I’m Jonathan Owen, an event photographer based in Essex with over 20 years’ experience and more than 1,000 events photographed, from private parties in Leigh-on-Sea to festival crowds captured by drone.
I’ve worked at the O2, Emirates Stadium, Pacha and Es Paradis in Ibiza, toured Europe with bands, and covered everything from black-tie corporate dinners to waterpark festivals. I was also the resident photographer at the Sugar Hut in Brentwood throughout the TOWIE years (make of that what you will!).
For most of my career I was known for high-energy, in-your-face event photography — festivals, parties, nightlife, flash and colour. These days my style has shifted toward something more natural and documentary, though when an event calls for bold and atmospheric, I know exactly how to deliver it.
I’m a member of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers and the Royal Photographic Society. I blend in, I don’t direct, and I find the shots most photographers miss. If that sounds like what you’re after, drop me a message and I’ll usually get back to you within 24 hours.
How much do my event photography services cost?
My event photography packages start from £150 for short coverage, with 2, 3 and 4 hour options available for parties, corporate events, awards nights and celebrations. Most events suit 3–4 hours, but if you’re unsure what you need, I’ll recommend the most sensible coverage based on your date, location and timings. Find out more on my event photography prices for Essex page.
Natural, story-led event photography
I come to every event with a clear sense of the shots that will tell the story and the experience to find them without getting in the way. The aim is to capture what actually happened: the energy, the details, the moments between moments. The result is a set of images that lets you and your guests relive the day, including the parts that might otherwise have been forgotten.
Events are what I do and, honestly, what I love. The people, the atmosphere, the way every event has its own pace and personality. That’s what keeps me coming back, and it’s what I’m looking for every time I pick up a camera.
Example Event Photography Galleries
Professional corporate event photography for conferences, team days, launches and company celebrations.
Evening wedding photography capturing dancing, speeches, guests and celebration.
Elegant event photography for dinners, awards nights, galas and private celebrations.
Relaxed wedding party photography focused on natural moments, guests and atmosphere.
Natural photography for christenings, baptisms and relaxed family celebrations.
Colourful coverage of outdoor music events, festivals, crowds and live performances.
Natural sports event photography capturing teams, action, reactions and atmosphere.
Relaxed photography for schools, nurseries, open days and family-friendly events.
Atmospheric black and white images from gigs, live performances and music events.
From Essex to Ibiza, a few names you might recognise
Over 20 years I’ve worked with some well-known brands, venues and clients across Essex and beyond. Along the way that’s included brands such as Dune, McVitie’s and Dynamo the Magician, and venues including the O2, Koko, Fabric, Hylands Park, Colchester Castle, The Cliffs Pavilion and Chelmsford Racecourse.
I cover events regularly across Leigh-on-Sea, Brentwood, Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford, Colchester and Rayleigh, as well as weddings and private occasions throughout Essex and beyond.
Kind Words from Recent Photography Clients
Event Photography FAQs
What is your approach on the day?
It depends on the event, my key aim is to capture the moments at the event naturally. With many years’ event photography experience I have learnt to read a room and work accordingly, whether it’s to blend in and discreetly capture key moments or dive in to the middle of the dance floor and photograph the action, I’ll adapt to suit the mood in the room and aim to be a photographer that suits the atmosphere both when photographing the guests, or deciding what to wear on the day.
How far do you travel for events?
I’m based in Leigh-on-Sea and work primarily as an Essex event photographer, regularly covering Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford, Colchester, Rayleigh and the surrounding areas.
Travel is included throughout my local south-east Essex coverage area, including Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff, Chalkwell, Rayleigh, Hockley, Hadleigh, Benfleet and Canvey Island. For events further afield, travel costs are quoted individually based on the location, timings and practical requirements, such as parking, late finishes or multiple venues.
I’m also available for events across the UK and internationally.
How much does event photography in Essex cost?
Event photography starts from £150 for 1 hour coverage. Once I know your date, venue and timings I will give you a clear, tailored quote. A 30% deposit secures your date, with the remaining balance due on or before the day. For more detail take a look at my event photography prices in Essex page.
How quickly will we receive the photos?
Typical delivery is around 7 days from the day of your event, I aim to get your photos back to you as soon as possible, depending on the size of the event and my workload. Your images are delivered via a secure download where you can download everything in full resolution and a private online gallery so you can share a link with guests. If you need a few preview images quickly for social media or press, just let me know when you check my availability.
If you have more detailed questions about how I work, usage rights or specific types of event, there is a larger FAQ section on the About and FAQs page.
Enquire About Essex Event Photography
Ready to get your Essex event booked in? Or just want to make a quick enquiry? Send over a few simple details using my enquiry form and I’ll confirm availability and next steps for you.
Experienced, insured and easy to work with
My goal is to tell the story of your event without getting in the way. From an intimate birthday party to a busy festival, I aim to capture everything from the small details to the bigger moments, so you have photographs worth keeping and a proper reminder of how it all felt on the day.
