Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming experience for even the most organized individuals, but if a destination wedding is on the agenda, overwhelming takes on a whole new level…but it doesn’t have to. Vendor selection can sometimes be a challenge from a distance, and with so many options, yet very little first hand knowledge of a vendors ability, it can be scary to place such faith into the hands of virtual strangers, especially on your wedding day. Suddenly that villa in lake Como or the mansion in France loses its appeal when you consider the photographer – a virtual stranger – tasked with capturing your most special moments might not be up to the task! If finding a local photographer to document your special day is a concern of yours, don’t let it be—flying your favorite photographer from anywhere in the world is an easy and commonly acceptable practice.
It may sound a little over the top, but people do crazy things when they are in love, especially if that love comes with a “vision” of how that special day will should be. If a destination wedding someplace exotic is what you wish, you need to make a fair bit of decision-making. First and foremost, you should consider the additional costs associated with that destination. You absolutely need your wedding planner to be on location, but what about the wedding photographer? Would you want to hire a local wedding photographer, or would you prefer a photographer you know and trust to fly in for your wedding?
Of course there are pros and cons on both sides. A local Italian-speaking photographer, probably someone contracted by the venue and having deep knowledge of the destination can make things look simple and less stressful. But on the flip side it could turn out to be too simple! You never know how much experience she or he has or what their artistic capabilities are.
Would you trust someone you don’t know to photograph the best day of your life? Or would you want someone you can trust, someone who has a strong portfolio and you know for sure will do a great job? Of course that trusted photographer may not have destination experience, but at least they know how to make the best photos on your wedding day. Plus if you are going to have the best images possible taking instructions from a photographer who speaks the same language is beneficial.
Speaking of local knowledge, your chosen wedding photographer from home may be an excellent resource. If you haven’t yet chosen your final destination, you may wish run your list of exotic destinations by your camera guy! Photographers are professionals who regularly travel all around the globe shooting weddings. They know an exotic place or two you might love to get hitched at and experience with all your family and friends. With your wedding photographer having prior experience of the place it is an added advantage to fly him/her in.
The 4-12 weeks after your wedding often require close collaboration between you and your wedding photographer. This is the time when you coordinate with him/her, evaluating the post-processing work, approving the images as they arrive in your mailbox. I know most of it happens online and at the most you leave a checkmark or a simple one liner. But then nothing beats the confidence that you can pick up the phone and tell your wedding photographer if she or he is on the right track. The last thing you would want to do is to dial an international number, across time zones and speak to a photographer whose referring to you by number instead of a first name.
A wedding photographer, local to your destination wedding locale, tasked to photograph your wedding will be a complete stranger to you and although there is no doubt the genre of wedding photography has excellent doyens outside of the area you reside in, wouldn’t it be great to have the same artist who shot your engagement session and who’s already familiar with you and your loved ones be the one to capture your most important day? After all, you could fly out to most destinations for under $900. What is it worth to have the pictures you've always dreamed of in the location of your dreams?
A wedding photographer provides you with an important service. When the dust from the day has settled, when the last guest has said goodbye, all you have to remind you of the best day of your life are the images she or he takes. Make a good choice but more importantly make the right choice for you. Invest in an artist - your memories are worth it.
CREDITS
Article written by: Alain Martinez
Alain Martinez is an international lifestyle and wedding photographer, instructor and author. His efforts with Aroos Joon have extended his portfolio into the world of Bridal Fashion photography. Alain’s work is featured all over the United States in multiple print publications and media outlets. He owns the largest non-commercial studio in Florida, one of the largest in the United States. Alain mentors photographers around the world and in his studio; an honor he believes keeps him sharp at his craft and innovative while teaching those who wish to elevate their technique.