Event Photography & Documentation Consultant

San Juan County

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Event Photography & Documentation Consultant

Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility (RLEM)

San Juan County would like to retain the professional services of a qualified photographer to assist in event photography, community documentation, and visual reporting support for the Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility (RLEM) initiative.

We invite you to submit in response to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Questions regarding this RFQ can be submitted to mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov or by calling (435) 587-3225.

All responses and qualifications need to be received by 5:00 PM, February 16, 2026. Submissions can be sent by mail to PO Box 9, Monticello, Utah 84535 or hand delivered to the Clerk/Auditor’s Office at 117 S Main Street in Monticello, Utah 84535 or emailed to mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov

Scope of Services

San Juan County is seeking a qualified consultant to provide event photography and visual documentation support for approximately 20 Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility (RLEM) engagement events occurring between February and December 2026. San Juan County intends to contract and pay for a defined bank of event photography and documentation services during the grant period ending April 30, 2026, with photography support available for engagement activities scheduled through December 2026. The photographer will work closely with the San Juan County Economic Development Department and coordinate with other project consultants, including the County’s Graphic Design & Outreach Materials Consultant, to ensure photos are usable for reporting, outreach, and future materials.

The consultant shall perform the following tasks:

• Attend RLEM engagement events throughout San Juan County to document community participation and project activities.
• Capture high-quality photographs including event action shots, group photos, community interaction, meeting settings, and occasional professional headshots as requested.
• Provide culturally respectful and community-centered photography that reflects the people, partners, and communities engaged in the RLEM process.
• Edit and enhance photographs as needed for clarity, lighting, and professional use.
• Deliver digital photo files in an organized format by event and date, suitable for County reporting, outreach materials, and archiving.
• Coordinate with the County’s Economic Development Department and design consultant to ensure timely transfer of visual assets for flyers, presentations, reports, and public communication.
• Submit final edited photos within seven (7) business days following each event unless otherwise approved by the County.
• Participate in periodic check-ins and a final handoff meeting with County staff by December 2026

Terms of Engagement

Independent Contractor:

• The contractor will operate independently and must secure and maintain all necessary insurance, bonding, including general liability, automobile, disability, unemployment, and worker’s compensation.
• The contractor is responsible for all payment of all applicable taxes and must indemnify San Juan County against any claims arising from noncompliance.

No Subcontracting:

• The contractor may not subcontract any services without the written consent of San Juan County.

Compensation

The maximum fee for the services sought through this RFQ will not exceed Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00).

Compensation will be negotiated with the most qualified respondent based on experience, demonstrated capacity, and alignment with project needs.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

Interested respondents should demonstrate qualifications and experience similar to the following:

• Professional photography experience documenting community events, public meetings, or engagement initiatives.
• Ability to produce high-quality, print-ready and digital-ready images suitable for reports, outreach, and design materials.
• Familiarity working in rural communities and with culturally diverse populations, including Tribal communities in the Four Corners region.
• Strong organizational practices for file delivery, labeling, and timely submission of photo assets.
• Capacity to collaborate closely with the San Juan County Economic Development Department and other project consultants.
• Availability to support events as requested through December 2026, as budget allows.

The County encourages participation from local and Tribal photographers with relevant experience.

How to Apply

Interested consultants should submit a qualifications package including:

• Relevant experience and qualifications. 
• Examples of previous photography work.
• Confirmation of independent contractor status and ability to meet insurance and tax obligations

Please submit your qualifications by the submission deadline to contact email or mailing address. For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Mack McDonald at mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov

Selection and Award

Selection and award will be subject to the County’s Purchasing Policy for services. The Purchasing Policy can be located at www.sanjuancountyut.gov or by emailing Mack McDonald at mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov.