Covering TikTok Live Fest 2025

Event photography is a bit like a dance—you're constantly moving, reacting to the rhythm of the event, all while staying invisible. When I was asked to cover TikTok Live Fest 2025, I knew this was going to be one of those high-energy, fast-paced jobs where every second counts—and every image matters.

Nine Locations, Five Events, One City

TikTok Live Fest wasn’t your typical one-venue event. This was a sprawling production across nine different locations in central London, from the iconic Camden Roundhouse to the historic Billingsgate Old Market. Over five major events, we shot thousands of frames—2,942 to be exact—and uploaded them live to six real-time galleries.

That real-time delivery was key. It meant the client could instantly access and share images on their channels as the event unfolded. More importantly, it allowed them to distribute photos directly to attendees, feeding social engagement and keeping the buzz alive.

Big Names, Big Moments

We focused our photography on two key areas: live performances and award presentations. Artists like Jason Derulo and Zara Larsson took the stage, while award winners across various categories had their moments in the spotlight. Capturing that mix of high-energy performance and genuine emotion required a solid team—two photographers and one on-site editor working in sync to keep the content flowing and the quality high.

It All Starts with the Planning

Events like this don’t come together by accident. Before the first shutter clicked, we sat down with the client for a couple of planning sessions to map everything out. We talked through their goals, flagged key moments in the schedule, and addressed any logistical hurdles that could pop up on the day.

This pre-production work is crucial. You need to understand not just what needs photographing, but why—what the images are being used for, who needs them, and how fast they need them.

Capturing the Energy

When I’m shooting events like this, I want the images to feel alive. My goal is to reflect the passion, movement, and atmosphere of what’s happening in front of me—without feeling like an outsider peering in.

That’s why I often shoot with a 35mm lens and an off-camera flash. The 35mm focal length is close to the natural human perspective, so the shots feel more immersive and immediate. You’re not just looking at a moment—you feel like you're in it.

The Balance of Fun and Function

Shooting a branded event like TikTok Live Fest means walking a fine line. The photos need to be visually exciting and emotionally engaging, but they also have to serve a purpose. That might mean highlighting the branding in the background, catching a sponsor’s logo at just the right angle, or making sure an influencer gets a hero shot for their socials.

You’re always thinking three steps ahead: Where's the next moment coming from? Is the lighting going to change? How can I move without getting in the way but still be in the right spot when it counts?

Final Thoughts

Covering TikTok Live Fest 2025 was one of those shoots that reminds me why I love event photography. It’s the perfect mix of challenge, creativity, and collaboration. From the logistics to the live editing, every part of the process was about making sure the client—and the attendees—had images that told the full story of the event.

If you’re planning a live event and need photography that keeps up with the pace while staying sharp, seamless, and social-ready, feel free to get in touch. Let’s make your next event unforgettable—frame by frame.