Choosing an elopement wedding photographer might seem relatively easy, but learning to understand your own photography and what you want from your elopement day is essential to finding a truly fitting person. After all, elopement photos tend to be a little understated, so the photographer might well go into the shadow of darkness, silently eluding the paparazzi in tow. This of course will mean that you won’t be seen, and you won’t be able to take the kind of memorable photos you might like; but if done right, and presented with the right knowledge, you can create a truly amazing and heartwarming image of this special day for you and your new spouse. So here are some basic tips to consider as you begin your search.
Firstly, it’s important to understand what sort of photography styles you’re looking for. There are two broad camps of elopement photographers, and these include the more traditional adventure photographers, or more modern wild hearts events. The traditional adventure photographer will probably be one whose photography reflects a love of nature and adventure. These photographers often favor natural colors, dramatic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and mountainous trails, as well as the familiar settings of secluded spots and stunning backdrops. These photographers also tend to favor larger, more significant photo opportunities; often arranging outdoor scenes to look like miniature trips through various environments.
The second style of elopement wedding photographer tends to favor images of simpler locations and backdrops, perhaps created with the help of a simple point-and-shoot camera. They will often prefer a low-key style, with a simple background and minimal amounts of movement, and will often have a fascination with the lesser-known corners of a venue. Couples who have eloped many times before will also be familiar with this style. And of course, those who have never had an elopement before will have no real knowledge of the backdrops and locations which are of great interest to them.
So how do you go about choosing your perfect photographer for your very intimate wedding day? Obviously, you’re going to want the best. After all, you’re paying them for their services, so you need to get the best service you can for the money. The good news is that there are several ways you can make sure you find the ideal photographer for your elopement experience. But before we start, there are a few things you should consider first.
The first thing you should ask yourself is why you might need an elopement camera and video. In many cases, the reason behind this is that you want to capture your wedding day, memories, and all the special moments on film for posterity. This is not the only reason for choosing an adventure elopement style, however. Quite the contrary, in many cases it’s simply because you’re looking to make your wedding day as personal as possible and the photos to come will reflect that.
There are two different styles of elopement which you can choose from – conventional and adventure. A conventional ceremony location will often include a traditional photograph ceremony, which is of course the most popular of these two choices. The main difference here is that you won’t be needing an adventure elopement camera and the chances of something untoward happening are much lower. In terms of photography, you’ll likely be using a normal camera and a tripod, unless you want to put yourself into the adventure mode. If you do choose to do so then you should know that there’s a much higher risk of something untoward happening.
For adventure elopement photographers, you’ll probably be used to low-light settings. The truth of the matter is that you need to remember that you are still in a professional role and that you must remain mindful at all times. This means that you should look out for conditions where you might be at risk of suffering poor eyesight or perhaps experiencing some kind of migraine. Your aim should be to keep the overall photography experience as professional as possible without jeopardizing your health and well-being!
Finally, many photographers will also offer to document your big day for an additional fee. This is particularly popular with couples that have eloped and you can often find a great deal of joy in seeing the reactions of your old colleagues. The majority of photographers that offer this are experienced and skilled professionals so you shouldn’t feel too overwhelmed by the whole thing. Take your time, relax and enjoy the ride!
