We’re kicking off a series of Destination Wedding Tips and today we have Lucy Struve, a destination wedding photographer, as a guest, sharing her advice on why you should hire a photographer that is local to where you live instead of hiring someone that is based in your wedding destination.
As you plan your dream destination wedding, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing a photographer.
Should you opt for someone local to where you live, which may involve travel expenses, or enlist the services of a photographer based in your wedding location?
While the latter might initially appear more cost-effective, I believe that bringing along your own photographer is a worthwhile investment.
If we haven’t met yet, hi! I’m Lucy Struve, a fine art wedding photographer based in Austin, Texas. While the majority of my work is in Texas, I’ve been fortunate to have clients hire me to shoot their weddings all over the world in places like India, New York, Utah, and Colorado.
Why Should you hire a Photographer local to where you live instead of one based in your wedding destination?
Reason #1) Connection: Communication and Building Trust
In my opinion, the single most significant advantage of bringing your own photographer to a destination wedding is the chance to establish a strong connection well before the big day. Meeting and working together beforehand allows us to get to know each other and builds confidence going into the wedding. This relationship is crucial for capturing genuine and intimate moments and allows me to better understand your personalities and preferences.
Coordinating things like engagement photos can be difficult or impossible when your photographer is based abroad—not to mention language barrier issues or time zone differences. Being local to my couples facilitates open communication and ensures that every detail, from stylistic preferences to specific shot requests, is clearly understood and executed.
Reason #2) Assurance and Reliability
I’ll be honest—opting for a local photographer at the wedding destination can lead to uncertainties, particularly with resort venues that include a photographer as part of their package but do not guarantee a specific individual. Bringing your own photographer eliminates the risk of unfamiliarity and ensures that the artist you researched, interviewed, and ultimately trust will be the one capturing your special day.
Reason #3) Legal and Contractual Benefits
Although I hate to think anything might go sour over the course of working with your photographer, another practical advantage is the assurance that your contractual agreements are governed by familiar laws, such as those in the United States. This legal framework offers clarity and protection in case of any unforeseen issues or disputes.
Reason #4) Creativity and Artistic Vision
Photography is an art form, and each photographer brings a unique style and approach to your wedding. A destination wedding photographer thrives on the challenge of capturing the beauty and ambiance of new locations. We invest time in researching and scouting your venue, familiarizing ourselves with lighting conditions, weather patterns, and local regulations. This preparation ensures that every photograph we provide is a work of art that takes you right back to your wedding weekend.
It’s crucial that you choose a photographer whose style and portfolio match your preferences. Rather than adopting a cookie-cutter approach that’s worn out from working in the same areas repeatedly, a destination photographer will approach your wedding with fresh eyes, using their creativity and expertise to craft remarkable images that are unique to you.
While the temptation to rely on a local photographer at your wedding destination may seem practical at first, I highly recommend bringing your own photographer. From building a strong connection and ensuring reliability to fostering creativity and ease of pre- and post-wedding coordination, your photographer’s role in capturing memories of your wedding cannot be overstated. By investing in a photographer who understands your vision and is dedicated to capturing the essence of your destination wedding, you not only safeguard the quality of your photographs but also enhance the overall experience of your special day.
By: Lucy Struve
If you’re based in the Austin, Texas area and are interested in hiring Lucy for your destination wedding, you can connect with her on Instagram or contact her here.
Looking for more Destination Wedding Tips? Read up on Hotel Room Blocks Explained to learn all about why you need a hotel room block for your guests.
Ready to get started with planning your destination wedding? Contact us today.
