Event videography: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What event videography is

An event videographer records conferences, parties and performances, using several camera angles where needed, then edits the footage into a polished recap or full coverage. The event video lets people who were not there see what happened, and lets the organizers share it afterward.

Signs you need it

  • You are organizing a conference or a training and want the talks recorded for those who could not attend.
  • You are hosting a party or a celebration and want a recap of the night for guests.
  • You have a performance, such as a concert or a show, that needs recording with clear sound.
  • You want footage of a company event or awards night to share with staff and partners.
  • The event is important and cannot be repeated, so you need the moments captured properly.
  • You need a short recap for social media and a longer version for the record.

What the pro does

  • Meets you before the event to learn the schedule, the speakers or performers and the key moments to capture.
  • Plans the camera positions and the audio feeds, and checks the sound with the venue's system where possible.
  • Films the event with the agreed number of cameras, moving between the stage, the crowd and the key moments.
  • Edits the footage into a recap or a full version, with titles and music you have approved.
  • Delivers the videos in the formats you need, on the agreed date.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Hours of coverage and the number of sessions, such as talks or performances.
  • Number of cameras and whether a second videographer is needed.
  • Audio needs, such as feeds from the venue's sound system or separate microphones.
  • Length of the recap and the full version.
  • Number of venues and travel time.
  • Edit rounds and the delivery date.

What a written quote should spell out

  • The hours of coverage, the sessions included and the number of cameras.
  • How audio is captured, and whether a feed from the venue is used.
  • The length of the recap and the full version.
  • The edit rounds and the delivery date.
  • Who owns the footage and the final videos, and any rights to use them.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which sessions or moments must be covered, and in what order?
  • Will you use the venue's sound feed, and how do you check it?
  • Can you show a recap from an event like mine?
  • How many edit rounds are included?
  • Who owns the footage, and can I share it with the speakers and attendees?
  • What is your plan if a session runs late or the schedule changes?

Red flags

  • Promises that the video will reach a set number of viewers.
  • Will not show samples of event footage or explain its camera plan.
  • Plans no audio feed and relies on the camera microphone for talks.
  • Asks for full payment before the coverage and delivery terms are written.
  • Does not confirm who owns the footage or how long it is kept.

What you can do yourself

You can record each talk on a phone or camera placed at the back of the room, and ask the venue for a feed from the sound system if it has one. Hire an event videographer when the event is large, when several sessions run at once, or when the audio and the multiple angles need to be right for the final video.

Licenses and permits

Event videography is not commonly licensed, so a license is usually not required for this work. Check with your state or local licensing agency and with the venue, since some venues set their own rules for filming, and ask the videographer for a sample recap with the camera setup noted as proof of skill.

Event videography questions

Do I need several cameras?

For a talk, one camera on the speaker and one wide shot may be enough. For a performance or a party, several angles make the recap more engaging. Ask the videographer what they recommend for your event.

Can the speakers approve the recording?

Ask the videographer and the venue about filming rules, and tell speakers before the event that it will be recorded. Agree in advance how and where the recording will be shared.

How long will it take to get the video?

It depends on the length of the coverage and the edit. Ask for the delivery date in writing, and agree a timeline for each stage.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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