/demo
How does your campus build belonging? Help us find out

Campus apps by department

Admissions, orientation, student life, and more — one campus app that works across departments.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Campus apps by department

Admissions, orientation, student life, and more — one campus app that works across departments.

See Campus Departments
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Build unlimited event apps on one license

One partnership for unlimited campus events — orientation, tours, student life, and everything in between.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Build unlimited event apps on one license

One partnership for unlimited campus events — orientation, tours, student life, and everything in between.

See Unlimited Events
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Compare event app platforms

See how Guidebook stacks up against other event app and registration platforms.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Compare event app platforms

See how Guidebook stacks up against other event app and registration platforms.

Compare Platforms
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Event apps for nonprofit and community programs

Give members, volunteers, and donors one branded app for conferences, fundraisers, and year-round community.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Event apps for nonprofit and community programs

Give members, volunteers, and donors one branded app for conferences, fundraisers, and year-round community.

See Nonprofit Solutions
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Campus integrations and an open API

Connect Guidebook with the campus systems, APIs, and tools your team already uses.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Campus integrations and an open API

Connect Guidebook with the campus systems, APIs, and tools your team already uses.

See Integrations
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Event apps for corporate and enterprise teams

Internal meetings, offsites, and large-scale corporate events — with the branding and control enterprise teams need.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Event apps for corporate and enterprise teams

Internal meetings, offsites, and large-scale corporate events — with the branding and control enterprise teams need.

See Enterprise Solutions
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Create a branded event app with no coding

Put schedules, maps, resources, and updates in every attendee's pocket — built for campus events and programs.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Create a branded event app with no coding

Put schedules, maps, resources, and updates in every attendee's pocket — built for campus events and programs.

See Event Apps
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Launch a branded, white-label event app

A white-label event app with your branding, your content, and your attendee experience — no coding required.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Launch a branded, white-label event app

A white-label event app with your branding, your content, and your attendee experience — no coding required.

See Branded Apps
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Everything in the Guidebook platform

Explore the features event teams use to engage attendees before, during, and after the event.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Everything in the Guidebook platform

Explore the features event teams use to engage attendees before, during, and after the event.

Explore Features
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

One app for in-person and virtual attendees

The same schedule, networking, and updates whether people are in the room or joining remotely.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

One app for in-person and virtual attendees

The same schedule, networking, and updates whether people are in the room or joining remotely.

See Hybrid Event Apps
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Event apps built for associations

Annual meetings, chapter events, and member engagement — without rebuilding a new app every year.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Event apps built for associations

Annual meetings, chapter events, and member engagement — without rebuilding a new app every year.

See Association Solutions
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

A branded event website that matches the app

Promote the event, collect interest, and keep branding consistent from the first click to check-in.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

A branded event website that matches the app

Promote the event, collect interest, and keep branding consistent from the first click to check-in.

See Event Websites
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Plan, run, and measure events on one platform

App, registration, badges, and websites in one workflow — so planning isn't a pile of disconnected tools.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Plan, run, and measure events on one platform

App, registration, badges, and websites in one workflow — so planning isn't a pile of disconnected tools.

See Event Management
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Keep members engaged between events

One branded app for the conference and everything that happens the other 51 weeks of the year.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Keep members engaged between events

One branded app for the conference and everything that happens the other 51 weeks of the year.

See Year-Round Engagement
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

The conference app attendees actually use

Schedules, maps, networking, and live updates for annual meetings, summits, and multi-day conferences.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

The conference app attendees actually use

Schedules, maps, networking, and live updates for annual meetings, summits, and multi-day conferences.

See Conference Apps
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Registration that feeds your app and badges

Collect registrations, payments, and attendee data in the same platform as your event app.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Registration that feeds your app and badges

Collect registrations, payments, and attendee data in the same platform as your event app.

See Event Registration
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Design and print event badges in one place

Custom badges, QR check-in, and on-site printing — without a separate badge vendor.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Design and print event badges in one place

Custom badges, QR check-in, and on-site printing — without a separate badge vendor.

See Event Badges
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

A Smaller School?

Deliver a polished, branded event experience without a large team or a big budget.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

A Smaller School?

Deliver a polished, branded event experience without a large team or a big budget.

Learn more
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Running Family Programs?

Give families everything they need, from schedules and maps to real-time updates, all in one place.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Running Family Programs?

Give families everything they need, from schedules and maps to real-time updates, all in one place.

Learn more
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Coordinating Move-In Day?

Share updates, manage events, and keep students informed from move-in through the academic year.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Coordinating Move-In Day?

Share updates, manage events, and keep students informed from move-in through the academic year.

Learn more
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Offering Campus Tours?

Deliver branded, self-guided tour experiences with interactive maps and rich media, available 24/7.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Offering Campus Tours?

Deliver branded, self-guided tour experiences with interactive maps and rich media, available 24/7.

Learn more
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Organising a Career Fair?

Simplify logistics for students, employers, and Career Services staff with one easy-to-use app.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Organising a Career Fair?

Simplify logistics for students, employers, and Career Services staff with one easy-to-use app.

Learn more
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Managing Alumni Events?

Plan reunions, regional events, and fundraising campaigns with an app built for alumni engagement.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Managing Alumni Events?

Plan reunions, regional events, and fundraising campaigns with an app built for alumni engagement.

Learn more
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Boost Student Engagement

One hub for schedules, resources, and events that keeps students connected throughout the academic year.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Boost Student Engagement

One hub for schedules, resources, and events that keeps students connected throughout the academic year.

Learn more
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Planning Orientation?

Help new students feel prepared from day one with schedules, campus resources, and real-time updates in one app.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Planning Orientation?

Help new students feel prepared from day one with schedules, campus resources, and real-time updates in one app.

Learn more
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Running Admissions Events?

Manage open houses, tours, and yield events with a branded app that saves time and engages prospective students.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Running Admissions Events?

Manage open houses, tours, and yield events with a branded app that saves time and engages prospective students.

Learn more
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Get a custom Sponsorship Package Template

Stop starting from scratch. Grab free templates that helWe'll build a tailored sponsorship package with suggested pricing, tiers, and benefits..for your specific event.p you build professional sponsorship packages and close deals faster.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Get a custom Sponsorship Package Template

Stop starting from scratch. Grab free templates that helWe'll build a tailored sponsorship package with suggested pricing, tiers, and benefits..for your specific event.p you build professional sponsorship packages and close deals faster.

Get my package
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Plan Your Next Event Without Missing a Beat.

From venue selection to post-event wrap-up, this free checklist walks you through every step (so nothing falls through the cracks).

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Plan Your Next Event Without Missing a Beat.

From venue selection to post-event wrap-up, this free checklist walks you through every step (so nothing falls through the cracks).

Get Your Free Checklist
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Real Results From Real Events

100,000+ organizations trust Guidebook. See exactly how universities, associations, enterprises, and more put it to work.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Real Results From Real Events

100,000+ organizations trust Guidebook. See exactly how universities, associations, enterprises, and more put it to work.

See Customer Stories
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Flexible pricing for every event size

Find the perfect plan for your needs, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Flexible pricing for every event size

Find the perfect plan for your needs, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences.

See Pricing for My Event Size
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Join our event experts

Watch on-demand webinars and join live sessions with industry leaders sharing best practices for event success.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Join our event experts

Watch on-demand webinars and join live sessions with industry leaders sharing best practices for event success.

Watch Webinars
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Guidebook in Action

Book a personalized walkthrough and discover how we help event teams create better attendee experiences.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Guidebook in Action

Book a personalized walkthrough and discover how we help event teams create better attendee experiences.

Schedule My Demo
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Better Event Photos, Lower Cost

5 min read
Posted:
April 1, 2015
Updated:
May 27, 2026
Summarise this with AI
ChatGPT Perplexity AI Claude Grok Google AI

Better Event Photos, Lower Cost

By
Guidebook Team
April 1, 2015
Summarise this with AI
ChatGPT Perplexity AI Claude Grok Google AI
Table of Contents

Contents

Great event photos, taken by a professional photographer, can take a big chunk out of your budget. And I'm in support of paying a pro to do a good job: good, valuable work should be well-compensated. (This article does a good job of explaining why good event photography is a luxury whose value increases with time, which justifies a higher cost.) Let't talk about why you need photos at your event. Will they earn the cost back when you use them as marketing materials in the future? Is this an event that definitely needs to be captured with elegant, well-edited and curated images? If the answer is yes, then by all means don't skimp on the professional services. But if your event can be captured in a more ad-hoc, informal style, or if you want to collect and capitalize on the serendipity of crowd-created imagery, you may consider a few other types of options.

1. Invite amateur photographers to your event

If your event showcases elements that a photographers might want to shoot for their portfolios (fashion shows, celebrities, or striking subject material like a flower show), give a few of them a VIP ticket and allow them to publish photos with their watermark. Having a crowd of photographers can give a paparrazi feel to an event's entrance or runway: instant excitement! (As a side note, the header image for this article was taken by Guidebook's content marketer Jordan!)

2. Hire low-cost freelancers

A word of caution: you often get what you pay for with photography. That being said, freelancing sites like Ourspot and Wooshii (for video) allow you to find an amateur or pro who is a fit for your budget and needs, and project ratings alleviate the risk of ending up with the wrong one.

3. Let your audience be the storytellers

This is my favorite option. A few months back I had a great conversation with Mickey Howard, a Guidebook client who uses our app to help 20,000 new University of Florida students navigate their student orientation each year. "We did competitions that drove people to upload photos of candid moments with their family members. If we tried to do that with our roaming photographer–they would never capture that." To cover an event from the perspective of your audience, you need to inform, incentivize and capture.

Inform

Let your guests know that you're collecting photos. Try projecting the feed of user-generated photos on a few screens throughout the event, and sharing them using your hashtag.

Incentivize

A contest is a great way to keep people interested throughout the event–so you maintain the momentum of the "early bump".

Capture

Ask guests to upload photos to your event app. They'll be able to scan and like what others are sharing, and you can export the images to share in follow-up materials and marketing for next time. The result? A complete photoset, shared in an organic way. An engaged audience that feels like they're part of the story. Want an easy way to collect user-generated photos? Build an event app freewith Guidebook :)

Get the Mobile App Playbook

A short guide to running the whole student journey in one app. No fluff, just what works.