Every event, someone asks the same question:
"How do I end up in more event photos?"
As someone who spends entire weekends behind the camera at LARPs, I can tell you there isn't a secret list of favorite players. Most photographers are simply trying to tell the story of the event while juggling hundreds—or thousands—of moments.
If you want to increase your chances of showing up in galleries, here are some things that genuinely make a difference.
Before We Begin...
Let's clear up one of the biggest misconceptions about event photography.
We are not trying to leave anyone out.
In fact, one of the hardest parts of covering a LARP is knowing that no matter how many miles we walk or how many photos we take, we simply can't capture everything.
A typical event photographer is covering acres of camps, multiple battles happening at the same time, roleplay spread across the site, tournaments, rituals, markets, NPC interactions, tavern scenes, and countless small moments that all deserve to be remembered. While we're photographing one incredible duel, another amazing scene might be unfolding on the opposite side of camp.
There is only one camera. Usually only one photographer. And only so many hours in the day.
Our goal isn't to photograph every single player the exact same number of times it's to document the story of the event as it unfolds. Sometimes that means we catch your biggest character moment. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we simply never cross paths.
If you weren't in many photos this event, it isn't because you weren't important. It usually comes down to timing, location, visibility, and pure chance.
The good news?
There are plenty of things you can do to naturally increase your chances of being photographed—not by chasing the camera, but by making yourself part of the stories the camera is already trying to tell.
Here are some of the best ways to do exactly that.
1. Build a Character Worth Looking At
This doesn't mean spending thousands of dollars.
It means creating a character that tells a story at a glance.
Think about:
Interesting layers and textures
Weathered equipment instead of pristine gear
Props that make people ask questions
Cohesive colors
Small details like jewelry, belts, pouches, journals, potions, trophies, or banners
Photographers are naturally drawn to visual storytelling. Every little detail gives us something interesting to frame.
2. Leave Camp
If you spend the entire event sitting in camp...
...there's a good chance you won't end up in many photos.
Most photographers spend their time where the action is:
Quests
Battles
Markets
Guild halls
Tournaments
Tavern roleplay
Ceremonies
Festivals
Political meetings
The more you're involved in the world, the more opportunities there are to capture you naturally.e.
3. Do Things
Standing around talking in a circle rarely creates exciting images.
Instead:
Train with friends.
Tell stories around a campfire.
Cook over a fire.
Practice rituals.
Read maps.
Repair armor.
Gamble.
Drink in taverns.
Dance.
Perform music.
Argue in character.
Lead a patrol.
Action tells stories.
Storytelling creates photographs people remember.
4. Interact With Other Players
Large roleplay scenes almost always produce better photos than one person standing alone.
Talk to strangers.
Trade.
Negotiate.
Start adventures.
Join guilds.
The more connected you are to the world, the more often you'll naturally appear in moments the photographer is already documenting.
5. Make Friends With the Photographer
This one surprises people.
No, it isn't favoritism.
It's human nature.
After walking ten miles, carrying heavy camera gear, dodging combat, and trying to cover an entire event, our brains naturally recognize familiar faces.
If we've chatted with you...
If you've said hello...
If we've laughed together...
You'll simply stand out more when scanning a battlefield or crowded bazaar.
Don't interrupt us while we're working, but don't be afraid to introduce yourself during downtime.
A simple "Hey, I'm playing this character this weekend. Nice to meet you!" goes a long way.
6. Book a Private Session
This is probably the biggest shortcut.
Private sessions guarantee you'll walk away with incredible portraits instead of hoping you happened to be in the right place at the right time.
There's another bonus most people don't think about.
During that session, we learn:
your character
your name
your gear
your personality
how you move
what makes your kit unique
Later, when we're photographing the event, you'll often be much easier to recognize in a crowd.
That doesn't mean you'll receive special treatment but familiarity absolutely helps us notice you during candid moments.
7. Stay In Character
One second you're an intimidating orc warlord.
The next you're checking your phone in the middle of the battlefield.
Guess which moment gets photographed?
Staying immersed makes every scene feel more authentic and dramatically increases the chance of memorable images.
8. Be Expressive
Big emotions photograph well.
Celebrate victories.
Look terrified during rituals.
Laugh loudly.
Shout commands.
Cry over fallen companions.
React.
A camera can't capture emotion that isn't visible.
9. Fight Safely... But Fight Big
Combat photos are some of the favorites from every gallery.
Move.
Commit to swings.
Use good footwork.
Charge when appropriate.
Create dynamic movement.
Safe, energetic combat creates incredible photographs.
10. Light Is Your Friend
If you're doing something awesome...
...don't hide in the darkest corner of camp.
Natural light, firelight, sunsets, lanterns, and open spaces all help create stronger images.
Sometimes simply taking two steps into better light completely changes a photograph
11. Don't Chase the Photographer
This might be the most important tip.
Constantly waving.
Stopping the photographer.
Asking for "one quick picture."
Walking in front of the camera.
These things actually make it harder for us to cover the event.
If you want guaranteed photos, book a dedicated session.
Otherwise, let us work naturally and you'll often get much more authentic images
12. Help Create Moments
Photographers don't create the story.
Players do.
Organize:
Tavern games
Duels
Story circles
Training sessions
Religious ceremonies
Weddings
Markets
Monster hunts
Music performances
Orc raids
Camp competitions
Events full of activity produce galleries full of memorable images.
13. Be Someone People Want to Photograph
This has nothing to do with appearance.
Players who:
welcome newcomers,
support roleplay,
create memorable scenes,
stay engaged,
and make the game more fun
naturally become part of the event's story.
Those are the people photographers keep running into because they're helping create the moments everyone remembers.
The Biggest Secret
The players who appear in the most event photos usually aren't chasing the camera.
They're chasing great roleplay.
They're always doing something.
They're helping build stories.
They're interacting with everyone around them.
And because of that...
...the camera keeps finding them.
So the next time you're wondering how to end up in more galleries, don't ask where the photographer is.
Ask yourself:
"What story am I helping create right now?"
If the answer is "a good one," chances are the photographer will find you.
At the end of the day, the best LARP photos aren't about having the fanciest armor, the biggest prop, or the most expensive kit.
They're about capturing moments that mattered.
The laugh around the campfire after a hard-fought battle. The rally before charging into combat. The quiet conversation between old friends. The victory, the heartbreak, the triumph, and the chaos that make these events feel alive.
As photographers, we're trying to preserve those memories for the entire community. We want everyone to see themselves in the story, but we're also balancing limited time, limited daylight, tired feet, and an event that somehow always has three amazing things happening at once.
One of my favorite things happens every time I deliver an event gallery. Without fail, someone will message me with their favorite photo and say something like:
"I love this! I didn't even know you were there!"
That's the goal.
The best candid photos aren't the ones where everyone stops and smiles at the camera. They're the ones where you're completely immersed in the moment, unaware that anyone was watching. Those genuine moments often become the images people treasure the most years later.
If you want to be in more photos, don't focus on finding the photographer.
Focus on creating unforgettable moments.
Build a character you're proud of. Get involved. Meet new people. Say yes to adventures. Tell stories worth remembering. And if having stunning images of your character is important to you, consider booking a private session so you know you'll leave the event with portraits that truly capture who your character is.
Because years from now, you probably won't remember every stat on your character sheet or every point of damage you took.
You'll remember the people, the adventures, and the stories.
Those are the moments we're all chasing and those are the moments worth photographing.
Looking for more than candid event coverage?
I offer private LARP photography sessions at events across the Midwest, giving you dedicated time to create cinematic portraits of your character while still leaving plenty of time to enjoy the game. You'll walk away with guaranteed hero shots, and chances are we'll cross paths again as I cover the event—ready to capture those authentic in-game moments too.
If you're planning an event and need a photographer, or you'd like to schedule a private character session at your next LARP, I'd love to help tell your story.
