Event Photography
Capture the spirit of being there.
For the few hours you hire me to cover your event, that place and the people in it become my world. I flit in and out of crowds—sometimes noticed, mostly unnoticed—and capture not just the main act but also how individuals respond to it and to each other. I’ll take a lot of candid shots, but I’m just as comfortable asking someone to pose. I’m fascinated by the expressions on people’s faces as they watch, listen, laugh or dance to a performance; as they celebrate a milestone, learn a new skill, work together, geek out together, or participate in a shared project. My sincere interest in people of all backgrounds engaged in activity of all kinds is reflected in my photography, in the way that I honor both the individual and the collective. And you, as my client, will end up with much more than a set of pictures—you’ll have memories to keep and be proud to share with others for years to come.
“Thank you so much for capturing such amazing photos on Saturday night . . . These are super valuable to us.”
— Levitt at the Falls
Types of events
I can document your event in a way that truly captures the feeling of being there in person. Here are just a few examples of the kinds of events I can cover for you:
Award ceremony
Cast party
Charity fundraiser
Convention or expo
Family reunion
Live performance
Networking event
Press conference
Public festival
Ribbon cutting
In addition to covering scheduled events, I am also available for reportage and documentary photography in connection with news stories or magazine articles. For an example, see my work for High Country News.
“A fantastic photographer! Serge knows how to capture artists/musicians in the moment in the most authentic way. Highly recommend his work.”
— Daniel Heier, Jazz Musician
Why hire me to photograph your next event?
Your event is special. You’ve put a lot of time, effort and resources into planning it, and you want to make sure that the photos come out right. I’m recognized for my consistency, technical skills, unique artistry, and professionalism. You can be confident that the resulting photos will not only meet the highest technical standards, but also capture scenes and individuals in a way that inspires and brings joy.
In any sizeable city, there are plenty of talented photographers to choose from. However, not all of them know how to shoot events well—and no, it’s not the same as wedding photography. It's not just a matter of skill; it requires a certain personality to be both invisible and to be able to engage people, to be immersed in the crowd instead of shooting from the sidelines. It is my background as a fine art and street photographer, trained in catching authentic and spontaneous moments (and observing things others don’t) that makes my images stand out. And as a musician, I also have a deep understanding of how to visually capture musical performances and the artists on stage.
Event photography is not just what I specialize in, it's what I love. And when you do what you love, you put your all into it. From composition to exposure to final edit, I approach each shot as a work of art—and the results speak for themselves.
Some examples of my work
Standard pricing*
Commercial event (for-profit business)
Basic editing — $200 hourly / $600 half day / $1,000 full day
Full post-production — $300 hourly / $900 half day / $1,500 full day
Non-profit event (e.g., charitable or social action)
Basic editing — $150 hourly / $450 half day / $750 full day
Full post-production — $250 hourly / $750 half day / $1,250 full day
Tax exemption certificate, 501(c)(3) form or similar proof of eligibility must be presented prior to contract signing.
Please, no partisan political organizations or events.
Personal or family event (e.g., reunion, retirement party)
Basic editing — $150 hourly / $450 half day / $750 full day
Full post-production — $250 hourly / $750 half day / $1,250 full day
Stage performance (e.g., theater play, band concert)
Basic editing — $150 hourly
Full post-production — $250 hourly
*Please note:
1 hour minimum, charged in 15 minute increments thereafter.
Hourly rate charged from time of arrival at shooting location(s) through time of departure, and includes setup, shooting, interviews, teardown, breaks, etc. Additional time charged at lowest applicable rate (e.g. 6h shoot = 1.5x half day rate, 7h shoot = full day rate).
Includes up to 15 minutes travel between photographer’s home near downtown Sioux Falls and shooting location. Additional travel time charged at $50/hour regardless of mode of transportation. Travel expenses, such as air fare and ground transportation (including IRS Standard Mileage Rate for Business if using own vehicle), are in addition to hourly travel charge.
Expenses incurred as part of photo assignment, such as parking fees, are in addition to photography fee. See Photography Agreement for details.
Additional services or equipment (e.g. large group photos, off-camera flash) may incur additional charges.
“Basic editing” refers to high resolution JPEG files created in-camera using a customized Fujifilm simulation, with minor cropping, straightening and exposure correction applied in post (suitable for most reportage purposes).
“Full post-production” refers to RAW camera files edited in Adobe Lightroom with appropriate styles, adjustments and corrections applied, and delivered as high resolution JPEG files (suitable for model portfolios and magazine publication).
Prints not included; please inquire about pricing when scheduling session.
Prices and conditions are subject to change.
Find out more!
I’m based in Sioux Falls, a beautiful, vibrant city in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, only a short distance from Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. Travel to surrounding locations within driving distance (including larger cities like Omaha or Minneapolis-St. Paul) is not out of the question. Complete the form below to request more information or schedule a shoot. I look forward to hearing from you!