Do These Things Before, During, and After an Event (Event Photography Checklist)

I made this checklist to clearly define everything you should do as an event photographer, before, during, and after an event. If you’re a new event photographer, this will clearly define your objectives as an event photographer and clearly define what needs to be done. I also hope it will ease any anxiety you may have over shooting your first event. If you’re a more advanced event photographer, having a checklist can ensure you simply don’t miss anything- we all make mistakes or forget things time to time.

View a printable checklist by clicking here or view it below.

The Day Before

Research

• Check out company website

• Get a copy of the program

Prep Gear 

• Select Camera Body(s)

• Select Lenses

  • Wide

  • Medium

  • Telephoto

• Primary flash

• Backup flash

• Inspect and clean gear

• Charge or replace batteries

  • Camera(s)

  • Flash(s)

  • Other

• Select memory Cards

  • Insert and format 

• Something fun

Other

• Check commute and double the time necessary to arrive on time

Day of Event

Venue

• Identify safe location to stow gear 

• Scout 

• Ask about site specific rules

• Identify escape routes

Client

• Get agenda / schedule of events

• Get specific requests 

  • VIPs

  • Necessary Shots

Shot Types

• Establishing Shots

• Candid interactions

• Close Candids (emotional moments)

• Group Shots and formals

• Posed and creative portraits

• Detail Shots

Post Event

Lightroom

• Add metadata

  • Job type i.e. corporate event, private event

  • Location / venue

  • Client name

  • VIP names

• Select favorites

  • Blog

  • Portfolio

  • Social media

• Export files to full resolution folder

• Export files sized for social media

• Export favorites to separate folder (google drive recommended) 

• Deliver images

Marketing

• Add client to mailchimp list

• Follow up with client 1 week after delivery of images