Guest author: Brittany West Photography

What To Ask Your Elopement Photographer

It’s likely that if you’re reading this blog, you’re seeking a unique wedding experience. Elopers are not your average people. Naturally, professional photographers with expensive equipment aren’t the ones who capture these unique rituals.

If you have an interesting excursion planned for your wedding day, find a photographer that shares your desire for adventure. When you plan an adventure elopement, the photographer must match the mood, pace, and needs of your big day.

 Therefore, remember to ask a few crucial questions when searching for a “wedding photographer near me” for your elopement. There are no second chances; your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Hire the best photographer for the job, someone who not only has a killer portfolio but also has a willingness to go with the flow and a knack for spontaneous innovation.

Try out these inquiries to assist you in selecting your candidates.

Finding an elopement photographer who will truly blend in with your special day requires more personal interaction than it may seem. Since there is typically not a large crowd during adventure elopements, the photographer cannot just blend into the background unnoticed. Elopement photographers play a big part in making the experience fantastic, and getting that vibe right means choosing a photographer you can trust—ideally, someone you can call a friend.

Here are a few follow-up inquiries to ponder following your conversation.

Could I see myself going out for a beer with this person? 

Does this individual make me laugh? 

How would this person respond in an unplanned situation? Thrilled or jazzed? Or uneasy and caught off guard?

Have you photographed in my location before?

Ask the photographer whether they are familiar with the site if you have a specific elopement location in mind. If they are familiar with your location, wonderful; if not, don’t write them off! Sometimes, rather than the same cliché Instagram photo opportunities, a new viewpoint on a location can offer new angles and ideas.

It can be a positive clue if a photographer is familiar with the location of your elopement or has at least visited it. This demonstrates that they are familiar with the venue’s policies regarding weddings and photography there. They might also be aware of obscure trailside locations that offer interesting photo opportunities.

What steps do you take to record an elopement?

Drop this question bomb, then move away. Allow the photographer to demonstrate their skills in planning, getting ready, and carrying out an elopement. Every adventure wedding is unique, but a photographer must have some shrewd abilities in reserve, such as:

• Creative games or movements that create good photos.
• When bad weather strikes, creative ideas 
• Additional suggestions for vendors with adventure elopement expertise (like makeup artists or florists)

How many photos will I get in my package?

It’s a common query for wedding photographers. Whether the couple is eloping or not, this question should be asked to make sure that everyone knows what to expect.

Some photographers provide their full collection of unedited images to couples. To make a coherent story, others choose and organize the best photographs. Thousands of images from your wedding may seem intriguing, but in reality, many will be little variations of one another. This is why it’s frequently preferable to let a photographer choose the best photos to capture a particular occasion. Instead of trying to edit a lot of images, they might focus on making these images shine.

 

What are the eloping laws in this area?

Whether your photographer has taken pictures at your precise location is the question that keeps coming up. However, the photographer should take the initiative to learn the rules about trekking and taking pictures on that property. They should also explain to you, the client, the importance of Leave No Trace principles. A genuine, land-respecting elopement photographer would emphasize packing everything away. For example, if your flower arrangement has flowers that aren’t native to your area, you should pick up any fallen flowers and take them outside.

What is the strategy in the event of bad weather?

Mother Nature frequently has impromptu ideas when it comes to outdoor adventure elopements. However, as it is still your wedding day, the ceremony must proceed. The photographer must arrive equipped with the necessary tools to make quick adjustments. They ought to have waterproof casings so they can keep shooting if it starts to rain. They should have the lenses, lights, and other tools they need to make the most of sudden changes in lighting.

Unexpected weather changes are frequently a truly enjoyable and special part of an adventurous elopement. Everything depends on how you handle it. As a photographer, keep the atmosphere as upbeat, positive, and amusing as possible to ensure that the day is enjoyable and joyful.

Why do you shoot elopements?

There must be something significant about that mountain or that experience for you to hike up to get married. Perhaps you cherish the beauty and perspective that nature offers in your relationship. Your photographer should have a similar mindset if you want that to be shown in your pictures. If your photographer has stopped taking pictures of traditional banquet hall weddings, ask them why.

Being an elopement photographer is no simple task; it requires strength, stamina, and an unwavering sense of optimism. The motivation and love of nature are typically at the heart of why wedding photographers specialize in adventurous elopements. Ask for a sample of their landscape photography to get a sense of how they feel about nature.

Do you think this photographer truly enjoys and is familiar with the outdoors? Make sure there is passion. Nobody wants a grumpy photographer whining about the excessive number of mosquitoes.

How can you support my day’s planning and execution?

Some clients like meticulously arranging their elopements and may only occasionally request photography advice when it is pertinent. Some clients may rather remain passive and let the photographer handle things.

Do you like your photographer to suggest a number of vendors or let you pick the trek for the day?

Make sure your photographer is prepared to take on the part of your choice, whether it be the Head Honcho or the Unflappable Photographer Along for the Adventure, depending on your tastes.

It can be overwhelming to select a photographer for an elopement wedding. Elopement photographers are crucial in keeping you relaxed, having fun, and safe. However, if you and your vendor ask a few straightforward questions, you may wind up with a skilled photographer and perhaps even a lasting friend.

Find Brittany West Photography on Instagram at brittany _ west_photography and schedule here:  BrittanyWestPhotography

Note from Marti:

So appreciative of our guest blogger for writing this post on “What to ask your Elopement photographer.” I enjoyed reading this blog post and will take away many tips to share with couples planning an elopement.