How To Book A Photographer

Event photography includes everything from weddings, corporate functions, sporting competitions and other special occasions. How do you know who to hire for these events? What should you look for? And where do you begin looking?

We’ve listed some suggestions and thoughts to help you find the right photographer for your next event. We want to make sure you get the quality and service you deserve. 

 ‘Jack of all trades: master of none’

This term applies to the photography world as not everyone is created equal. Yes, even in the realm of event photography there are specialities; and it is helpful to be aware of the different types of photographers before choosing someone for your event. The most talented wedding photographer may not be the best choice for your upcoming annual conference, or your everyday family event photographer may not be the right choice for your wedding. 

Photographers can broadly be broken into two categories: 

Social photographers: these individuals specialise in weddings, birthdays and other family events

Corporate photographers: these individuals specialise in conferences, marketing events and professional headshots

Choosing between these two categories is the first step to finding the right photographer for you. Whatever the style, when looking for someone to hire for your event photography, check out their portfolios before you book.

Reviews and Experience

Once you’ve chosen what type of photographer you need, and maybe even specifically who, check out their social media presence. Ask yourself: does your photographer have good client reviews? Are they listed on Google ? What industry do they operate in? How long have they been in this industry, and photography in general? Who are their clients?

It’s also worthwhile asking the more practical questions before finalising who to hire: does the photographer have insurance, including Public Liability insurance? Do they hold a DBS certificate for attending events where children or vulnerable people may be present? Is there equipment PAT tested and serviced regularly? Taking the time to work through these questions, and more will help you to decide whether a photographer is right for you. There should be no compromises for you, your event, or your guests. 

Privacy and Security

You’ve now carried out the due diligence on your photographer and you may be wondering what happens after the event. How do you access the images after the event and ensure they are not shared with unauthorised individuals?

Check your photographer, or the company they work for is GDPR compliant to ensure your images and data are safeguarded. It is also advisable to ask about where images will be stored whilst they’re being edited and processed, the security of online galleries, and how long the images will be retained after you have viewed them. 

Visible or invisible: how do you want your photographer to act? 

How personable, interactive, or reserved would you like your photographer to be? Would you like them to interact with your guests and be part of the event, or would you prefer them to operate in the background and capture more spontaneous shots? In most cases, it’s a mixture of both, and it’s important to communicate this to your photographer before the event. Good photographers will always be able to flex between the different styles to suit your needs. 

You’ll know it’s right when it’s a two-way street

When you first speak to your chosen photographer, it shouldn’t feel like you’re interviewing them and doing all the talking. Of course, you will ask the photographer a series of questions, but a good photographer will ask you as many, if not more, in return: what is the event? Are there multiple locations with different lighting needs? What are your expectations? Who will be attending? How many guests will be attending? What kind of set up would you prefer? 

The more photographers know about you and the event, the more they can tailor their needs to suit yours and show you samples of similar work.

Location, location, location

Finding a photographer who has previous experience with working in particular types of venues and locations should be a must, not a bonus. If your event photography will mainly be taken outdoors, a photographer who only has experience with indoor photography may not be the right fit for your event. Someone who specialises with sporting event photography in outdoor stadiums may not be the best choice for your small, intimate wedding at your local church. 

These considerations are extremely important as venues with particular features like low ceilings, dim lighting, or stage lighting, can cause huge problems for an inexperienced photographer with the incorrect equipment. Request event photography samples from those you interview, and always try to arrange a site visit to the venue with your chosen photographer.

Pricing

As with any service you purchase, you should not let the price be the only, or decisive, factor. Unlike your day-to-day pictures, you only get one chance at your event photography. Event photography prices will be based on many things, such as the photographer’s years of experience, how long he or she will be required to be shooting pictures, and the location. The actual event will also be a large determining price factor, as taking pictures at a large exhibition will differ greatly from taking pictures at an annual office Christmas party.

If you’re unsure of price bands, or why you’re being charged a certain – just ask. Most photographers will be more than willing to discuss their pricing and breakdown what is and isn’t included in their package. 

What additional services are available?



Does the photographer have a spare camera which can they use at the event in case something malfunctions? Is there a backup photographer in case of emergency, and do they have the same experience and expertise? Will the photographer have an assistant and other extra equipment to get all the required shots? Can the photographer set up a studio at the event to take headshots of all the staff? Can they instantly print images or share them on social media sites whilst at the event? Will retouching and editing be available on the images captured? 

All of these questions should be answered during the interview stage to make sure you are getting the service you deserve (and the most for your money)!

If you need event photography in London to cover all these factors, why not book a photographer today with Ghelani Studios?