Should you hire an out-of-state photographer and what to expect
My IMMEDIATE answer: yeah girl.. you should.
And here’s my why
Over the past few years, I have personally traveled extensively for weddings not in my own state. I have gone to all four corners of the United States and then some. Every single time I was in Maine, Montana, Oregon, California, Michigan, Arizona, Chicago, New York, YOU NAME IT- I was so incredibly inspired.
When you hire a photographer from a different state, you gain the unique advantage of having someone see your day with “new eyes.” You get a photographer who is inspired by everything around you, including the things that a local photographer has already gotten bored of and seen a million times.
Suddenly you have someone who views your entire day as magical, and nothing can beat a photographer full of inspiration and passion. Your wedding will be documented in a way you never even dreamed it could be.
AND THE BEST PART? You can pick a photographer you LOVE. Someone who creates images your truly admire! More often than not, you can hire the photographer of your dreams to travel at the same rate you have to pay someone local!
What does it look like? Do i have to do more work?
As it turns out, it is the easiest thing in the world. NOT ALL, but most photographers (including myself) will handle all of the logistics. From the moment you inquire with me, I begin finding the most affordable flights around your date, looking for the most affordable place to stay, and calculating the price difference for a rental car vs an Uber. I personally try to make things as affordable as I possibly can for you, so you aren’t “spending an arm and a leg.” I also remain completely transparent, and give you all pricing up front. I like to respond to your inquiry with everything you need to know, and quoted travel so there are ZERO surprises.
Once we have agreed to everything, you can COMPLETELY wash your hands of the travel aspect of things! I book our flights, our transportation, our rooms, etc. once you have paid your retainer. I (like many other photographers) fly in one day in advance to ensure I am there in time fro your wedding, because you know how delays and airports can be!
Truth be told, I often fly in a couple of days early (always on my own dime) to explore a little and scout out the PERFECT spots for your photos.
For me personally, you don’t have to do ANY MORE work to get me to your location than you would have to do for a local photographer. We set up payments based off of the date of your wedding/when things need to be booked, but you typically don’t owe the majority of your balance until MUCH closer to time!
Will i get the same experience as other couples?
Always, always, always.
When we commit to capturing your wedding out of state, we commit to bringing allll of the gear we typically use along with us. You are still getting digital, film, super 8, polaroid, WHATEVER you book! Most importantly, there will still be back up cameras with us in case something breaks so you never have to worry.
We also have a Timeline Meeting still over the phone or via FaceTime to plan out every little detail of your day! This will ensure that you don’t miss a thing, and let’s us know where to be and when to be there!
There is not a single part of your experience as a destination bride that gets skipped just because you aren’t local! We just tweak the experience to accommodate YOU!
Would it take longer to get my photos back?
I personally deliver galleries in the order I capture them! You will receive your images in the same amount of time any other bride would (even with traveling!) You will get previews within 48 hours, and your full gallery within the amount of time we agreed to in your contract, although they are typically finished quicker! Film photos are usually delivered within a week, and Super 8 within 4-6 weeks because it takes longer to develop and scan it! Super 8 is also shipped out of state for processing!
what things does my photographer need to know?
One big thing I would let your photographer know (although they will most likely check themselves) is if there is a time difference! Especially when the two of you are coordinating phone calls, or even planning your timeline! This is one thing that has a tendency to be forgotten about!
Otherwise, anything else you want to share with them is always helpful and never hurtful! Any details about the location, your favorite restaurant, literally anything! There is nothing you absolutely have to share though, so don’t overthink it!
