How to Shoot Video of a Live Event (without Missing the Important Stuff)
Live events move fast.
And if you want to capture professional-quality event footage, you need to be ready for anything. Think opening moments, crowd eruptions, and maybe even a surprise speech from the CEO (that one you definitely don’t want to miss.)
Whether you’re hiring a professional event videographer in NYC or shooting it yourself, our no-fluff guide will walk you through exactly how to film a live event — from a brand activation to a corporate conference — without missing a beat.
Get Clear on the Event Video Goals
Before you even take out your camera, ask yourself this one question: Why are we filming this event?
Is the footage for:
A marketing sizzle reel to use in future campaigns?
Short-form social media video content of your brand activation?
Capturing full-length keynote presentations or panel discussions?
Understanding the purpose will help shape how you film and what you prioritize. For example, a highlight video that recaps the best moments of your event requires very different coverage than recording full length talks. Take a look at some of our event highlight videos to see what we mean.
Pro Tip: Ask the client (or yourself) what success looks like for this video. That should drive every decision on set.
Prep Your Event Videography Shot List (But Stay Flexible)
Yes, a live event is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean you just wing it.
You’ll want to prep a shot list of:
Venue wide shots
Guest arrivals
Branded decor or signage
Main speakers or talent
Audience reactions
Candid moments
Food/drinks (people love food shots)
But also, be ready to pivot from your plan when something even better happens! This is okay and recommended.
It’s also why hiring a professional event videography team is one of the smartest investments you can make. We are trained to do exactly this. We’ll meet with you and your team prior to the event (often many times) to ensure we fully understand your vision, your goals and your event video deliverables.
Scout the Location Before the Event
We cannot stress this enough. Visit the venue in advance or have the client snap some photos or video on their phone. There’s nothing worse than going into a shoot blind.
You’re going to want to check for:
Lighting conditions for event videography (is it natural light? are there tons of windows? fluorescent lighting nightmares?)
Power sources and cable routes
Audio setup (will you need to mic anyone? does the client want recorded speeches or just sound bites?)
Sight lines (is there a good vantage point for capturing the stage or speaker?)
Bonus points if you can attend the event rehearsal or tech run-through. Getting familiar with the timing and layout will save you a ton of stress.
Bring the Right Event Filming Equipment (and Backups)
Live event video production doesn’t come with second chances. If your battery dies or your SD card fills up mid-speech, that moment is gone.
At a minimum, you’ll want:
A camera with low-light video capability (we like choosing between the Sony FX3 or the Sony FX6)
External mic or lav system
Tripod (or gimbal for motion shots)
Extra batteries, lenses, memory cards
Lighting kit (just in case)
And please—test all your video gear before the event. Don’t assume that mic will “probably work.”
Know When to Move (and When to Stay Still)
There’s an art to filming live events. You want to be invisible—but also everywhere.
Here’s what we recommend:
Capturing key moments from a stable tripod position
Roaming (respectfully!) to grab crowd b-roll and branded visuals
Switching angles for visual variety
And if you’re grabbing the action handheld, always remember to keep things in motion! Static shots are boring.
If you’re a solo event videographer, this takes some strategy. Set up multiple cameras if possible or prioritize movement during lower-stakes moments (not during the keynote).
The camera setups and filming approach you choose will depend on the type of event and the final video you’re creating.
For example, our team at Nova House Productions, a NYC video production company, covered one of New York City’s biggest outdoor events: NYC Tulip Day. With over 17,000 people in attendance and a massive footprint across Union Square, we knew we had to approach it strategically.
The client needed two deliverables:
A short-form social media video within 48 hours (watch below)
A long-form event recap video capturing the full scope of the day
This meant we wanted to keep things fast and exciting. We roamed the venue to get crowd and decor shots - smiling faces, people picking tulips, guests lined up to get inside. This was all shot handheld. But, when it was time for the client to get on stage and welcome the crowd, we made sure we had our camera on a tripod, with a microphone ready to go.
👉 Watch the full recap video of NYC Tulip Day on our work page.
Capture the Energy!
One of the most common mistakes in event videography? Focusing too much on the schedule—and not enough on the feeling. Capturing the energy and atmosphere is what makes a live event video truly shine.
Here are three types of footage that bring your event recap video to life:
Audience reactions like laughter, applause, or cheers
Ambient sound, like the host greeting guests or the crowd buzzing with excitement
Candid moments of attendees exploring, networking, and enjoying the event
These clips are what transform your video from a flat recap into an immersive experience, as if your viewers were right there with you.
Don’t Forget About the Edit
Shooting a live event is just half the job. The final edit is where your event video production team ties it all together and makes your event unforgettable.
If you’re editing in-house, remember to:
Keep clips short, tight, and high-impact
Choose music that matches the brand’s tone and energy
Add subtitles to any interviews or spoken content
Incorporate branding—logos, colors, and on-screen graphics
If you’re outsourcing, be sure to hire an experienced event videographer or event production company (hi, that’s us 👋), make sure they specialize in event recaps and storytelling—not just filming.
Final Thoughts: Filming Your Event Like a Pro
If you’d rather be in the moment than worrying about camera angles, we’ve got you. Nova House Productions helps brands, agencies, and event planners across New York City, NJ, and the Hamptons create unforgettable video of their live events. Wed’d love to do the same for you!
Still have questions?
👉 Let’s talk about how we can bring your event to life on video
👀 Or get to know us first and see what we’re all about!
Event Videography FAQ
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Filming a corporate event professionally starts with planning. Scout the venue in advance, make a shot list based on the event schedule, and coordinate with the client or event planner so you don’t miss key moments. Use multiple cameras when possible, bring clean audio gear, and always capture plenty of crowd reactions and ambient footage to help tell the full story.
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At a minimum, you’ll need a professional camera with strong low-light performance, a tripod or monopod, external microphones (lavaliers and shotgun mics), and backup batteries and SD cards. If you’re filming a larger event, consider additional cameras, wireless audio setups, gimbals for smooth motion shots, and even a drone (if permitted).
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Yes—brand activations are high-impact marketing moments, and having a professional videographer ensures you get high-quality footage that matches your brand energy. A pro will capture both the details and the vibe, so you can repurpose the footage for social media, case studies, and future promotions.
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Event videography pricing varies depending on the scope of the event, length of coverage, number of crew members, and whether editing is included. In the NYC area, for example, rates can start around $1,500 and increase with additional services like multi-camera setups, drone footage, or full post-production editing. We’re always happy to provide a custom quote based on your needs.
