Congratulations on finally deciding on a location for your destination wedding! After all that detailed planning, it is now time for the most important step – hiring a destination wedding photographer.
When you step on the plane to arrive at your destination wedding location, you are essentially embarking on the journey of a lifetime. This significant occasion deserves to be immortalized in frames that can perfectly echo the magic of each and every moment.
Because your wedding marks the beginning of a new chapter, what better way to encapsulate the essence of this momentous day than by entrusting it to the lens of a destination wedding photographer?
AVS360 is here to guide you through all the narrow turns and bends of hiring the perfect destination wedding photographer for your big day. Read on to find out more!
5 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE HIRING A DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
While it may sound super exciting to just jump into the hiring process for a destination wedding photographer, it would behoove you to understand that hiring this particular service for your wedding is a crucial decision. After all, this is the team that will ensure that your special day is captured in the most memorable way.
So here are five important things you need to consider before making your final choice for a photographer who will shoot your destination wedding.
- Portfolio and Style: Review the photographer’s portfolio to get a sense of their style and capabilities. Look for consistency in the quality of their work and make sure their style aligns with your vision for the wedding.
- Experience with Destination Weddings: Choose a photographer who has a proven track record of successfully covering destination weddings and is comfortable working in various environments.
- Communication and Planning: Ensure that the photographer is responsive to your inquiries and is willing to discuss your ideas, preferences, and any specific requirements you may have.
- Costs and Packages: Destination weddings often involve additional costs such as travel, accommodation, and potentially local permits. Discuss the photographer’s pricing structure and ensure that it is transparent. Be clear about the overall costs involved to avoid any surprises.
- Reviews and References: Read reviews from other couples who have hired the photographer for their destination weddings. Positive reviews can provide insights into the photographer’s professionalism, reliability, and the overall experience they provide. Additionally, ask the photographer for references from past clients to get a firsthand account of their services.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON HOW TO HIRE A DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Contrary to popular belief, a destination wedding is much more than finalizing a venue, booking a flight, and getting dreamy pictures with gorgeous backdrops.
If you have been planning a destination wedding, you will know that there are a gazillion details that you need to think about, including hiring the right photographer.
But don’t worry because we’ve got you covered! We present to you the ultimate guide on how to hire a destination wedding photographer.
BOOK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER EARLY
Planning a stunning destination wedding? Don’t forget to book your wedding photographer for the wedding way ahead of time to ensure availability!
AVS360 recommends that you book your destination wedding photographer at least a year in advance. This will give you plenty of time to plan out all the details and discuss the must-have shots. It will also allow your wedding photography team to capture all the tiny details to make your destination wedding dream come true.
LOOK FOR LOCATION-SPECIFIC PHOTOGRAPHERS
If your wedding venue is at a particular location, such as the beach, mountains, or a city, consider looking for location-specific photographers who have experience in shooting at such locations.
CITY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
If you are planning your wedding in a faraway city, consider hiring a local photographer who will have a better idea of the ideal backdrops. City wedding photographers will know all the best nooks and crannies where you can make the most of your destination wedding photoshoot.
BEACH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Beach destination wedding photographers will be highly experienced at taking pictures with the ocean backdrop and lighting. They will have a deeper understanding of the logistics and potential problems faced in the sandy dunes of the seaside.
MOUNTAIN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hiring a wedding photographer for a destination mountain wedding requires a bit more research. The photography team needs to include people who are skilled at climbing and finding great scenic spots for the best portraits.
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS BEFORE HIRING
Once you have narrowed down a comprehensive shortlist of potential wedding photographers, it is time to reach out to them and find out more by asking the right questions!
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
- Are there any red flags like slow or inconsistent email replies? Is your shortlisted photographer avoiding answering all the questions you have? Are they not being upfront about the costs?
- Does their portfolio match what you are looking for? As long as the pictures on the website and gallery are consistent and speak to you, it’s all good.
- Do you vibe with them? It is extremely important that you and your destination wedding photographer manage to have fun together while staying on the same page!
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE PHOTOGRAPHER
- “Are you available on my wedding date?”
- “Have you photographed in this location/country before? If yes, can you please show me photos from previous ceremonies for the same?”
- “What’s included in your destination wedding photography package?”
- “What are your travel fees?”
- “Are there any hidden fees that can come up with regard to photography?”
- “How many days can you be present at the destination?”
- “Can you sort out your own travel plans and accommodations?”
SET A REALISTIC BUDGET
Before finalizing your photographer, make sure that you have set a realistic budget for the destination wedding photographer. As a rule of thumb, you can allocate at least 12% of your wedding budget to hire a wedding photographer for your destination wedding.
PRIORITIZE PORTFOLIO OVER PRICE
Make sure that you do not pick your photographer based solely on price. If you find a destination wedding photographer who is providing you with a price that sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. More often than not, there is a catch that typically points to limited experience and a desperation to build a wedding photography portfolio. We would definitely advise you to prioritize portfolio over price when making your final decision.
PICK THE RIGHT SEASON AND TIME OF THE YEAR
Ensure excellent wedding pictures by picking the right season and time of the year for your destination wedding. You can check the forecast to avoid extreme temperatures or rain on your big day unless you specifically wish to go for these backdrops. The best time to get the most unforgettable pictures is if you plan your wedding between the months of May and September.
PICK THE RIGHT OUTFIT
It is easy to blame the destination wedding photographer for badly turned-out photos, but a large part of making sure that the photos turn out lovely depends on you and your outfit choice. Make sure that you choose an outfit that complements the environment of the location.
For example, you can choose a simple, light dress if your wedding is on the beach. The light fabric will ensure that the dress billows just the right way as you get your pictures clicked with the sea in the background. Or you could go for a full gown if your wedding location is in the mountain area or a castle. This outfit choice can give your wedding pictures the perfect fairytale feel.
REMEMBER TO PACK THE DETAILS
Make sure that you remember to pack all the essentials, including your footwear, invitations, wedding favors for the guests, gifts for members of the bridal party, and your present to the groom, among other things.
COORDINATE TRAVEL PLANS WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
This cannot be stressed enough. If you are planning to fly your destination wedding photographer to a particular location, make sure that you coordinate all the travel plans with them beforehand. Definitely avoid last-minute travel plans so that you don’t run into the risk of delays and cancellations. It is also a good idea to confirm whether they will be able to dedicate the time, effort, and energy required for your destination wedding, preferably before booking them.
CONSIDER A POST-WEDDING PHOTOSHOOT
Your wedding at a far-off dreamy location is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that you should make the best of. Relish every moment you have!
If you are planning on staying back a few extra days after the wedding, speak to the destination wedding photographer about booking a post-wedding photoshoot. Choose to get portraits of you and your partner clicked at the local hotspots and around beautiful landscapes. Take full advantage of what the destination has to offer. Make sure you do your research beforehand so you can get any permits or entry fees sorted out before arriving at the location.
TURN SPECIAL MOMENTS INTO PRICELESS MEMORIES WITH THE RIGHT DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Choosing the perfect destination wedding photographer can be a challenging task, especially with the numerous other things you need to plan. With our helpful guide, additional research, and careful consideration, you can definitely pin someone down who can capture your wedding in all its uniqueness and beauty!
Get in touch with the wedding photographers at AVS360 today and learn more.
