A polished portfolio shows an event photographer's best moments, but it rarely reveals how they perform under the actual pressure of a live event, which is where the real skill difference shows up. Ask to see a full, unedited gallery from a past event rather than just curated highlights, since this reveals consistency across an entire shoot, not just a handful of perfect shots. Discuss their approach to candid versus posed moments — the best event photographers move fluidly between the two, capturing genuine reactions without missing key planned shots like speeches or group photos. Backup equipment is non-negotiable; ask directly whether they carry a second camera body and extra memory cards, since equipment failure mid-event is not a hypothetical risk. Turnaround time for edited photos should be agreed in writing, along with how many final images are included and whether raw files are available on request. For larger events, ask whether they work solo or with a second shooter, since coverage of a large venue often benefits from two angles happening simultaneously.