Photography
Equipment
The challenges of low light event photography require a combination of camera body, lens, and speedlight that can acquire focus in near darkness, perform well at high ISO, and adjust flash power automatically.
Camera Body
Preference given to latest generation Full Frame, or pro level APS-C camera bodies. Mirrorless cameras should use a phase detect autofocus system.
Lenses
A wide aperture lens is critical to deliver enough light to the autofocus system. Your lens should be 24mm-35mm wide (Full Frame equivalent) with at least an f2.8 wide aperture. For Full Frame a 24mm, 28mm, or 35mm prime lens in the f1.4 - f2.0 range is ideal, or a 16-35mm f2.8 or 24-70mm f2.8 zoom. (f4 ok on latest generation FF bodies). For APS-C Bodies, a f1.4 - f2.0 prime in the 14-35mm range is ideal.
Flash
You should have a hot shoe mounted speedlight with TTL capability, functioning AF assist beam., and Tilt/Swivel. AF assist beam on the speedlight needs to function properly with your camera body. (Use single shot AF mode.) A Stofen type diffuser is ideal, otherwise the speedlight’s wide angle pop out diffuser can be used and must be functioning properly. Failure to use a flash may reduce your total pay.
Files
Have the ability to capture Full Resolution RAW or RAW+JPG 3x2 Aspect Ratio files. Deliver only JPG files, but keep RAW files available upon request. If you shoot only RAW you must generate full resolution JPG files for delivery from your editing software. Files must be uploaded within 24 hours of your event coverage. Uploading files later than 24 hours after your event coverage may reduce your total pay by. You must capture images in your camera’s RAW or RAW+JPG format. Failure to capture RAW images may reduce your total pay. Images will be processed by us, no editing required, as long as exposure/white balance is captured correctly in camera.
Shooting Requirements/Expectations
Reliability, Commitment, Professionalism: If booked for an event, you are committing to shoot the event, and honor the agreed upon date. Canceling our booking in favor of other work (wedding etc.) is not acceptable. However If you can’t 100% commit to an availability request, we would still like to add you to our talent pool as a backup photographer for last minute opportunities in case of a cancellation in your area.
Crawl Check In Photos: You will be covering only the check in location for the crawl. Typical crawl check in time range is 3 hours, from 4-7pm on Saturdays. Prepare to arrive at least 15 minutes early to test your camera settings before check in officially starts. You will be photographing groups (or individuals) of crawlers just after they finish at the check in table. Arriving late may reduce your total pay.
Captured Images: All images captured during the event are considered work for hire, for use, modification, and posting exclusively by Crawl With US and affiliates, and may not otherwise be sold, transferred, or posted elsewhere without express written permission.
Hiring Process: We will use the submission form below to consider you for hire. Submitting the form does not guarantee that you will be booked for any current or future event, only that your contact, equipment, and availability information will be on file for our consideration. You will be contacted directly if we have an event we would like you to cover in your area. If you have already photographed any event, this agreement is binding in its entirety retroactively.
Payment: If contacted to cover an event, payment is made via the Gusto payroll system after all image files are uploaded successfully and quality is verified. Pay is generally $225 total per event, for 3 hours of coverage ($75/hr), but may vary by city or crawl. You will be emailed an invite link to join the Gusto payroll system after the event. Payment is generally made on or before the Friday following the event.
Photographer Resources: If contacted to cover an event, you will be given password access to a web page with example images, detailed equipment setup recommendations, shot list, interaction tips, and a file submission form. You will need to read through this prior to the event, to make sure you understand the camera settings and types of images we require.
Liability: Crawl With US is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property, please keep your equipment with you and secure at all times.
Application & Agreement
To apply, you must be 21 years of age or older, with a valid state issued ID, or passport.
By submitting this form, you agree that you have read and understand the requirements for equipment, work for hire event coverage, file delivery, payment, and liability. If you have already photographed any event, this agreement is binding in its entirety retroactively. Thank you for your interest!