SOP for Video and Photographer at the Cross Border Summit

Posted on September 29, 2025

Purpose of the Job Role

The primary purpose of the Video and Photographer role at the Cross Border Summit is to professionally capture, document, and enhance the event’s visual narrative. This involves producing high-quality photographs and video footage that authentically represent the summit’s energy, key discussions, networking opportunities, and overall impact. By doing so, the role supports the event’s marketing, social media amplification, and archival needs, ensuring that attendees and stakeholders can relive and share memorable moments long after the event concludes.

What We Want to Achieve

Through this role, we aim to achieve:

  • Engagement Boost: Create compelling visuals that drive social media shares, increasing the summit’s online reach and attendee interaction.
  • Brand Storytelling: Produce assets that highlight cross-border collaboration themes, speaker insights, and participant success stories for future promotions.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Deliver a full spectrum of content—from candid action shots to polished group photos and dynamic video clips—for immediate use and long-term archiving.
  • Professional Quality: Ensure all outputs meet high standards of lighting, composition, and editing to reflect the summit’s prestige.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Overview

This SOP outlines the step-by-step responsibilities for the Video and Photographer. Follow these guidelines to ensure seamless execution and optimal results. Coordinate with the event coordinator for scheduling and access.

1. Pre-Event Preparation (1-2 Days Before)

  • Review the event agenda, speaker bios, and key locations (e.g., main stage, networking lounges, breakout rooms).
  • Test and pack equipment: DSLR/mirrorless camera with lenses (wide-angle for groups, telephoto for candids), video camera or gimbal-stabilized setup, tripods, extra batteries, memory cards, and lighting modifiers.
  • Scout the venue virtually or in-person: Identify optimal shooting angles for stage, audience, and high-traffic areas.
  • Prepare a shot list based on priorities (see below) and backup storage solutions.

2. On-Site Execution (During the Summit)

Arrive 2 hours early for setup. Maintain a low profile to avoid disrupting sessions while capturing authentic moments.

  • Group Photos on Stage:
    • Schedule during breaks or designated photo ops (e.g., after keynote speeches).
    • Position on stage risers or backdrop; use wide-angle lens for full group inclusion.
    • Capture 3-5 variations: Formal posed, candid smiles, and dynamic poses.
    • Ensure even lighting; use external flash if needed.
  • Action Shots at the Event:
    • Document speakers presenting: Close-ups of gestures, slides, and audience engagement.
    • Capture networking interactions: Handshakes, discussions in lounges, panel Q&A.
    • Include diverse attendee shots: Reactions, note-taking, group collaborations.
    • Aim for 200+ high-res photos per day, focusing on natural light where possible.
  • Video Clips:
    • Record b-roll: Venue walkthroughs, crowd arrivals, stage setups (5-10 minutes total per session).
    • Capture short interviews: 1-2 minute clips with speakers or attendees on key topics (e.g., “What excites you about cross-border opportunities?”).
    • Highlight reels: 30-60 second clips of applause, transitions, and energetic moments.
    • Use stabilization tools; audio check with lav mics for clarity. Target 30-45 minutes of raw footage per day.
  • General Best Practices:
    • Respect privacy: Obtain verbal consent for close-ups; avoid sensitive discussions.
    • Monitor battery/storage levels hourly; rotate devices as needed.
    • Collaborate with other media: Share access for group shots but maintain independent coverage.

3. Post-Event Wrap-Up (Same Day or Within 24 Hours)

  • Offload all footage to secure drives; create initial backups.
  • Quick edit and select top assets: 50 edited photos and 5-10 video clips for immediate social media use.
  • Deliver preliminary files to event coordinator via shared drive (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox).
  • Full edit within 48 hours: Color correction, cropping, and basic video cuts for a polished highlight package.

4. Equipment and Safety Checklist

Item

Status

Camera Body & Lenses

☐ Checked

Video Rig/Gimbal

☐ Checked

Batteries & Chargers

☐ Checked

Memory Cards (64GB+)

☐ Checked

Tripod & Lighting

☐ Checked

Personal Safety Gear

☐ Checked

Note: Any deviations from this SOP must be approved by the event lead. For questions, contact the coordinator at events@mikesblogdesign.com.