August 16, 2010
Destination Wedding Photography: What To Keep In Mind
Destination Weddings are more popular than ever. But you would be remiss if you didn’t make yourself aware of potential pitfalls.
The Benefits
- Overall, it is definitely less expensive. Usually, your guests pay their own way, which also affords them a chance for a welcome vacation, especially during the winter.
- You’re getting married in an exotic locale with gorgeous panoramas that make the wedding photography even more special.
- There is an enchanting quality to getting married in a far off place that’s relaxing and lush. It certainly won’t be like the typical weddings back in the city.
- The resort generally plans all the details including setting you up with a local wedding photographer (more on this later).
- By having your wedding far away in all probability only the people you really want to be there will show up because of the time and financial requirements. This is the route to go to get around a potentially touchy guest list at a home affair.
Potential Drawbacks
- It may be difficult for a few beloved people to join you due to legitimate bona fide] barriers (ie) financial, having young children, inability to take a vacation because of work, etc. Ironically, you may then have a challenging time comprehending why a loved one won’t come - though they may have very good reasons.
- Did you get to visit the island before the big day? If not, you may show up a couple of days before the allotted show and become very concerned. Happily, big troubles hardly ever crop up. Nevertheless, it’s critical to have clear communication with the Event Organizer to mitigate any problems that may arise.
- Many destination weddings happen in the winter season. When creating the schedule keep in mind that if your wedding is during the late fall, winter or first part of spring, retreating light will be a factor after about 5 o’clock. Consequently, if the ceremony is 3:30 or beyond the post-ceremony photos may be at risk. The sun will drop like a stone and quite suddenly it will be dark. The heavenly background will become all but invisible and it’ll be like photographing a wedding in Baltimore – which kind of defeats one of the main purposes of having a destination wedding (ie) the glorious background and the accompanying photos. Remember, all you have left afterwards is your wedding photography.
- If you select a local photographer, firstly, you will most likely be unsatisfied with the results. Secondly, not only are you are usually not paying less, sometimes you’re paying more than if you flew in your own photographer. Thirdly, once you return home, if you have any issues with the photographer you might be out of luck. What if they are not calling you back? What if you don’t get your photos? That is a frightening scenario. On the other hand, you can hire a photographer from your home town who does destination weddings. In this case you actually meet your photographer way ahead of time . In short, you make a connection with the person who has an immense responsibility on your wedding day. Most importantly, God forbid there are any issues, you know where they live and you have many more options at your disposal.
- Now, there is something you must take note of if you decide to book a destination wedding photography company from your own neck of the woods. Foreign photographers need permits to “officially” ply their trade in most destination spots. For the Bahamas, the permit costs $300. Now, your photographer can journey incognito and pretend they are one of your friends or family. This can be risky. What if they don’t believe you, especially once they’ve rifled through your bags and found all your equipment? They may not let you photograph the wedding – which would be disastrous. If your photographer is going to fly under the radar it’s a good idea for them to bring as little gear as possible to avoid unwelcome attention. Or, it might be best to go the safe route and get the permit.
There is much to love about having a destination wedding. Invariably, it is a wonderful experience. Just take heed of the aforementioned issues that may put a damper on the proceedings.