Seeing the Picture Before You Take It

What You’re Really Paying For When You Hire a Pittsburgh Event Photographer

In a few days, I’ll be photographing Valentine’s on Ice at the outdoor rink in Schenley Park. I’ve photographed events for the City of Pittsburgh for several years now, but this will be my first time working at this particular venue. Now, that doesn’t mean I’m walking in blind. It just means I have a little more prep to do.

The image above was photographed at a Black History Month event hosted by the City of Pittsburgh inside the City-County Building in February 2025. It’s included here to illustrate the kind of public, multi-stakeholder environments this post is about.

Sometimes that preparation includes scouting locations I’ve never photographed before, especially if they’re publicly accessible. I like to get a feel for the space, how people behave there, how light interacts with the environment at different times, and what kinds of obstacles might show up once the event is in full swing. A lot of this work happens well before the event itself. I’ve written before about how space and intention shape the final result, particularly when photographing things like recording studios, where understanding the room matters just as much as how it gets used.

Valentine’s on Ice is an outdoor event...in February…in Pittsburgh. Weather is not a side note, as evidenced by the recent winter storm I have affectionately dubbed Snowmageddon’s Revenge. Weather can be responsible for the best shot I’ve ever taken, or it can be the bane of my existence. It directly affects how people move, how long moments last, how quickly expressions come and go, and perhaps most importantly, how light reflects off everything from ice to winter coats. And, cold temperatures can change how equipment behaves, too. Those conditions become part of the story whether anyone wants them to be or not.

Also worth noting—I will not be on the ice. No way, no how. This is not a lack of dedication, mind you. This is a basic understanding of balance, skill, and my own mortality. Photographing skaters in motion is hard enough. Attempting to stay upright on ice skates at the same time would almost certainly result in me becoming part of the entertainment, and that is NOT what I’m being paid to do!

Anyway, back to the point...

Before an event even happens, I’m already thinking about how the images will be used afterward. Like most of the event photography I do, City of Pittsburgh events are stories that I photograph with multiple timelines in mind. Some images are needed quickly for social media or web follow-ups. Others are created specifically to promote next year’s event. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even get a photo whose use case can serve some other unknown purpose that only that specific moment can define…

Sponsors are also part of the story. Public events often rely heavily on them, and it matters that their involvement is represented clearly and respectfully. That means being aware of signage, branded spaces, and moments where those partnerships can be showcased in meaningful ways. It’s not about forcing logos into photos. It’s about understanding why those details matter to the client and making sure they are documented accurately and thoughtfully.

During the event, the work becomes a balancing act between meeting the client’s (and their sponsors’) expectations and showcasing the interactions, expressions, and atmosphere that make that event a story worth sharing. That split delivery is something people rarely think about when they ask about event photography pricing, but it’s a big part of the value. Delivering a small set of images quickly requires decisiveness and focus. The rest of the gallery is more about getting things right so the photos can be part of a longer story arc.

And the image selection isn’t about quantity. It’s about choosing photographs that accurately represent the experience, the setting, and the people involved. Editing is about the clarity and consistency that conveys the authenticity of the event, not some social media trend that won’t matter next week. Delivery needs to be reliable and usable for marketing teams, communications staff, and future planning—in this case, for a Pittsburgh event that returns each year.

So, what’s actually included in event photography pricing?

It includes preparation. It includes coverage that accounts for weather, public space, and real-world limitations. It includes awareness of sponsors and stakeholders. It includes fast turnaround when it matters and careful editing when it counts. Most of all, it includes responsibility. Events like this are absolutely unique. There are no do-overs, and the images created are often what people rely on to write that memory in ink, so to speak.

If you’re planning to attend Valentine’s on Ice this year, details are available through the City of Pittsburgh’s website.

I’ll update this post after the event with images from the rink and a few reflections from the night itself, once the skates are off and the hot chocolate is sufficiently marshmallowed. I’ll let you know when that’s ready so you can stop back and see the rest of the story.