As destination weddings continue to rise in popularity, photographers are presented with exciting and lucrative opportunities to combine their passion, profession, and love of travel.
Imagine jetting off to exotic locales, camera in hand, ready to capture the magic as couples exchange vows of love against stunning backdrops. It’s no wonder that destination wedding photography is often considered a dream job. With each new place, photographers not only get to tick off locations on their bucket list but also be paid to do what they love.
Do you have a destination wedding to shoot? Below are some helpful tips and tricks to level up your photography game. If you need additional gear, like drones or gimbals, you can rent camera equipment from a reputable camera rental company before jetting off to your next destination wedding.
Without further ado, here are some things you can do to elevate your destination wedding photography:
Scout the Venue
Veteran wedding photographers are used to how weddings are coordinated in conventional venues, so they won’t need pre-wedding run-throughs. In most cases, they already know their way around like hotels, restaurants, and banquet halls, and can make up shots on the fly if needed.
However, destination weddings are entirely different and it’s more than likely that you are unfamiliar with the wedding location. That’s why you should explore the venue to know details like where the sun sets and where the bride will be coming from beforehand. It also helps to check out the best shooting locations and potential obstacles that photographers have to watch out for to be better prepared for the ceremony and reception coverage.
Prepare a Shot List
Some techniques and routines separate the professional from the amateur photographer. In wedding photography, one of these would have to be the shot list. A shot list is a comprehensive checklist outlining the specific photos to be captured during the wedding day, including key moments, poses, and details requested by the couple. It’s a good idea to collaborate with the couple to create a list of all the must-have photos for their special day. This ensures that all essential moments, from the first look to the exchange of vows, are captured without missing a beat
In addition, be sure to include a mix of traditional poses and creative shots to tell a complete wedding story that reflects the couple’s personality and style.
Build Rapport with the Couple
While not every client has to be your friend, it’s still important to establish a strong rapport with the couple before the wedding day. Doing so helps in photographing natural and authentic moments, as well as genuine expressions.
During the initial meetings through the engagement photoshoot and wedding rehearsals, take the time to get to know the couple and understand their vision for their big day. Furthermore, make them feel welcome to share their opinions, including constructive criticism. Through this open line of communication, the couple will hopefully feel more comfortable in your presence and in front of the camera. In the end, you can capture relaxed and more genuine moments rather than stiff poses that don’t quite capture your subjects’ true emotions.
Use Natural Light Whenever Possible
When it comes to destination wedding photography, natural light is your best friend. Working with natural light will give your photos a timeless and ethereal quality that artificial lighting simply can’t replicate. For a beach wedding, for instance, that classic exchange of vows as the sun sets never gets old. So, whenever possible, take advantage of the soft, flattering light provided by the sun during the golden hours to create stunning images. Moreover, position the couple facing the light source to avoid harsh shadows and ensure even lighting across their faces.
Capture Candid Moments
Some of the most memorable photos from a destination wedding are those spontaneous and unscripted moments. As such, keep your camera ready to capture candid shots of the couple and their guests laughing, dancing, and enjoying the festivities. Ultimately, these authentic moments of joy and emotion are what weddings are truly about and what make wedding photos come alive.
Incorporate Environmental Elements
It’s not a destination wedding photography without spectacular shots that include Mother Nature as the backdrop. Take advantage of the destination’s unique environment to enhance your photos. Whether it’s a stunning sunset, a cascading waterfall, or a verdant mountaintop, incorporate environmental elements that showcase the beauty and charm of the location. These natural backdrops will not only add visual interest to your photos, but also serve as timeless mementoes of the couple’s destination wedding.
Destination wedding photography offers endless opportunities for creativity and inspiration. With these practical suggestions, photographers can capture stunning images that not only showcase the beauty of the location but also celebrate the love and joy of the couple’s special day.
Super helpful photo tips!