EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
What is Event Photography?
Event Photography encompasses a wide range of work involving documenting or story-telling, and often a combination of both. The subject matter may be a performance, a competition, a social occasion or the marking of a milestone. Every event is uniquely important to someone or some group.
When hiring a photographer, it is important to communicate how you want the event covered and what purpose the images will serve after the event has passed.
In Event Photography, there’s a schedule: a start time and end time. The photographer doesn’t get a “re-do” so if a moment is missed, it's gone. The key is to be in the right place at the right time. This looks easy but experience and technical ability are critical.
I have photographed simple sod turning and ribbon cutting ceremonies as well as more complicated multi-day international festivals. They all fall under the Event heading, although the approach to photography is different in each situation.
Briefing the photographer
For milestone marking and social occasions there may be presentations or ceremonies with speakers and/or guests of honour. The imagery for events like this is often a mix of documentation and story-telling.
Avoid handing your photographer a list of required photos moments before the event starts. A printed schedule with times, names and a photo list is helpful. I recommend discussing the list with your photographer well in advance. There have been occasions when I’ve been asked to do the impossible - be in two places at once, both on stage and back stage during a live event.
Live performance and competitive events tend to be less focused on documentation and more on story-telling - capturing the feel and emotion of the performers or competitors plus the reaction of the audience. Key moments or anticipated highlights are great things to tell your photographer ahead of these events.
How much does event coverage cost?
Event coverage rates are $150 per hour with a 2 hour minimum. Day rates can be discussed and a quote can be provided when requested.
Event work often requires quick image delivery and options exist to deliver at regular intervals or immediately after key points in the day. Delivery time is always part of the discussion and clear delivery expectations need to be in place.
Event work that requires travel:
Travel and location costs are additional to the event coverage rates.
Mileage fee - When I am providing my own vehicle for travel outside of the Fraser Valley a fee of $0.65 per km will charged.
Arrangements must be made in advance to compensate for travel, accommodation, food and sundry expenses.
