Destination Wedding Photography

1 Written by jenny on July 16, 2010 – 5:00 am

Just because you’ve decided to have your wedding in a far-off land doesn’t mean your friends and family back home have to miss it!  Photography is the art of capturing memories, and it is just as important to think about photography for a destination wedding as it is for a traditional wedding.  Besides, don’t you want to share the beautiful view with everyone?

Depending on where your wedding is, you can choose to hire a local photographer at your destination, fly in a photographer of your choosing, or bypass a professional photographer altogether.  There are pros and cons to each of these options, but regardless of which option you select, you can be sure that those wedding memories will live on.

Hiring a Local Photographer at Your Destination

A professional photographer in your destination city can be a great way to save money, but it can also be a risky transaction.  On one hand, you can hire an extremely talented photographer for much less than the cost of an equivalent photographer in your hometown – especially if the cost of living and exchange rates are favorable.  Since many professionals have moved to digital cameras and proofs, you will still be able to access the photos even after you have returned home.  You will want to find a photographer who will give you the rights to the digital copies so that you can print them yourself or one who will ship the printed photos.

On the other hand, when you deal with a foreign vendor, you will have to consider language barriers, negotiating in foreign currency, unsavory business tactics, or even getting ripped off.  While you can complain to local Better Business Bureau offices and seek damages when you deal with a photographer in your hometown, you may not have these consumer protections at your disposal.

One exception is when the destination wedding is actually taking place where you have relatives or a trusted friend.  In these cases, the local contact can ensure that the photographer comes highly recommended and serve as a mediator and possibly negotiator.

Flying in a Professional

Many couples choose to fly in a professional photographer of their own choosing.  The advantages of this option are that you can work with the photographer in person before the wedding and you know what you’re going to get.  Many photographers specialize in destination weddings but run their businesses locally.  These photographers are great at capturing the local ambiance and scenery while understanding how to work with a destination wedding.

When flying in a professional, though, you will have to consider the extra costs.  You will be responsible for the travel, hotel, and meal costs for your photographer as well as an additional “day rate” for your photographer’s time.  There can be many other costs involved (such as equipment transportation and visa costs) so be sure to negotiate a clear per diem for meals and what to do if travel plans unravel.

Foregoing a Professional

Many couples choose a destination wedding for cost reasons.  By limiting the guests to only the closest family and friends, a destination wedding can save couples thousands of dollars.  Hiring an expensive professional photographer can be a detour from that goal.  However, that does not mean photography should be completely forgotten.

The improvements to digital camera technology have made it possible for everyday people to become amateur photographers.  Since most people now own digital cameras, you can simply ask your guests to become your photographers.  Whether you assign one guest to be your designated photographer or simply ask everyone to bring cameras, you will be able to document and share your nuptials for years to come.

Even if you do hire a professional photographer, your guests’ photos will provide a unique perspective of your trip.  They will be there for all the moments associated with the event, including the informal events that occur before and after the wedding and reception.  You’ll want to encourage snapshots throughout as they help tell the whole story.

Sharing the Memories

Regardless of which photography option you choose, the most important aspect of destination wedding photography is sharing the photos with all of your family and friends – especially the ones who could not make it.  With The Wedding Lens, you will be able to consolidate all the photos from your trip – including the professional and guest photos – into one single location.

Destination weddings are some of the most amazing and memorable events.  Whether you choose to hire a local, fly in a pro, or do-it-yourself, make sure that you can continue to cherish these memories by capturing those moments in time with photographs.  Happy snapping!

-Jenny