Five Tips for Choosing an Event Photographer in Birmingham
As we hurtle towards 2026, I suddenly realised that I am heading into my 16th year of being a photographer. In that time, I’ve learnt a lot about the technical aspects of photography but also a lot about the photography and videography industry as a whole. Now, I want to share some of my insights to help customers and fellow professionals get the most out of the opportunities on offer. To start this off, I want to look at five tips that can help clients choose the right event photographer for them and how to avoid some common mistakes when selecting a photographer in Birmingham.
Just to be very clear, this is not an advert for my own services! As we will see, every photographer brings their own unique skill set and attributes to every job. That also means that others might not be able to deliver the right style or quality of image to fit your needs - this also includes me!
I am always upfront and honest with every client on what I can and can’t do - regularly turning work away if I don’t feel I am best placed to deliver the right results. The following tips will help you seek out the right providers for your event photography and get the results you want to showcase your event.
📝 Have a solid brief for your event
My first recommendation before even reaching out to any local Birmingham event photographer is to have a solid brief. Knowing the basics in terms of times, dates and venue are a given but having a breakdown of the day in terms of where you want the photographer to be and at which times is essential. Some events may have multiple activities happening at the same time so being clear with the photographer over where they should be is a high priority.
I strongly recommend arranging a call prior to the event to run through the schedule for the day and outlining the deliverables in terms of style and quantity of images. I always suggest to clients trying to find a few examples of event photography they like (even if it’s not from their particular sector) to allow the photographer to get a feel for the kind of images they want.
The brief should also include budget, turnaround time and any other specific delivery details. For instance, are you clear on whether the photographer will edit the images and any specific sizing requirements and how they will get the images to you? Clarifying these items sets the photographer up but allows the client to cover off all of their requirements to make the day run that little bit smoother.
🏢 Consider your Venue and Logistics
As a photographer, one of my main concerns when attending an event is how bright the space is and how easy it is to move around. These are not commonly things a client will think about when choosing a venue and obviously, shouldn’t be the deciding factor when selecting a space. However, they are fairly critical aspects that a photographer will need to take into account. The darker the space, the more difficult it is to get nice, sharp images that showcase your event to the best of your ability.
Another frustration when it comes to spaces is the lack of space - awkward table layouts and trip hazards can make it particularly dangerous for a photographer to move around the room. Again, this might not be the clients first thought but the safety of guests is always a high priority. Ensuring walkways are clear allows the photographer to move around and ensure they can get multiple angles of both speakers and audience. Now these key logistics are sorted, let’s consider the budget.
💰 Know your Budget
As we all negotiate a ‘cost of living crisis’ - any conversation about money always feels a touchy subject. However, as with many industries right now, it feels like there is increasing pressure to reduce costs in terms of suppliers undercutting each other to bag clients. This does not always ensure the best work.
Sometimes spending a little extra can really go a long way. After all, with the price of venues, speakers, catering etc. documenting your event shouldn’t be an afterthought or something you cut corners on - the images should literally show your event in the best possible light!
Whilst on the thorny subject of budget - make sure you really take some time to evaluate multiple photographers portfolios so that you get a good understanding of what your money is getting you. When evaluating their portfolios, think about if their style of photography matches your brand guidelines and the aesthetic you are going for. Also, does their photography show a variety of event photography from different locations, is it all interior or exterior as well? Do they offer editing services and if video is important, is this something they can offer?
📍 Do you need an event photographer from Birmingham?
It may seem counterintuitive, seeing as I am a Birmingham Photographer - but is it easier to find a photographer from somewhere else? I commonly shoot events in London, Manchester, Liverpool and well, all over the country.
The main reason for this is that I have repeat clients from all over the UK - once clients find a photographer they know and trust, they tend to stick with them! So do you already know a photographer who may be willing to travel to Birmingham?
On the flipside, I also shoot a lot of events in Birmingham for national clients. Birmingham has some fantastic offerings in terms of event spaces and due to its central location and good public transport - it is very appealing to national organisations looking to bring attendees from all over the country. So even if you are a larger organisation with multiple locations, having a centrally based event photographer can often be a very useful contact.
⏰ Don't leave booking a photographer until the last minute
Again, this might seem like a glaringly obvious statement but I can’t tell you the amount of times I get contacted to shoot an event that is happening the same week! Birmingham boasts an incredible pool of talented photographers but availability can still be an issue. I personally tend to book jobs at least a couple of weeks in advance so booking a photographer last minute can be a headache for clients.
Most event organiser will have the venue and catering etc. booked months in advance so booking a photographer shouldn’t really be a last minute thing. One other consideration is to maybe have a back-up should the worst happen and you get let down by a photographer - again, this is something that should be discussed in an initial conversation so that you know what the photographer's policy is if they are unable to attend an event.
🔴 Quick Summary
Have a well defined brief explaining your needs
Check portfolios and experience
Compare prices and see who offers package details
Read reviews and ask for referrals
Consider the photographers personality and if they will fit your event
Book early and clarify your requirements upfront
✅ Final Thoughts
There are a lot more considerations to make when looking for a Birmingham based event photographer but hopefully some of these tips give you a better understanding of how to book a photographer, some of the key questions you should be asking them and what will help you get the most from working with them. I’ve previously written about how much to pay for a photographer which you might also find useful.
This is genuinely not meant to be an ‘advert’ so I’m not going to push my own services - but if you do need any further advice on booking a photographer I am always happy to help. As mentioned, Birmingham has a wealth of very talented photographers but I also appreciate how difficult it can be to understand who is actually right for you and your event. All the best for your search!
What’s your biggest challenge when hiring photographers? Share your thoughts below :)
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About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK/US are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
