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5 Things To Consider When Choosing An Elopement/Wedding Photographer

Updated: Jan 4, 2023

Planning an elopement can be stressful, especially when you're trying to coordinate everything on your own. That's why we've put together

this guide to help you choose an elopement/wedding photographer.


There's no one size fits all answer to this question, as the best elopement or wedding photographer for you will depend on a variety of factors. Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a photographer to capture your special day:


elopement photographer


1. Ask them about their experience

You should ask potential photographers what kind of experience they have with elopements or weddings. If they haven't done any before, then you might need to find another option (unless you are on a tight budget this might be a great option to save money) . However, if they have done several elopements, then you can feel confident that they understand how to capture the special moments of your elopement/ wedding day and be best be-repaired.

Reading through their recent reviews on google is a great way to check their experience.


2. Check out their portfolio and Style


Before looking at their portfolio it can help to decide what kind of aesthetic you would like. I often to my clients to pick a photographer that fits your personality.


Close your eyes, and create a vision your dream house with your partner, what kinda furniture you have, what colors are the walls, and then think what kinda photo would you hang up in this beautiful home created? Will it be light and airy, will you have a contrasting dark and moody photo, a goofy silly photograph, true color, and nice black white? Do you prefer a more traditional, posed approach to photography, or a more natural, candid style?. Once you have that vision of what aesthetic you are looking for it can be easier to hone down which photographer portfolio to look at. Be sure to look at examples of the photographer's work to get a feel for their style


Any good elopement photographer will have an extensive portfolio of work. Look through their photos carefully and see how they capture the emotion of the moment. Do they use natural light? Are there lots of details in the background? How are they with flash? Lighting and setting are key in photography and can make a huge difference in how the images look,.


Ask your potential elopement photographer for full galleries. Their websites and social media post the best of their work. So of course it will look amazing, so looking through an entire gallery can give you a better idea of their approach as a photographer an inspiration for you own wedding day.


Personality: It's important to choose a photographer whose personality meshes well with your own. After all, you'll be spending a lot of time with them on your big day!



3. Is your wedding photographer insured and what to look for in their contract like?

You should also ask whether the photographer has insurance coverage. If something goes wrong during the shoot, you need to know that you're protected. Can they provide proof of insurance?



4. Are their prices competitive?

A good elopement photographer will offer packages that's are within the right pricing for their area. I say competitive rather then affordable for a reason. The more experience a photographer has the more their worth is. If their packages are to low or to high might be something to consider, obviously keep your personal budget. Make sure you ask questions about pricing before signing any contracts, hidden fees, travel costs, are permits included, is tax included, ect.


Obviously, you'll need to consider your budget when choosing a photographer. But don't sacrifice quality for cost - remember, these photos will be cherished memories for years to come.


5. Can they work around your schedule?

It is important to ensure the elopement photographer is available for your date.


Some photographers are booked 1-3 years in advance, especially weekends. If you are looking for a particular style of elopement photography it is best to book your wedding photographer as soon as possible.


Note that some venues have preferred photographers and having an outside photographer can cost an additional amount. That is why I recommend booking your venue and considering this before you book your photographer.


If you're having trouble finding a photographer who works around your schedule, consider hiring a professional wedding planner, this can help make things a lot easier and stress free. They'll make sure everything goes smoothly and keep you focused on enjoying your big day.


If you're eloping or getting married in a remote location, make sure your photographer is comfortable traveling to and shooting in that location.


 
If you are looking for a elopement photographer in Hawaii or anyone where else Colleen's Captures would love to work with you.




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