Event Shoots

Packing for an Event Video Job: My Go-To Gear List for Highlights, Interviews, and Sizzles

When you’re hired to cover a live event—whether it’s a conference, expo, or corporate gathering—preparation is everything. You often get one shot at capturing the moment, so your gear needs to be reliable, flexible, and fast to set up.

Over the years, I’ve refined my kit to balance quality, portability, and speed. Here’s exactly what I bring to shoot daily highlights, on-site interviews, and event sizzle reels—plus a few extras that have saved me more than once.

Two-Camera Setup: Coverage & Flexibility

I’m a big fan of the Sony A7 series because it gives me flexibility without sacrificing quality.

Primary camera for photos — My go-to for portraits, sponsor shots, and stills throughout the day.
Primary camera for video — Mounted on my Ronin gimbal for smooth walking shots, dynamic B-roll, and sizzles.

Having two dedicated bodies means I’m not wasting time switching settings or lenses mid-moment. And if one camera has an issue, the other can step in without missing a beat.

Battery-Powered Light

Venues rarely have perfect lighting, and you won’t always have time (or permission) to plug in.
I use a compact, battery-powered LED light that mounts on-camera or on a small stand—perfect for interviews or dim corners.

Audio: Wireless + Wired Safety

Wireless lav mic set — For mobility during interviews and on-the-floor conversations.
Wired lav mic — Reliable backup when wireless isn’t behaving or the environment has interference.

Great audio is just as important as great visuals—viewers will forgive a shaky shot, but not garbled sound.

Mobile Editing On the Fly

Events move fast, and sometimes you need to deliver photos or clips the same day.
Here’s my on-site editing workflow:

Phone or tablet — For quick photo edits and instant sharing.
Small MacBook — Perfect for backpack carry and light enough for travel. I use it for editing daily highlight videos without hauling a full-size workstation.
Power solutions — I bring a wall plug and a battery pack for both my laptop and phone so I can work anywhere without hunting for outlets.

Extra Essentials That Save the Day

Extra batteries (for cameras, lights, audio)
High-capacity memory cards
24–70mm lens for versatility, 70–200mm for stage shots
Tripod (interviews) + monopod (roaming stability)
ND filter for outdoor shoots
Small audio recorder for backup sound
Multi-tool & gaffer tape
Cable ties / Velcro straps to keep gear neat

Why This Kit Works

This setup covers everything an event can throw at you: fast-moving highlights, polished interviews, and high-energy sizzle reels. The Sony A7 series gives me both high-quality stills and cinematic video, while the Ronin gimbal adds smooth movement to every shot. My mobile editing setup means I can turn around professional content before the event even ends.

When packing, remember:

Bring redundancy for your most critical gear.
Label everything (especially cables and wireless gear).
Test your setup before you get to the venue.

The more prepared you are, the more you can focus on capturing the energy of the event—and the less you’ll stress about tech issues.

Want to see this kit in action?
Check out my event portfolio for highlight reels, sizzle cuts, and interviews shot exactly this way.