The Advantages of Hiring a Local Photographer For Your Destination Wedding
Finding a Hawaii photographer for a destination wedding can be stressful when you don't have the opportunity to interview photographers in person.
But you can find a great local photographer if you follow these tips.
Assuming you've gone through online wedding portfolios and narrowed your list, it's time to contact the photographers.
How a photographer responds to your inquiry over the email or phone often speaks volumes about him or her.
Did he or she answer your inquiries promptly (usually within 48 hours), politely, and completely? If you asked for wedding photography prices, did the photographer detail everything the packages include such as coverage time, print credit and/or disc with high-resolution files, photo books or albums.
Did the photographer specify that he or she will be the person photographing your wedding that day? If a second shooter is part of the package, did you get to see samples of the second photographer's work? Did the photographer ask to meet you when you arrive in Hawaii? If at all possible, you should arrive a few days early to meet with your photographer and do a site visit.
This is also a good opportunity to see the albums or photo books that are provided with the package if applicable.
Ask to speak with your Hawaii photographer's former destination wedding clients.
Don't rely solely on testimonials posted on the photographer's website or reviews on other wedding websites.
Wedding forums can be useful but these are also not foolproof as there could be photographers or their friends posing as former brides.
Your best bet is to speak or email your photographer's former clients.
Although it is tempting to go with suggestions provided by your hotel wedding coordinator or consultant, it is important to remember that these people will recommend photographers who have contracts with the hotel or photographers who provide kickbacks to the wedding planner.
If you have booked a wedding package, you can decline the photographer that comes with the package (as these photographers often do a volume business).
Take the time to find a photographer whose work you love.
Don't compromise if wedding photography is important to you.
There are many advantages, other than saving over $1000 on travel fees, to hiring a wedding photographer based in Hawaii.
Most Hawaii wedding photographers are very familiar with local wedding venues and have worked with the other local wedding vendors in the past.
They know the best places for photography at your wedding venue.
You will find several destination wedding photographers who will jump at the chance for a trip to Hawaii and may even waive the travel fee, but remember that local knowledge is priceless.
But you can find a great local photographer if you follow these tips.
Assuming you've gone through online wedding portfolios and narrowed your list, it's time to contact the photographers.
How a photographer responds to your inquiry over the email or phone often speaks volumes about him or her.
Did he or she answer your inquiries promptly (usually within 48 hours), politely, and completely? If you asked for wedding photography prices, did the photographer detail everything the packages include such as coverage time, print credit and/or disc with high-resolution files, photo books or albums.
Did the photographer specify that he or she will be the person photographing your wedding that day? If a second shooter is part of the package, did you get to see samples of the second photographer's work? Did the photographer ask to meet you when you arrive in Hawaii? If at all possible, you should arrive a few days early to meet with your photographer and do a site visit.
This is also a good opportunity to see the albums or photo books that are provided with the package if applicable.
Ask to speak with your Hawaii photographer's former destination wedding clients.
Don't rely solely on testimonials posted on the photographer's website or reviews on other wedding websites.
Wedding forums can be useful but these are also not foolproof as there could be photographers or their friends posing as former brides.
Your best bet is to speak or email your photographer's former clients.
Although it is tempting to go with suggestions provided by your hotel wedding coordinator or consultant, it is important to remember that these people will recommend photographers who have contracts with the hotel or photographers who provide kickbacks to the wedding planner.
If you have booked a wedding package, you can decline the photographer that comes with the package (as these photographers often do a volume business).
Take the time to find a photographer whose work you love.
Don't compromise if wedding photography is important to you.
There are many advantages, other than saving over $1000 on travel fees, to hiring a wedding photographer based in Hawaii.
Most Hawaii wedding photographers are very familiar with local wedding venues and have worked with the other local wedding vendors in the past.
They know the best places for photography at your wedding venue.
You will find several destination wedding photographers who will jump at the chance for a trip to Hawaii and may even waive the travel fee, but remember that local knowledge is priceless.
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