How to Hire a Live Event Videographer in NYC & NJ
Hiring a videographer for your corporate conference or branded event can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know to find your dream video production team — with confidence.
1. Know What You Need from Your Event Videographer
Let’s start with you. Not all events are the same—and not all videographers do the same kind of work. So start by asking yourself these questions.
What type of event is this? Is this a multi-day corporate conference, a one-day tech expo, or a brand activation with specific campaign goals?
Will you need just highlight footage and a post event recap video or do you need full panel recordings from start to finish, behind-the-scenes content or interviews?
Are you planning to use this video for internal recaps, social media, marketing, or all of the above?
Knowing the answers to these questions will be incredibly helpful when looking for a video team and when initially speaking with them for a quote.
2. Do they have live event experience?
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s actually the most important question to ask a prospective video partner.
Live events move quickly. It’s a very different environment than working in a controlled studio for example. You need someone who knows high-stakes, on-the-fly shooting and can capture multiple moments as they happen, without missing a beat.
Ideally, they should be familiar with things like:
Working alongside AV teams and event planners
Staying low-profile during speeches and experiential moments
Navigating venues and run-of-shows with minimal disruption
Capturing both high-energy crowd moments and quieter interactions
You want a team who blends in and gets the shot, without becoming the center of attention.
3. Watch their work
This might seem obvious, but take time to really watch a videographer or a video production team’s work. Does their style feel aligned with your brand? Do they capture energy and atmosphere in a way that resonates with you?
Better yet, ask to see full samples from similar types of events—not just highlight reels. It’ll give you a more honest sense of how they cover an event from start to finish.
Check out our recent event recap videos to get a feel for what types of video coverage you should consider for your event.
4. Do they understand your goals?
This is something people tend to ignore when hiring a live event videographer.
It’s not just about showing up with a camera and capturing the footage—it’s about creating content that supports your brand goals.
Think about why you want video of your event.
Is it because you want to share it with internal clients or corporate teammates who may have missed the event live?
Is it to advertise your next event via marketing channels, paid ads or organically on social media?
Whatever your purpose, you want to make sure that the team you choose understands your brand. You want them to know the most important people in the room, to be listening for the best moments of audio and to be thinking about how your final edit will come together, long before they even start editing it.
5. Will I need a team or just one videographer?
This is an honest question that deserves an equally honest answer.
And it’s why having a trusting and collaborative relationship with your videography team is so invaluable. We at Nova House Productions (get to know us!) pride ourselves on this type of relationship with our clients.
Here’s the thing…
Conferences and brand events often have multiple rooms, breakout sessions, or a packed schedule.
A professional production team will tell you up front and honestly how many cameras and microphones you will need to achieve your video goals. If it’s out of your budget, the right producer will tell you what is possible and help you creatively adjust to meet your needs.
Some questions to consider before speaking with a video team:
How many rooms or stages will be active at the same time?
Are there key moments happening simultaneously that you want to capture?
Do you want full coverage of breakout sessions or just highlight moments?
Will there be speakers, panels, or performances that require clean audio?
Are any parts of your event happening in low-light environments?
Do you plan to use this footage for more than just a recap—such as marketing, social media, or future promotions?
Is there a particular style you’re going for (cinematic, documentary-style, etc.)?
If you’re unsure what level of coverage you’ll need, a good production team will walk you through the options and help you find the best approach for your goals and budget.
6. Deliverables
Many live event videographers provide customized quotes that reflect the unique scope of your event. That’s because no two events are exactly alike—and the final video assets you want to walk away with can vary widely depending on your goals.
So if you’re hoping for a clear price list or a simple set of packages, don’t be surprised if it takes a conversation first.
While some companies do offer standard videography packages, most teams will still want to speak with you about your event details to determine what fits best. This approach ensures you’re only paying for what you actually need—and that your final videos serve a real purpose, beyond just looking nice.
When it comes to discussing deliverables, here are a few helpful questions to ask your video team:
What types of videos can I receive after the event? (e.g., highlight reel, full-length recordings, short-form social edits)
Will I receive both horizontal and vertical formats for different platforms?
How many finalized videos are included, and what’s the expected length of each?
Can you deliver raw footage if requested?
What’s your typical turnaround time for edits?
Are revisions included in the quote, and if so, how many rounds?
Do you offer any post-event strategy, like repurposing footage for social or marketing?
Most importantly, make sure expectations are clear so you’re not surprised post-event.
7. Location Matters
If your event is in the tristate area or the Hamptons for example, working with a team in NYC has its perks. They'll know the venues, the traffic patterns, the best angles for natural light—and they’re less likely to have a flight delay or logistical issues coming from across the country.
Local also means they will be easier to meet in person ahead of time if needed.
It’s important to know though that many production companies work with professional crew in all parts of the country and abroad, so hiring someone whose work you really resonate with, at the end of the day, is actually more important than where their office operates out of.
8. Talk through the plan
The best video production companies are die hard collaborators.
During your initial call you’ll want to take notice of these things to get a feel for what working with them will be like:
Are they asking good questions?
Do they care about your goals?
Are they offering helpful suggestions based on experience?
It’s a good sign if the conversation feels like a creative partnership instead of just a quote request.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your event only happens once—but capturing it on video lets you extend its lifespan.
If you’re planning a live event in New York City, NJ, the Hamptons or beyond, and want to chat about video coverage or strategy—send us a message!
Nova House Productions is a NYC-based video production company specializing in corporate events, conferences, and brand activations. We’d love to chat!
