinks receptionGroups in their finery, the step and repeat board, candid chatter.
Ceremony
The host and every winnerThe announcement reaction, the walk up, the handshake with the presenter and trophy.
Off stage
Winner portraitsA clean photo with the trophy against the backdrop, alone and with their team.
After
CelebrationsTables cheering, the dance floor, the last group photos.
The handshake shot
This is the one everyone needs: winner, presenter and trophy, facing the camera, smiling, with the sponsor’s branding visible. It happens in about three seconds on stage. I agree with the host that winners and presenters pause and turn to camera for a beat, which makes all the difference.
The winners’ backdrop
Stage lighting is often built for the room, not for close portraits. A branded backdrop just off stage, lit properly, gives every winner a clean, consistent portrait with their trophy. It is also where sponsors and teams can gather for group shots without holding up the ceremony.
What I need from you
- The running order with timings.
- A list of categories, sponsors and presenters.
- Any VIPs or must have groups.
- Where the winners’ backdrop will be.
- Your opt out system for guests who prefer not to be photographed.
More detail on briefing in how to brief an event photographer and videographer.
Get photos out on the night
Winners want to share their news straight away, and that is great publicity for your event. A selection of edited winners’ photos delivered the same night or next morning means your event is all over LinkedIn while it is still news. I explain how in same day event photos.
Video too
A short highlights film of the night, with winner reactions, the host and the celebrations, is brilliant for promoting next year’s awards and selling sponsorship. See event highlight videos.
Questions awards organisers ask
What should an awards night photographer capture?
The dressed room, arrivals, the host, every winner on stage with the presenter and trophy, winner portraits off stage, sponsor photos and the celebrations.
How do you make sure every winner is photographed?
By working from the running order and category list, agreeing a brief pause for the handshake shot, and having a winners’ backdrop off stage.
Can we get awards photos the same night?
Yes. A selection of edited winners’ photos can be delivered on the night or first thing the next morning so winners can share their news.
Should we also film our awards night?
A short highlights film is great for promoting next year’s event and selling sponsorship, and it can be shot alongside the photos.
More event guides: conference photography shot list, Liverpool event venues and event photo usage rights.
Planning an awards night?
Let’s make sure no winner is missed
Awards and gala photography and video across Liverpool, with fast turnaround for winners.