Houston Event Photographer

Houston Event Photographer

I am a Houston event photographer specializing in powerful event photographs. I’ve been photographing events since 2004, and I’d like to photograph yours too!

I’m your best choice when you need a hassle-free event photographer who reliably delivers relatable, dynamic, and superior event photography.

Table of Contents

Event Examples & Pricing

After you’ve learned why I’m your best choice for a Houston event photographer, make sure you see my event photography portfolio and check out my affordable event photography pricing.

If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional [photographer] to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur. — Red Adair, American Oil Well Firefighter

Event Photographer Services

I’m the event photographer you need if your organization wants photographic coverage for activations, anniversaries, award presentations, banquets, birthday parties, ceremonies, Christmas parties, conferences, conventions, galas, grand openings, holiday parties, meetings, mitzvahs, parades, political events, and weddings.

I’m also available for event photography for your bachelor or bachelorette parties, church homecomings, corporate dinners, costume parties, retreats, dances, family reunions, fundraising events, funerals, gender reveals, golf tournaments, graduation parties, groundbreakings, masquerade balls, non-profit events, retirement parties, ribbon cuttings, school reunions, sporting events, and other special events in Houston or the surrounding area. And if you have a petting zoo or mechanical bull in your plans, please contact me right now!

I also cover recurring local events like CERAWeek and the Houston Rodeo, so if you’re considering those options, book me soon to ensure I’m available.

My unobtrusive, candid style as an event photographer allows me to capture you and your guests at their best. As a photojournalist, I’ll never interrupt the flow of your planned event.

I’ll be mindful and respectful of event attendees. I’ll pay attention and won’t photograph some folks when privacy requests demand it. For example, suppose you’d like me to avoid photographing certain subjects. In that case, you might provide those folks with color-coded lanyards or name badge stickers.

Great memories deserve great photography. — Rob Greer (quoting myself isn’t narcissistic if it’s true)

I’ll also use common sense where special circumstances may apply. I photograph children challenged by disability, age, or illness and vulnerable adults with thoughtful respect and consideration.

In addition to photojournalistic coverage, I also offer impromptu on-site portraits and formal portraits with studio lighting and backgrounds. This kind of coverage is sometimes called step-and-repeat photography.

My professionalism, graciousness, preparation, and flexibility ensure a successful and stress-free event photography experience.

Testimonials

Here are some choice words from a few event photography clients. These folks already know I’m a smart choice for event coverage; I hope to add your review here soon.

We were extremely impressed with Rob Greer’s work at our recent Guitars N’ Cars fundraiser event for our client U.S.VETS Houston! — Tammie Fletcher of Dot Org Events

We used Rob Greer Photography for a work event with pictures with Santa and Holiday photos. Rob was incredible and his attention to detail was impeccable and greatly appreciated. — Ashley Williams

Rob did a wonderful job at our event. The event was held for high school students to meet their mentors, and he did a great job showing the joy and connection between our mentors and their students. — Ally Peterson

Tremendous event photographer! Takes creative photos that are artistic, beautiful and will make you smile. Also highly effective at organizing guests and getting all of the photos done in an organized manner. — Brock Wagner

Meetings, Conferences & Conventions

Unless instructed otherwise, when photographing event guests and participants, I strive to highlight vibrant, engaged, and diverse individuals while avoiding photography of subjects who look bored, confused, unhappy, or inattentive. I also avoid photographing folks when they’re eating, drinking, or looking at their phones.

For commercial events where I create photographs used in promotional advertising, I focus on inclusive photography that showcases a wide diversity of age, race, and gender wherever possible.

For professional conferences, I photograph individuals interacting with each other on stage and in the audience, in hallways during breaks, during special events, or as outlined explicitly by you or your team.

My company hired Rob Greer to photograph a conference and we are so glad we did! From beginning to end, Rob was quick to respond, very professional and delivered amazing high quality photos. — Ashley Jaramillo

When booths or registration stations are present, I typically photograph those areas both empty and with guests to allow you maximum versatility in your usage. I also photograph panoramas of the venue, speaking areas, the audience, and one-on-one interactions.

I’ll also photograph venue and event signage wherever possible to emphasize a sense of place. And, of course, I’ll include your company’s branding at every opportunity.

When you or your staff identify VIPs for me, I’ll give them the extra attention I know you’ll prefer. I’ve photographed CEOs, politicians, celebrities, generals, and astronauts. I’ve treated them all with the appropriate respect and decorum you’d expect of any event photographer you might like to hire to represent you or your organization.

When subjects hold drinks, I typically ask them to hide their drinks behind the back of the person standing next to them or set them down if a table is next to the subject. That attention to detail means your photos will be more visually appealing and usable in various marketing materials. If the subjects appear reluctant to comply, I’ll compose the image without the drinks visible whenever possible. Alternatively, please indicate that you’d prefer me not to ask guests to hide their drinks.

Another way I ensure you receive better photos from your event is to minimize name tags or badges in pictures on request. When that’s your policy (and only when it makes sense), I’ll ask subjects to remove their name tags or badges for posed photos.

When event speakers are present, I’ll suggest that they remove their badges before taking the podium. For luncheon speakers, I’ll suggest they check their teeth before taking the stage after a meal. I’m on top of concerns most folks never consider.

When your guests ask who they should contact for a copy of the photo and how the images will be used, I’ll reply succinctly and accurately. Please provide me with that information before coverage begins, and I’ll share it with attendees. Suppose you’d like to prepare a card that includes distribution information. In that case, I can provide the card on request or to everyone I photograph.

Wedding Photographer

I’ve photographed 350+ weddings. If you’re getting married and you’re looking for a Houston wedding photographer with cosmopolitan sensibilities, check out my wedding photography portfolio.

The two best decisions that I have made in my entire life are 1) picking and marrying my husband, and 2) selecting Rob Greer to photograph our wedding. — Alexis Coulourides

Although most event photographers aren’t always expert wedding photographers, I’m different because weddings are my origin story, and I remain a solid choice in both areas.

Professional Photographer Appearance

My appearance helps confirm professionalism when interacting with your guests. Clients and guests frequently actively comment positively on my appearance.

My attire typically includes a black collared shirt, vest, tie (frequently), trousers, and closed-toe shoes. I’ll dress more casually if the event is casual, and informal attire is suitable. I’ll always check with you before assuming that informal apparel is appropriate.

My outfit never distracts, and my carefully considered wardrobe helps me blend in with your guests, environment, happenings, and other vendors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here’s an FAQ covering the most frequently asked questions related to my work as a Houston event photographer. If you have another question not answered here, just send me a message, and I’ll get right back to you.

For the most detailed answer to this question, don’t miss my event photography pricing page, where I detail everything included with my standard coverage.

All things being equal, guests sitting at tables with white tablecloths will have better photographs than guests seated at tables with black tablecloths. White reflects light, so guests are presented in a better light when they are seated at tables with white tablecloths than if they’re seated at tables with black tablecloths.

Black absorbs light, and that makes my ability to create nice portraits of seated guests just a bit harder.

Light your presenters. Light your presenters. Light your presenters. I strongly recommend hiring a professional lighting company that can set up wash lights that will create lighting across the entire stage area.

I’ve photographed countless events where poor lighting prevented me from creating high-quality photographs of event speakers and folks called to the stage.

That’s not to say that I don’t take low-light photographs or even that those photos are terrible; I’m just saying that your photos will be so much better when your presenters are lit professionally.

If the audience is in a dark room, you’ll want to light that audience if you’d like me to create nice photographs of attentive guests. Since flash is distracting in these situations and on-camera flash isn’t capable of lighting large audiences, your lighting will be important for this kind of work. Also, just like your speakers, even wash lighting is recommended for your audience, too, or you’ll have light and dark pockets.

If you’re using pin-spot decor lighting, make sure that it’s balanced so that it’s only slightly brighter than the room lighting. Otherwise, your décor photos will either be blown out, or the only thing you’ll see in the room overview will be the pin-spotted decor details.

Avoid picking rooms or venues where the only lighting is from can lights or ceiling spotlights. Direct downlighting is very difficult to overcome, even with flash photography. Guests with lighting hotspots and raccoon eyes are never a good look.

You’ll want to have a plan for distributing photos to guests. One of the most common questions I receive when photographing an event is, “Where can I see the photos?” Let me know your plan, and I’ll share that information.

If you’re setting up large marquee light-up letters for guest selfies or for me to take guest photos, choose an area with a simple background. Avoid placing the letters in front of doors or busy backgrounds.

Also, since people standing in front of the letters will block the letters, set the marquee lights up so guests can step behind the lettering for their photos.

Although most of my event photography work is for conferences, trade shows, and parties, I don’t have a specialization that restricts me from other kinds of event work.

Event photography is about sharing what happens at your event through both candid and posed photography, and that is the same for every event I might photograph.

I won’t photograph combat or hate group events. Other than those two examples, I’m your best choice when you’re looking for a Houston event photographer.

In addition to Houston events, I also often photograph events in Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, but I’ll travel anywhere if you pay my fees. And my passport is current!

During a typical year, I’d estimate that about five to ten potential clients miss out on booking me because they didn’t confirm with me fast enough after I told them I was available on a specific date. Don’t be like them. Please get in touch with me today, and let’s get started!

Of course! My event photography portfolio includes examples of both indoor and outdoor events (and daytime and nighttime events).

Sure! I’ve photographed events with 20,000 attendees and events with only five attendees. Size matters, but not so much with event photography. I can photograph your event, too. Let’s get started!

For large events or events where simultaneous coverage in multiple locations is needed, I may add other photographers to my team at your request. I’ve got a deep bench of similarly skilled photographers when you need me to bring on extra help.

My equipment isn’t just good. It’s exceptionally awesome. And I have backup gear for every major piece of camera and lighting gear. Check out my photography equipment page if you’re a gear head and want to learn more.

Absolutely. However, when I do communicate with planners and other vendors before the event, I only do so through email so I can CC you on everything and document our mutual communications.

You can rest easy about hiring me as your event photographer if you a) look at my event photography portfolio, b) read my extensive (extreme) website content, and c) check out my hundreds of authentic reviews from real people just like you.

I’m happy to take impromptu group photos at your event. That’s included in my coverage. If you need more formal and planned group portraits that aren’t typically included in candid coverage, you might want to check out my group photography pricing information.

If your event has any chance of going over the event end time, you might want to schedule me for an extra half hour, so you know I’ll be available if your event runs longer than expected.

If I don’t have another appointment following your event, I’ll typically provide up to ten minutes of extra coverage at no charge.

If you need more coverage beyond those ten minutes, assuming I’m available, you can verbally extend my coverage in half-hour increments, and I’ll bill you for that extra time after the event.

However, if I have another appointment following yours, I may need to leave your event at the time we set forth in our agreement.

In that case, we can head home early. However, coverage hours and payment terms are based on the timeframes outlined in your agreement.

Of course. I’ll ask you detailed questions about your preferred coverage so I know if you want candid photos only, posed photos only, or both types of coverage.

Nobody looks cute when they’re shoving food in their mouth, but once folks are done eating, I’ll resume my superduperawesome photography.

I usually use ma’am to address females between the ages of three and one hundred. And I’ll similarly use the term sir to address males. If I’m unsure about someone’s gender, I’ll drop the honorific.

Growing up in the South (Louisiana) and later joining the military, the use of yes ma’am and yes sir is deeply ingrained in my subconscious.

Folks local to Houston know that using ma’am and sir is a sign of respect and deference in professional settings. Although some people may find those titles old-fashioned, they’re common, expected, courteous, and viewed as traditional Southern manners.

That being said, some folks think that ma’am and sir imply that they’re older than the person using the honorific. That’s not true in Houston. In the South, it’s just a way to address someone rapidly and respectfully when you don’t know their name.

And for my closing fun fact, did you know that the word “ma’am” is a contraction from the Old French word “madam,” meaning “my lady”? The honorific ma’am entered the English language in the 1600s and is still in regular use today.

There are several important considerations related to your photography and your event’s speakers.

First, I suggest that every speaker remove their badge before taking the stage unless you absolutely need a way to identify speakers. Photos are so much cleaner without those speaker badges.

Next, check that speakers with pants and jacket pockets don’t have them stuffed with personal items like phones, keys, glasses, or twinkies. Those bulges will appear on camera.

Finally, even if your event doesn’t include a luncheon, have those speakers check their teeth if they’ve eaten recently. Ask me how I know.

Absolutely!

Over the years, I’ve learned that for great photos of speakers or groups with flags, the flags should be on short poles, so the bottom of the flag is about a foot from the floor. This preparation helps ensure that I don’t need to create compositions with excessive space above speaker or group heads. In other words, with tall poles, I’d need to include the entire flag plus a finial, which makes for awkward compositions.

Also, you’ll want to be aware of flag code gotchas. First, the American flag should be to the left when viewed by the audience and never be higher than other flags displayed in the same area. This flag rule also applies even when a company, organization, or government of another country hosts an event.

For example, I photographed a government event at which their country’s flag was flown to the left of the American flag in the primary position of honor. That flag position would only be correct if the event were held on that country’s soil.

The original Whack-a-Mole game was created in Japan in 1975 and included a waist-level cabinet and a rubber mallet. The play area included holes where cartoonish moles would pop up randomly, and the player’s goal was to hit the mole with the mallet before it retracted into the gaming cabinet.

When you have an event where you briefly recognize people in the audience and ask them to stand, those folks pop up and sit down faster than J.J. Watt stepping off the line of scrimmage during the playoffs. It’s almost impossible to get a good photo of those folks because I don’t know where they’re sitting, and by the time I see them and move my camera toward their position, they’re already on their way down or all the way down on their seat again.

That’s why it’s like playing Whack-a-Mole. I’ve stopped trying to photograph those folks during an event because, in 20+ years of doing this work, I’m unable to create acceptable photos of those folks. So, if you want a great picture of the person you recognize during your event, please consider asking them to come up on stage so I can create a better image of that individual.

How to Hire Me

If you’ve been using a photographer near me in your search query, you’ve found your guy! Besides Houston, I often photograph events in San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. Check out my event photography pricing or contact me today!