Corporate Event Photography FAQ: Singapore

Short answers to the questions organisers ask us most, with a link to the detailed guide for each topic.

Answered by Ricky Ee, Director of RS Photography. RS Photography has photographed corporate, MICE and government events in Singapore since 2013.

For the full overview, see Corporate event photography in Singapore: the complete guide.

Prices and booking

How much does corporate event photography cost in Singapore?

At RS Photography, one photographer is S$500 for 2 hours, S$680 for a half day (up to 4 hours) and S$1,200 for a full day (up to 8 hours), nett. Evenings, weekends and public holidays add S$100 per photographer (S$200 on a full day); multi-day MICE events are quoted per booking.
→ Event photography costs

Is GST included?

It depends on the vendor. RS Photography is not GST-registered, so our quotations are nett and final.

How far ahead should we book?

Four to eight weeks for most events. Book earlier for November to January, the busiest season for annual dinners and year-end events. Short-notice bookings are often still possible on weekdays.

Do we need a professional, or can staff use phones?

Phones are enough for small, bright, informal internal events. A professional is worth it for low light, stages, VIPs, large events, and photos for press, reports or ads.

How do we choose a photographer?

Ask for full galleries from events like yours, confirm backup photographers and equipment, and get delivery times and usage rights in writing.

Planning

How many photographers do we need?

One for each area that runs at the same time. For dinners, plan about one photographer for up to 300 guests and two for 300–600; stage, arrivals and table photos running at once can need more.
→ Conference checklist · Annual dinners

What should we send the photographer before the event?

The run-of-show, a shot list, the speaker and VIP list with headshots, venue details and one day-of contact, at least a week before.

How do we get a good large group photo?

Give it a fixed time in the programme (not the end), a location with a raised camera position, VIPs in the centre of the front row, and helpers to bring people in.
→ Large group photos

What if our outdoor event gets rained out?

Agree a wet-weather plan before the day: covered areas, an indoor backup, a decision time and one person who decides. Pause outdoor activities if there is lightning.
→ Outdoor events

Why do speakers look dark in event photos?

Because the screen behind them is brighter than their faces. Ask the AV team for more front light on speakers and to lower the screen brightness during speeches.

How early does the photographer arrive?

For most events, 30 minutes before the first programme item, such as registration. For a MICE event, single-day or multi-day, 1 hour before on day 1 and 30 minutes on later days. Photo booth and video crews arrive 1 hour before to set up, and a 360 video booth 2 hours before.

Delivery

How fast do we get the photos?

The full edited gallery arrives within 48 hours.

How many photos will we get?

It depends on the programme, how many areas are covered and how much is happening. Detailed retouching and RAW files are usually extra.

Can we get photos during the event?

Yes. With EXPRESS 24™, agreed in your brief, an on-site editor delivers 10–15 edited selects within the hour and the complete gallery within 24 hours.
→ Same-day delivery

What should we do with the photos afterwards?

Post during the event and the next day, send speakers and sponsors their photos, build a recap page within a week, and reuse the photos for next year's event and the annual report.
→ Using event photos

Who owns the photos?

Whatever the quotation and contract say. If they say nothing, under the Copyright Act 2021 the photographer is usually the default owner, unless the photos were taken by an employee in the course of their job, when the employer usually owns them. Confirm usage rights before booking, especially for advertising or government contracts.

Privacy and consent

Does the PDPA apply to event photos?

Photos of identifiable people are personal data. Tell guests that photography is taking place and how the photos will be used, get valid consent for those uses or check that an exception applies, offer an opt-out, and deliver photos securely.
→ PDPA consent guide

How do we handle guests who don't want to be photographed?

Give them a visible marker, such as a coloured lanyard, and brief every photographer on it.

What about children?

Tell families in advance, offer an opt-out, keep galleries private, and get parents' agreement before using children's photos publicly.
→ School events · Family days

Government and public sector

Can government agencies engage RS Photography?

Yes, through GeBIZ or the agency's procurement platform. Work starts after a Purchase Order is issued.
→ Government events

Is bizSAFE required?

It depends on the quotation documents. Level 3 is a common requirement for on-site work. RS Photography is bizSAFE Level 3 certified.

Do you photograph embassy and national day receptions?

Yes. The key is the receiving line: one photographer stays with the ambassador to photograph every guest, while a second covers the room, following protocol and precedence.

How do you photograph a ministerial visit or facility tour?

Walk the route beforehand, stay ahead of the group at every stop, photograph the VIP interacting with staff, follow PPE and security rules, and deliver captioned photos the same day.

What should be photographed at a community centre event?

The guest of honour's arrival, walkabout and speech, residents of all ages at the activities, volunteers and partners, and group photos with the committee.

Can you photograph events at factories and industrial sites?

Yes, with the right PPE, the site induction, any photography permits and an escort, staying out of restricted and hazardous areas, and showing correct safety practice in every photo.

Does the PDPA apply to vendors working for government agencies?

Yes. Since 1 February 2021, vendors acting for public agencies are no longer excluded from the PDPA.

Types of event

How do we photograph every award winner?

Use stage marks, a pause facing the camera, and a running order to name photos per recipient.
→ Award ceremonies

When should we plan photos for a company anniversary?

Three to six months before the celebration, to photograph founders and long-serving staff, collect archive photos and design a book or video.

How do we photograph lo hei and a lion dance?

Find out exactly when each starts, place the photographer before the moment, start with the main table for lo hei, and get the lion's route and the plucking of the greens in advance.
→ Festive celebrations

How do you photograph a team building race across the city?

With photographers at two or three checkpoints every team passes, a roving photographer between them, and the start and finish covered. Photograph every team at least once.

How long does a photographer need at a seminar or workshop?

Usually a 2-hour booking, covering the opening, activities and the closing. Several sessions in one day can be combined into one booking.

What should be photographed at a golf day?

Every flight before tee-off, the flag-off, sponsor and contest holes, players in action without disturbing play, and every winner at the prize dinner.

Can buyers be photographed at a property launch?

Only with care. Keep forms, cheques, IDs and screens out of frame, and don't use identifiable buyers in public photos without consent. Focus on the showflat, the model, crowds and the developer's team.

When should food be photographed at a restaurant launch?

Before guests arrive, with the chef plating each dish fresh. Then photograph the space, the chef and the event itself.

Can performers at our event be photographed?

Usually, but check the performer's agreement first: some limit photos, video or flash, or need approval before publishing.

How do you photograph a university or polytechnic open house?

With several photographers or fixed points across the campus, covering every faculty's booth, demonstrations, talks and tours, with same-day selects for social media.

Can photographers use flash at a gallery or museum opening?

Often not near certain works. Ask the venue first and use the exhibition lighting, and photograph installation views separately before the opening.

What should be photographed at a CSR event for an ESG report?

Real activity and measurable impact, before and after, partners and the team, with accurate captions: date, place, partner and what was achieved.

When is the best time to photograph an exhibition booth?

The empty booth before doors open, and the busy booth at peak hours.

Does a roadshow photographer need to stay all day?

Usually not. Photograph the setup before opening, then peak hours and key moments. For multi-day roadshows, two or three peak sessions are often enough.

How do we get a good ribbon-cutting or groundbreaking photo?

Rehearse, mark VIP positions, reserve a central camera spot, and ask VIPs to hold facing the camera.
→ Ceremonies

How do you photograph a car launch?

Hero shots of the clean car before guests arrive, controlled reflections, a rehearsed reveal from two positions, then leaders, media and guests with the car.

How do we get press-ready photos from a launch?

Rehearse the unveil, prepare names and titles, and send a small captioned set within hours.
→ Launches and press events

Video, streaming and other services

Should we book photo and video from one company?

For most events, yes. You get one brief, one contact and a consistent style, and it usually costs less.
→ Photo and video

What do we need to live stream an event?

A wired connection with a mobile backup, audio from the AV desk, slides taken directly from the source, a rehearsal, and someone looking after the online audience.
→ Live streaming

How long does a corporate video take?

It depends on the script, shoot days and review rounds; the delivery date is agreed in the quotation.

How much does a photo booth cost?

A photo booth with instant prints is S$800 for 2 hours at RS Photography.
→ Photo booths

How do professional firms keep partner portraits consistent?

Agree a standard background, lighting, crop and retouching level, record the setup, and photograph new partners the same way later.

How many headshots can be done in an hour?

About 6 to 7 people an hour per station, which is about 50 in a full day with breaks. A headshot booth at a conference is planned and quoted with the event coverage.
→ Corporate headshots · Workplace photos

Incentive groups and overseas events

Do you photograph incentive groups visiting Singapore?

Yes. Coverage usually includes the welcome, city tours, a landmark group photo and the gala or award night, with daily highlights shared during the trip.

Can a Singapore team cover events overseas?

Yes. It is worth it for high-profile events and delegations. Flights, accommodation and travel days are added to the quote.
→ Overseas events

Have a question we haven't answered? Send it to RS Photography with your event details, and we will reply with an answer and a nett quotation. Ask a question