How to Choose Your Elopement Photographer

Looking for an elopement photographer? Here’s why it’s important to choose the right one!

Elopement weddings are truly the most memorable and intimate marriage celebration!!  And, as with any wedding, you’ll be spending a lot of time with, not only your new partner in life, but you’ll be spending most of your wedding day with your photographer as well! This is why it is so important that we choose the right elopement photographer for you and an elopement photographer that fits your vision for your wedding day.  

Your photographer will not only capture the ceremony and the memories you’re making throughout the day. Their photography style and their ability to adapt to your style, your photo requests, and the location(s) you’ll be shooting in, will make your elopement photos prized memories.

Here are some tips for how to choose your elopement photographer for your day:

Define Your Style:  

Consider the type of photography style you love. If you’re not sure of your type – we’ve got you!  The easiest way to find out your favorite style of photography is exploring on Google or instagram!  Don’t be afraid to research different photography styles online so you can find out if you prefer candid styles,documentary, or artistic shots. One option is to google search “documentary style wedding photos” and take a look at the type of images that come up and see if they’re a fit for you! 

Photographers showcase their photos on their websites and within their social media profiles all the time. It is a great way for them to showcase their style and a great way to find YOUR photographer.  So, go ahead, look through different portfolios and let your intuition be your guide! You’ll easily find which elopement photographers and their styles align with you and your vision for your wedding!

 Experience and Expertise:

This one is super important!  You most definitely want to choose and work with a photographer who has experience with photographing elopements specifically! Elopements are different from traditional weddings and photographers are always deeply involved with the planning and the agenda throughout the day.  You’ll notice at any event; the photographer always knows what is happening next!  So, the more experience your photographer has with elopements and the specifics in throwing this type of wedding, the better.  Remember, your photographer can work best if they intimately know the location, what’s happening in that specific moment, and what is to follow.  Elopements involve unique locations and intimate moments that require a specific photography skill set that you DO NOT want to miss out on for your elopement.

Personal Connection:

Like with traditional weddings, you’re going to be spending A LOT of time with your elopement

photographer!  Not only is your elopement an intimate celebration, but it’s a super important moment in your lives, too.  So, you’ll want to choose someone that you feel very comfortable with.  If you’re not comfortable with the person taking your photos, you’re not going to feel comfortable and that could potentially show in the final product!  You want to choose an elopement photographer that you can easily develop a connection with and truly feel happy to be around them. This connection can authentically grow leading up to your special day!!  Your elopement photographer should genuinely want to get to know their couples as best they can leading up to the big day.

Location Knowledge:

 When you choose your elopement destination, it’s something super specific and special to both you and your partner.  Therefore, it’s best to choose a photographer who is either very familiar with the destination choice or an elopement photographer that is actually from the specific area.  

When your photographer is familiar with the location, it allows for them to blossom at their craft by recommending the best spots for photos for certain times of the day.  Lighting plays a huge role in photographs!!  It also allows for your photographer to be prepared for any location specific challenges the day may present (inclement weather, poor lighting, etc.).   The more your photographer is in the know, the better they can serve you and the better quality of photos captured on your day! 

Reviews and Testimonials:

Reviews and Testimonials from clients are paramount! What better way to find out about a photographer then from one bride to another, right? Weddings are so important and client testimonials are a surefire way to discern your photographer’s level of customer service, talent and timing.  If a couple is unhappy with their elopement photographs, they will NOT go out of their way and post a good review.  So look for an elopement photographer with stellar reviews and testimonials from their elopement couples!!  If you’re looking for an example, please take a look at some of my reviews here.

Packages and Pricing:

Understanding your elopement photographer’s pricing and what is included in their various elopement photographer’s packages is super important.  This especially goes for elopements because the day unfolds kind of specifically to the couple and the agenda does not mirror a more traditional wedding.  This is why it is really helpful to have a true discernment of what is being offered by your elopement photographer and what is within your budget, too.

Most elopement photographers outline their basic elopement packages and pricing on their websites!  This makes it so easy for couples to vet potential photographers and their pricing.  And, some photographers also offer customizable packages, which is so fun!  So, it is really helpful to do your photographer elopement package research before making your choice!  And remember, it’s also important to consider the VALUE of the various services provided for the pricing. Sometimes paying just a bit more can be worth it in the long run.  Your photographer, believe it or not, is so much more than photos.  And, you’ll find yourself receiving a better quality of service and experience, which is extremely important, too!

Ask Questions:

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your elopement is important, and you should feel comfortable clarifying any and all doubts regarding your elopement photographer, their approach, their timeline, and how they handle specific situations! It’s a great way to feel out a photographer and if they’re right for you!  If a friend referred your photographer, ask your friend how their day went, what they liked best and what they would have liked to be done differently. And yes, most definitely ask your photographer directly, too. The more they know about you, the better job they can do for you, which is what your elopement photographer is here for!

What to expect with your elopement photographer

Expectations are everything and it’s great to know what to expect from your elopement photographer.  Here are some great examples for you below:

Prep Time:

Prep time is important!!  Your photographer will need prep time to: 

1. Get to know you and your partner! 
2. Fill themselves in on specifics of your destination, and the time of year of your elopement!  
3. Prep for the session itself!  Which cameras, lighting may be needed, questions for the couple, etc. 

For such an intimate event, your elopement photographer will need to (and should want to) take the time out and prep, and prep, and then, maybe prep some more!!

Adventure:

Even if you choose an elopement photographer who is familiar with the location of your celebration, believe me when I say, they will be doing a lot of walking around and adventuring before and during your session. Why?? They’ll want to capture the perfect shot. It’s their job!! Your elopement photographer will want to make sure everything is just right.  Like they will want to make sure the terrain, the lighting, the weather, etc. fit with you, your outfit and any other logistics that may come up! They do not want you to be in a situation that will make their elopement couple feel uncomfortable in any way at all!

Focus on you guys:

Your experience with your elopement photographer should feel super laid back, very comfortable, and tremendously enjoyable.  And most of all, the focus throughout the event and leading up to it, should be on you guys!  The ones getting eloped!!! Your elopement photographer’s focus should always be on you (the couple) and your shared vision for your elopement!

Let’s chat about if I’m the right fit for your elopement!

I’d absolutely love to hear from you and answer any elopement photography questions you may have!!  

Please click here to fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you. Happy elopement planning!