Questions for your Event Photographer | Houston Event Photography

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in event photography and knows the questions for your event photographer.  See more event photography in the gallery.  Contact me to book your event today!

Questions for your Event Photographer

Planning a major event is a lot of work!  When the event arrives, you want to enjoy the event and not worry about taking pictures.  Enjoy your guests and the event that you’ve worked so hard to create!  Hire a professional photographer to capture all of the tiny details, the laughter, the emotion, and the connections.  Choosing the right photographer is simply a matter of asking the right questions.  So what are those questions for your event photographer?

  1. How long has the photographer been in business?  And are they operating a legitimate business with a sales tax ID, etc.?  Having experience with event photography and owning a legitimate business are important factors in this decision.
  2. What credentials does the photographer have?  Do they belong to any professional associations like the Professional Photographers of America (PPA)?  What degrees do they have relating to photography?  Photographers who are members of professional organizations typically have a code of ethics and standards to follow as professionals.
  3. Does the photographer have backup equipment? Backup equipment is a must!!
  4. Will the photographer that owns the business be photographing the event or will it be an associate?  It is important to know the photographer and their representative work that you’re hiring.
  5. What is the turnaround time for delivery of images?  It’s best to know and set expectations before the event.
  6. Are the images edited or retouched?  Again, set expectations since each photographer has his or her own process for events.  You don’t want to find out after the event that editing is an extra fee.

Event Photography for the NAM Gala

I have photographed the Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) Gala for the past couple of years.  NAM provides many different services for the Spring, TX community for those needing assistance.  They provide food, shelter, education, health care services, day care services, and much more.  I have worked with NAM on many projects over the years and I’m so grateful for the services that they provide.  I was particularly moved this year during the gala when everyone paused for a moment to make donations for the Meals on Wheels program.  There are people on the waiting list for this service who do not have enough food.  Just the memory of watching the donations flood in brings tears to my eyes!  NAM is all about neighbors helping neighbors and that’s exactly what they did!

Questions for your Event PhotographerQuestions for your Event PhotographerQuestions for your Event PhotographerQuestions for your Event PhotographerQuestions for your Event PhotographerQuestions for your Event PhotographerQuestions for your Event PhotographerQuestions for your Event PhotographerQuestions for your Event Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in event photography.  See more event photography in the gallery.  Contact me to book your event today!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

Honestly… a little bit of everything. 📸

From professional headshots and personal branding to senior portraits and family sessions, I love creating photos that help people and businesses tell their story.

And there’s plenty more I can help with, too—large team group composites, in-office headshots for teams with different schedules, acting and modeling headshots, office branding, and more.

Basically, if you need photos for yourself, your family, or your business, let’s talk about what you have in mind. I’ll help you figure out the best way to make it happen.

📸 Not sure where to start? Book a consultation with me through the link in my bio.
Money may not buy happiness, but having photos of your family to look back on years from now? That’s pretty priceless. 🤍

Fall family portrait season is here, and I have a few weekend dates still available (spots are filling fast!) 👇🏻

September 20
October 3, 10, & 17
November 7 & 15

If you’ve been meaning to update the family photos, document this season, or get those holiday card photos checked off your list, this is your sign to get on the calendar.

And once you book, I’ll make sure you’re not left wondering what to wear, where we’re going, what to bring, or what to expect. My Family Session Welcome Guide walks you through everything you need to know to feel prepared for your session. (linked in my bio)

📸 Ready to make some memories worth keeping? Grab your date through the link in my bio.
I’m gonna let you in on my secret… 👀

These are the camera settings I use as my starting point when I’m shooting during golden hour:

☀️ APERTURE
For one person: f/2.8–f/3.2
For families or groups: f/5.6

A wider aperture gives you that beautiful separation and soft background when you’re photographing one person. With a group, I stop down to help keep everyone in focus.

☀️ SHUTTER SPEED
I start around 1/160 sec—but if I have kids running, a couple moving around, or anything else with more movement, I’ll increase my shutter speed to keep everything sharp.

☀️ ISO
ISO 400 is my starting point, and then I adjust up or down depending on how much light I have.

The biggest thing to remember? These aren’t magic numbers you have to use every time.

Golden hour changes quickly, and your settings should change with it. Use these as a starting point, watch your light, and adjust for the people and movement in front of your camera.

And if you’re building your photography kit and wondering what gear is actually worth investing in, I put together my Photographer’s Gear Guide with the cameras, lenses, lighting, and equipment I use in my own business.

Grab your free copy through the link in my bio! 📸
Class of 2027, the clock is ticking! 🎓📸

Yearbook deadlines are getting closer, which means there’s not much time left to get those fall senior portraits on the calendar.

Senior photos are about so much more than checking a yearbook photo off the list. This is your chance to capture their personality, style, interests, and who they are during one of the biggest years of their life.

If senior portraits are still sitting on your fall to-do list, this is your sign to get them booked!

🎓 Now booking fall senior sessions. Head to the link in my bio to get started.
Come spend a headshot + branding day with me! 📸

One of my favorite things about on-location sessions is getting to step into a client’s space and create images that actually feel connected to their business.

We can capture updated headshots, team photos, working shots, office details, and plenty of branding content—all without your team having to leave the office.

A lot goes into a shoot day, but this is the fun part: turning an ordinary workday into a whole new library of images for your brand.

Need updated photos for your business or team? Let’s plan your session! Click the link in my bio to get started! 🔗

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo

FloDesk FREE STYLE GUIDE

Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.