Editor’s Note: Guest blogger Kristi Drago-Price is a lifestyle wedding photographer and Contributing Photography Director at Destination: W.
Here’s what’s easy about a destination wedding: Finding a dress. Finding a site. Finding a groom.
Here’s what’s hard: Finding a photographer.
Because while your home base may be rife with talented folks who can capture every detail and emotion that make a wedding so unforgettable, you may be headed to a location where the talent pool isn’t quite as rich, and where you don’t know a soul. There are reasons to fly a photog in; reasons to go local, too. Here’s the lowdown:
Why Go Local
The Pros
- They know the lay of the land—in most cases he/she has already photographed a wedding at your venue and knows the most picture-worthy locations to whisk you off too.
- No worries about arrival times or canceled flights!
The Cons
- Communication can be difficult—time differences, language barriers, and phone interviews can be time consuming, leaving important details to fall through the cracks.
- If you’re marrying in a remote location you can be limited to a small pool of talent. If you don’t dig their jive…you won’t dig your photos either!
Why Fly Someone In
The Pros
- Unlike a box of chocolates you know what you are going to get. Face-to-face consultations, reviewing sample albums in your hands, and a sense of trust are perks of flying in your favorite photographer.
- Couples create bonds with their wedding photographers that last years. One day you may have children…and one day you can hire the same photographer to capture your baby’s chubby arms or your growing family’s holiday card.
The Cons
- Weddings get expensive…period. If your budget is already tight, springing for extra flights, hotel rooms, and per diem could put you in the red.
- Most weddings take place on Saturdays, and in order to travel to your location, your photographer will need to block his or her Friday and Sunday…if you don’t book far enough in advance there is a good chance your date won’t be available.
All things considered once you have made your decision the most important thing is you love your photographer’s work, are confident in their ability, and enjoy their personality. Keep in mind photographers aren’t just making images for you to share on Facebook, they’re creating your first family heirloom.—Kristi Drago-Price
