Destination weddings add an exotic element to your nuptials and often make for a more intimate event than local weddings. However, scheduling a destination wedding can be challenging. One of the most important tasks is to book a skilled photographer who can capture your special day. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when hiring a destination wedding photographer.

How to Choose a Destination Wedding Photographer

1. Seek Out a Travel Expert

Your photographer will have to make it to your destination on time, so it’s important to make sure they’re travel savvy. Working with an experienced, worldly individual will give you the peace of mind in knowing your photographer knows how to navigate the potential challenges and delays of international travel with ease. If possible, look for a professional who is fluent in the language of your destination. It’s also helpful (though not necessary) to choose a photographer who lives near you so that you may meet them beforehand, and afterwards too to looks at the prints and create albums together.

2. Consider Aesthetics

Because proximity isn’t a factor in your decision, your options for choosing talent are limitless. This means you should base your choice primarily on aesthetics, so find a photographer whose work truly speaks to you. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the photos taken on this day will be cherished forever. 

3. Look for a Personal Connection

Another key factor to look for is a personal connection with your photographer. Be sure to talk with them on the phone before meeting in person. You and your fiance should feel at ease when speaking with the photographer. When the couple is comfortable during shoots, it leads to better-quality photos.

4. Ask to View Past Work

While you can use a photographer’s online gallery as a basis for your decision, you should also ask them to show you photos that were taken in various destination locations (on a beach, in a church, or in cold climates. Be sure to work with a photographer who is flexible and can adapt easily to a new setting—even if it’s completely unfamiliar to them.

5. Schedule Additional Days

Once you’ve settled on a photographer, consider scheduling additional days with them. Especially if you are getting married in an exquisite setting, why not take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and plan a few more portraits while there? How about a rehearsal dinner shoot or an engagement shoot a few months before the wedding? This will allow you to get to know your photographer, and to get comfortable in front of the lens. Scheduling shoots before and after the wedding day will give you a bit of leeway in the event of bad weather, unexpected travel delays, or poor shooting conditions. Even if you only plan to have photos taken on one day, this extra insurance can go a long way in preventing any hassles from getting in the way of your exquisite wedding photos.

If you’re planning an upcoming destination wedding and are seeking a talented, experienced photographer for your event, look no further than Karen Wise Photography. Destination wedding photographer Karen Wise is fluent in French and relocated to Brooklyn after being raised in Montreal. As a worldly photographer, Karen is a seasoned destination wedding photographer and has traveled to India and France to capture couples’ special moments. Her portfolio includes international publications in VOGUE India and Marie Claire China. View her destination wedding photographs online and schedule a consultation by calling (917) 539-9908 for inquiries.