Destination weddings are a treat for the eyes and the soul, not just for the couple but also for the guests. It would be a shame to have a dream destination wedding, and not have every detail captured on film; this is why it is important to entrust the job to a professional wedding photographer.
Capturing a wedding in an exquisite locale requires framing not just the crucial moments of the wedding, but also the picturesque elements of the destination. It inevitably necessitates careful planning, skills, and experience, not to mention an eye for creating spectacular portraits. While partnering with an exceptional wedding photographer in Chicago for your destination wedding will ensure success to a great extent, thorough planning and consideration from your end can go a long way.
Here is everything you need to know if you are planning to have a destination wedding.
Hiring the right wedding photographer
As mentioned earlier, the wedding photographer you choose plays one of the most important roles in creating your destination wedding memories. Hence, ensure to put due thought and diligence into finding the right one. While a local professional at the destination will likely be well-versed and familiar with the best spots in the city, a service provider from home will be more adaptable and aligned with your expectations. Determine your priorities first and choose a photographer who offers the best value in terms of your requirements. You can also consider comprehensive package providers from home who have ample destination wedding photography experience to extract the best of both worlds.
Once you have a few options under consideration, seek reviews and recommendations from genuine clients as well as friends and family to narrow down and choose the best one.
Sorting the logistics
Destination weddings demand a great deal of logistical coordination when it comes to photography, especially if you are hiring a home-based wedding photographer. Discuss and sort aspects like travel arrangements and permits well ahead, and ensure that the two of you are on the same page.
Figure out the travel costs for the team, and see if their package is inclusive or exclusive of the same. Plan the travel schedule for the photographer ensuring that they arrive a few days ahead, in anticipation of time zone differences, time for location scouting, etc.
In terms of permits, research in coordination with your photographer, to find out the kinds of permits you require to shoot at different locations at the destination. Ensure that you secure all necessary permissions well in advance so that you have everything you need right when you arrive.
Planning proper wedding-day coordination
Destination weddings being high-level celebrations with several moving parts are bound to invite chaos, especially on D-day. Hence, it is crucial to sort out the day-of coordination aspects with your photographer. Plan and create a detailed photography timeline with your professional, provisioning ample time for photoshoots. Ensure that the team is ready to capture all crucial moments during the celebration, and don’t forget to include sufficient buffer time in the schedule, to account for unexpected delays or other surprises. Hiring a local wedding photographer in Chicago with destination wedding experience will help you stay on top of communication in this regard.
Capturing the essence of the celebration and the destination
Discuss your wedding timeline, including every crucial moment you need captured, and every must-have shot, with your photographer early on. Research well to incorporate every detail you need about the destination as well, including the cultural elements, the scenic backdrops, and iconic landmarks the place is known for, as well as other hidden gems where you would like to take portraits. Having a clear idea of the best locales of your destination will help save a load of time during your visit.
Along with discussing the location, don’t forget to review the celebration photographs as well. Have your photographer capture candid moments between family members, and you and your partner; include guest interactions, and other priceless moments to create a wholesome wedding album.
Examining location-oriented details
Once you have your wedding venue booked and ready, it would be wise to schedule a tour if it’s possible. Coordinate with your photographer as well as with the management of the venue to determine the best spots and times for photography, and understand any restrictions in usage of the property. Discuss the lighting conditions and the mood requirements for photos with your professional and examine the venue for the most optimal usage of natural and artificial lights.
The weather is another important aspect to discuss with your photographer; check the forecast and prepare for the weather conditions of the day promptly. Ensure that you also have a contingency plan in place for unexpected changes in the weather. More importantly, discuss in detail with your wedding photographer, and create a plan that will help you make the most of your investment, even within the limitations of the weather. For example, make use of gloomy weather to create moody wedding portraits.
Discussing post-wedding deliverables
Lastly, discuss the deliverables with your photographer well ahead to avoid last-minute differences of opinion and subsequent unpleasant partnerships. Have your photographer prepare a delivery timeline, incorporating sufficient time for photo selection and editing. Schedule meetings with your service provider to finalize a selection of photos incorporating a mix of candid moments, posed family stills, creative portraits, and scenic views of the destination. Along with discussing photo delivery, review wedding album creation, print options, and laminations to create a well-rounded collection of wedding memories; some of the most breathtaking scenic shots deserve a canvas frame.
Wrapping up
Destination wedding photography undoubtedly requires careful planning and prompt coordination between you and your photographer. It takes extraordinary skills and experience to capture the essence of your big day while also incorporating the magic of your destination. Keep the above-mentioned pointers in mind when planning the photography aspects of your destination wedding to experience a smooth and hassle-free partnership, while also enjoying the day. Most importantly partner with the right wedding photographer in Chicago to create the most vivid collection of the best memories of your destination wedding.
If you are planning to have a destination wedding, contact Shan Photography – your most reliable and hands-on destination wedding service provider in the USA.
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