About Justin T. Shockley
I'm Justin T. Shockley, a professional event photographer based in New York City. I specialize in corporate events, galas, brand launches, and conferences throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, New Jersey, and the tri-state area. I also travel nationally and internationally for clients. I've worked with clients including Google, Under Armour, Shake Shack, and Time Out NY.
What I Do
- Event types: Corporate conferences, fundraising galas, product launches, tech events, private celebrations
- Service area: NYC (all boroughs), Westchester County, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut
- Deliverables: 300-1,000+ professionally edited images, digital galleries, optional video/drone coverage
- Turnaround: Preview images in 24-48 hours, full galleries in 10-14 business days
Why Choose a Local NYC Event Photographer
Venue Knowledge
Local photographers understand NYC-specific challenges:
- Low-light conditions in Manhattan banquet halls
- Historic venue restrictions and permit requirements
- Rooftop photography with skyline exposure
- Tight spaces in Brooklyn lofts and Queens event spaces
- Knows the best venues for special events
- Has the top recommendations for the best venues.
- Knows secret event locations only known by locals
Logistics Advantages
- No excessive travel fees within NYC/tri-state region
- Faster response times for last-minute changes
- Existing relationships with NYC venues and vendors
- Pre-scouting capability for venue walkthroughs
Trust Signals
- Client reviews and testimonials
- Geographic verification for "near me" searches
- Community ties and reputation in NYC market
How to Evaluate Event Photographers (What to Ask)
Portfolio Questions
- “Show me your best event photography photo gallery, not just highlight reels”
- "What's your style: photojournalistic, candid, formal, or dramatic?"
- “Have you shot locally before?”
Technical Questions
- "What's your backup plan for equipment failure?"
- "How do you handle challenging lighting situations?"
- "Do you bring assistants or second shooters?"
Business Questions
- “What exactly is included in your package or what do people usually want for this type of event?”
- "What's your turnaround time for edited images?"
- "What are your travel fees outside NYC?"
- "Can I see client testimonials from recent events?"
Pricing for NYC Event Photography (2024-2025)
Standard Events
$3,000 - $7,000
- 4-6 hours coverage
- 300-600 edited images
- Single photographer
- Digital gallery with download rights
- Basic lighting setup
Large-Scale Events
$7,000 - $15,000+
- 8+ hours coverage
- 1,000+ edited images
- Multiple photographers/assistants
- Video highlight reels
- Extended post-production
- Formal group photography
Common Add-Ons
$500 - $3,000 each
- Drone photography
- Same-day social media edits
- Branded image overlays
- Additional photographers
- Printed albums or installations
- Behind-the-scenes video
My Photography Services & Approach
What Makes My Work Different
- Fast turnaround: Sneak peek images within 48 hours
- NYC expertise: Extensive experience with Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Connecticut and NJ venues
- Backup systems: Redundant equipment, batteries, and memory cards
- Flexible packages: Customizable coverage hours, deliverables, and add-ons
- Brand understanding: Experience capturing corporate messaging and event branding
Past Clients Include
- Under Armour brand events
- Time Out NY launches and events
- Tech startup conferences
- Nonprofit fundraising galas
- Art openings
- Private corporate celebrations
- Fashion Events including NY Fashion week
Coverage Areas
Primary: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Westchester Extended: Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, upstate NY
Secondary: Global Coverage, anywhere in the world. (Travel Fee will be added)
NYC Venue-Specific Tips
Common NYC Challenges
- Landmark buildings: May require photography permits and advance paperwork
- Rooftop venues: Timing crucial for sunset/skyline shots, wind considerations
- Historic spaces: Limited electrical capacity, restricted rigging points
- Tight venues: Brooklyn lofts and Manhattan townhouses require wide-angle expertise
- Glass buildings: Managing reflections and exposure with city views
Best Practices
- Request venue walkthroughs 1-2 weeks before event
- Confirm electrical access and lighting restrictions
- Plan for NYC traffic when scheduling arrival times
- Coordinate with venue staff on restricted areas
- Account for seasonal lighting (sunset times vary significantly)
What You Should Receive
Standard Deliverables
- High-resolution edited images (JPEG format)
- Private online gallery or electronic email delivery with download access
- Basic print rights for personal/business use
- Color correction and exposure adjustment
- Cropping and composition refinement
- Some Top Tier Photographers can get the lighting effects for event in camera so retouching might not be needed in all cases
Optional Upgrades
- RAW file access
- Advanced retouching (skin smoothing, object removal)
- Branded watermarks or overlays
- Social media-optimized versions
- Physical prints or albums
- Video integration
How to Book
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Contact me with your event date, venue, type of event, and estimated guest count.
Some top tier Photographers also have intake forms to fill out with the information needed for estimates and project information.
Step 2: Proposal Review
Receive detailed proposal with pricing, deliverables, timeline, and terms
Step 3: Comparison
Optional: Compare at least 1 other local photographers based on portfolios, reviews, and value
Step 4: Venue Planning
Optional: Schedule venue walkthrough or review floor plans and lighting setup
Step 5: Contract & Deposit
Sign agreement and submit booking deposit (if required) to secure date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many photos will I receive? A: Typically 300-600 for standard events, 900+ for full-day coverage. Every meaningful moment is captured.
Q: Can I get photos the same day? A: Preview images within 24-48 hours; full edited gallery in 10-14 business days.
Q: Do you charge travel fees in NYC? A: No travel fees within NYC and most of tri-state area. Extended locations may have fee.
Q: What if there's an equipment failure? A: I have backup cameras, rental options, lenses, batteries, and memory cards.
Q: Can you work with our videographer? A: Yes, I coordinate seamlessly with other vendors and can help recommend videographers. I also have my own videographer if needed.
Q: Do you do candid or posed shots? A: Both. I capture natural moments throughout the event plus any requested formal group photos.
Contact Information
Ready to discuss your NYC event photography needs? Reach out to start planning:
Justin T. Shockley Event & Corporate Photographer Based in New York City Serving NYC, NJ, Connecticut, and tri-state area
To book visit https://www.justintshockley.com/intake
Service Areas
Proudly serving clients throughout New York City and the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Available for destination events nationwide.
