Destination weddings are booming, with more and more couples choosing to tie the knot in Mexico, Thailand or even the Barbados! These weddings are often offered in all-inclusive packages that include a wedding photographer on location. So, it is only natural that couples are wondering: is it best to hire locally and invite your photographer to your wedding destination or to hire a photographer on location? Here is we think you should hire locally:
1. It is easier to build a trusting relationship with a local photographer
Trust is a key part of any wedding planning. You want to make sure that your wedding photographer understands and shares your vision. Choosing a professional who works and lives in your area makes it very easy to meet on several occasions, to fine tune this shared vision. So, if you live in Surrey, a wedding photographer in Surrey will be able to meet with you and your spouse-to-be, discuss every single detail (from the atmosphere you would like to create, what you expect out of your shooting session, to small details such as the specific format of the final photos), and make sure you are on the same page before the big day.
This level of trust is impossible to build with an overbooked, on-location photographer, who usually has limited time slots for foreign visitors and will focus on €delivering€ what is included in the package. Also, remember that, a wedding photographer that is part of a package or is recommended by the venue is often not recommended based on skills, but on deals and competitive pricing. This has nothing to do with your wedding.
2. Having a local photographer will bring you peace of mind
Even when everything is carefully planned, wedding days can be stressful as there are sometimes a few details that need to be settled at the last minute. On that day, you want your photographer to capture emotional moments without having to worry about a thing. A local photographer that has traveled to your destination is here for you. That is the only reason he or she is on location with you. He or she will go out of his way to make the best out of any situation that may come up that day.
Also, if many people choose to marry in exotic places such as South America or Europe, it is still fairly common to have engagement parties at home. If you got engaged in Surrey, there are many advantages in working with that wedding photographer in Surrey even if you get married abroad. You will benefit from a solid relationship with your photographer, and will feel more comfortable working with the same team. This person knows about your love story, your expectations, and your interactions with your spouse-to-be, but also important details such as your best angles. Also, working with the same professionals for both your engagement and your wedding day will add a matching touch to your photos, making these memories extra special.
3. Communication will be easier before, during, and after the wedding
Some argue that it is best to hire a wedding photographer on location to add an exotic touch to your wedding and have access to his local network in case something goes wrong and you need a plan B. But a big part of wedding photography happens after the wedding, once everyone has gone back home. You do not want a language or cultural barrier to keep you from retrieving the perfect photos and you need the necessary back-and-forth's to go as smoothly as possible.
What has been your experience with on-location photographers? What would you recommend?