Have Camera, Will Travel – Destination Wedding Photography on the Rise
by: Erin M. Blakemore for photographik



When you envision a photographer, you’re more likely to imagine a camera bag than an overstuffed suitcase. But these days, wedding photographers are more likely to tote both as they travel around the world, responding to a growing trend in destination wedding photography. And with recent statistics showing that couples are four times more likely to choose a destination wedding than in past years, “have camera” increasingly means “will travel” for wedding photographers.

What draws wedding photographers to destination work? For Brooke Schwab, it’s the chance to get connected to her clients. “When I’m on location, I enter into the couple’s lives on a way deeper level than at in-town weddings,” she says, noting that the inspiration she finds in new locations makes for fresher, more exciting shots.

David Beckstead, whose destination wedding work has taken him to countless countries, including Cambodia, Italy, and Vietnam, correlates the rise of the destination wedding with brides’ new desire to escape the endless round of wedding planning. “Brides see it as a way to get away from the extravagance of a three- to four-hundred person wedding,” he says. “You can actually save money overseas, not to mention how much more fun it is to connect with your wedding party in an amazing location.” Beckstead, who recently shot a two-person wedding on an all-day road trip through Tuscany, takes advantage of a lifetime of travel experience on his artistic adventures.

Both photographers suggest that globetrotting couples take some time when choosing the right photographer for the job. Clients should expect to pay for their photographer and assistant’s travel expenses and should extensively interview photographers to find out their travel philosophies. “For me, it’s more than just point-and-click,” says Beckstead. “I’ve been traveling the world since 1984, so I know how to interact with other cultures and be security-minded on the road. Every single photograph is backed up countless times on and off site, and I travel with two full kits just in case disaster strikes.” Though it hasn’t thus far, Beckstead’s impeccable preparation protects his clients’ priceless wedding photos from the potential pitfalls of theft, loss, and other traveling tribulations.

Ultimately, the choice to take a wedding on the road is extremely personal, so potential clients should keep personality in mind when hiring a destination wedding photographer. After all, your photog will be there not only for the ceremony, but for the multi-day events that often accompany an adventurous destination wedding. Schwab, who recently shot a mountain wedding in Big Sky, Montana, has done everything from hiking to fly fishing with her clients. “It’s definitely an intimate affair,” she says, noting that destination weddings give photographers and guests a unique chance to connect with the bride and groom. “Everyone can bond more with the couple, which makes it so much more special and exciting for them and the guests. Bringing everyone away for a weekend to focus exclusively on the bride and groom – that’s priceless.”

DISCLAIMER : The views expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent the views of photographik or any member of the photographik organization.