It’s the big day. The marquee is up, the guests are arriving, and everything looks perfect.
But when the event is over and it’s time to look back at the photographs, there’s a sinking feeling—some of the most important moments are missing, the lighting is all wrong, or the images just don’t capture the atmosphere you remember.
As a photographer working across Cranleigh and the Surrey Hills, I’ve seen how events – whether charity galas, intimate brand launches, or large community celebrations – can fall flat visually if photography mistakes aren’t avoided.
Great event photos don’t happen by accident. They take experience, planning and a clear understanding of what the day means to the people involved.
Here are some of the most common event photography mistakes I’ve come across in Surrey and how to avoid them.
Not Having a Plan (Or a Photographer Without One)
Every event has a flow, with key moments that matter more than others.
It could be a speech, the first toast, an award presentation or a ribbon cutting.
One of the biggest mistakes is going into an event without a clear brief or a shot list. If your photographer doesn’t know what matters to you, it’s very easy for them to miss it.
When I photograph an event, I always speak to the organiser beforehand to understand the schedule, the VIPs, and the tone they’re aiming for.
Whether it’s a casual village fundraiser or a formal corporate function in Guildford, I approach each event differently, based on what the client wants to remember.
Bad Lighting (and Not Knowing How to Handle It)
Many Surrey venues – especially older buildings and rural locations – can be dimly lit or full of mixed lighting sources, like fairy lights, candles, and overhead fluorescents. This can result in photos that are too dark, too yellow, or just don’t feel natural.
An experienced photographer knows how to handle tricky lighting without using harsh flash that ruins the ambience.
I always bring lighting equipment suited for events and know how to work with the space, not against it. The goal is to preserve the feel of the event, while still getting sharp, well-lit images that look professional.
Forgetting the Guests
It’s easy to focus just on the big moments – cutting the ribbon, giving the speech – but some of the most meaningful photos come from the in-between. Smiles exchanged across a table, children playing on the lawn, a quiet conversation in the corner.
One mistake I often see is photography that only captures the “main stage” moments, missing the human connections that make events memorable.
At any event I cover, I make a point to observe, move around discreetly, and capture those smaller moments that tell the full story of the day.
Taking Too Few (or Too Many) Photos
There’s a balance to be struck between over-shooting and under-delivering.
Too few photos, and you risk missing moments. Too many, and it becomes overwhelming for the organiser to sort through them—especially if many are duplicates or throwaways.
Part of my job is knowing when to shoot, and when to step back. I aim to deliver a carefully curated set of images that cover the key highlights, the atmosphere, and the details – without overwhelming the client with hundreds of near-identical shots.
No Context or Branding
For charity events and brand launches, photos aren’t just for memories – they’re a marketing tool. One common mistake is not making the most of signage, logos, and brand elements.
When I photograph events for local businesses or organisations, I look for natural ways to include branding in the frame – whether it’s a logo on a lectern, a banner in the background, or branded materials in guests’ hands. These images become valuable assets for social media, newsletters, and future promotions.
Missing the Venue’s Unique Character
Surrey is full of incredible venues – from historic barns in the countryside to modern halls in towns like Godalming or Dorking.
Another mistake is not using the venue to its full potential in the photography.
I always take time to photograph the setting before the event gets too busy. That might mean arriving early to get wide shots of the venue dressed and ready, or stepping outside during golden hour to capture the space in beautiful natural light. These images help set the scene and add depth to the full gallery.
Trying to DIY the Photography
Perhaps the most common mistake is assuming someone with a good phone camera can “cover” the event.
While smartphones have come a long way, there’s still a clear difference between snapshots and professional photography.
Hiring a professional means you can focus on the event itself, knowing someone is capturing it all with care, experience, and the right equipment.
You’ll also receive edited images that you can use straight away—for press, marketing, or simply remembering the day.
Make Your Surrey Event Stand Out
Events take time, effort, and love to organise. Whether it’s a community celebration, a business launch or a charity fundraiser, the right photography ensures all that hard work is remembered and shared.
Avoiding these common mistakes means you’ll have a gallery of images that reflects the heart of the day – not just what it looked like, but how it felt.
If you’re planning an event in Cranleigh, Guildford, or anywhere across the Surrey Hills, and want photography that captures the full story, I’d love to help.
Get in touch to chat about your plans—I’d be happy to work with you to make sure your event is photographed exactly as it deserves.
