A Guide on Choosing a Destination Wedding
Photographer on St. John
Photographer on St. John
Your wedding photographs will be one of the most important parts of your wedding day experience, and picking a photographer for a destination wedding can be challenging. The challenge to picking a destination wedding photographer has mostly to do with the distance, you can’t simply make an appointment to meet with them or ask your neighbors for a recommendation. Finding a destination wedding photographer will require you to do your homework and really research what you are looking for.
I have been a destination wedding photographer since 2006, I've created a guide to help you find the photographer that is perfect for you and your wedding day. Ideally, you are looking for a destination wedding photographer with experience, credentials, a great portfolio that matches your style, a personality you will gel with and affordable pricing.
Wedding Portfolio
Start with Google and find the photographers that are shooting weddings at the destination you intend to have your wedding at. Spend some time looking through the portfolio. I think that it is important to hire a photographer on-location because they will know how to deal with the circumstances and the environment that you will be in. Looking through the websites find the photographs that you really like and ask to see a full wedding, because on the website you will only be seeing the very best.
Personality
It is just as important to like the portfolio of a photographer as it is to like their personality. The photographer plays a big role in a wedding, from making you feel comfortable and laughing in front of the camera to being able to keep your wedding on schedule with ceremony, reception, down to the timing of the sun setting behind the horizon. Being in the Caribbean, so close to the equator, it will set really fast here. I have a non intrusive, easy going approach to photographing, that sets my couple at ease so they can have fun and enjoy the magic of their wedding and be themselves.
Style
The overall look of the photographs are important when planning a destination wedding outside, because who knows what the weather will be like. This is yet another reason why it is important to see a full wedding and hire someone on-location, because if there isn’t any warm light with your sunset beach wedding, how will the photographs look? Most of my brides come to have a beach wedding because it will be fun, and they don’t care if their dress gets sand on it or wet because they are standing to close to the waves, they want the experience to rule the day, not a photographer directing them through it.
The overall look of the photographs are important when planning a destination wedding outside, because who knows what the weather will be like. This is yet another reason why it is important to see a full wedding and hire someone on-location, because if there isn’t any warm light with your sunset beach wedding, how will the photographs look? Most of my brides come to have a beach wedding because it will be fun, and they don’t care if their dress gets sand on it or wet because they are standing to close to the waves, they want the experience to rule the day, not a photographer directing them through it.
Money Money Money
Money is one of the most important parts of choosing a destination wedding photographer and when “shopping around” you will find a wide range of prices. There is a saying “you get what you pay for,” and all photographers are NOT created equal, and the photographs will be the only tangible part of your wedding at the end of the day. That being said you shouldn’t break the bank with your wedding photography package, spend as much as you can afford. A helpful hint is to look at the timing and get the most out of the time that you will have with your photographer, like if you see each other before the wedding ceremony, you just gained an entire hour of pre-photos together or consider when dinner is being served, this is really a difficult hour to make photos.
Recommendations
If you are working with a wedding coordinator or through a resort they will definitely have a recommendation for wedding photographers they work with. If you are planning a wedding on your own ask around. Ask the person that is performing your wedding ceremony, or the florist, and even ask the photographer for emails of past brides. It is important to know the photographers credentials, getting to know the background of a photographer will tell you more about them.
Wedding Package Includes
It is so important to know what your wedding photography package includes, this will make all the difference in the overall cost of your wedding. I think the most important thing to know is if you get a disc to print from, shared ownership of the images. If you do get a disc you will have more control over getting prints and not have to pay the photographer for prints after the wedding (most photographers charge a lot for wedding prints, this one of the reasons that they can charge less for their packages.) Crown Images does include a disc with all packages, because we are making the photos “for you!”
Flexibility
Some brides want to jump and write in the sand, while others are a little more formal and want to include their new sister in law and toast champagne for the first time with their husband. Make sure the photographer is going to be understanding of what your looking for and be flexible to your needs. Most brides and grooms are not models and being in front of the camera can make some people really stiff and uncomfortable posing. I find that all some people need is to take a walk on the beach with their spouse hand in hand to relax for the camera. While some people need a lot of direction on how to pose to make them comfortable, a good wedding photographer should know instantly how to work with this.
Once you find your perfect destination wedding photographer you should be able to trust them to capture your wedding day and all the details and special moments, so that you can relax and just enjoy the ceremony and focus on remembering your lines. “I DO!!”
Above wedding Details
Photographer: Crown Images
Villa: Amorosa
Location: St. John, US Virgin Islands
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Sage photographed my daughter's wedding in May(pictures in blog) and did a fabulous job. She became part of our family immediately and helped keep the pre-wedding atmosphere calm and fun. Her selections of backgrounds and setting for our villa wedding showcased the bride and groom and the beautiful island of St. John.
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