10 Reasons Why You Should Not Hire A Photographer For Your Elopement

I know, “10 reasons why you shouldn’t hire a photographer for your elopement” sounds like there’s a stitch coming especially since I am an elopement photographer myself. But I am serious. Nowhere is there a manual that says that: Thou must hire a photographer when getting married. So there are actually very concrete reasons why you might not want to hire a photographer but do consider a few things before you make such a decision. And as an elopement photographer, I absolutely love my job but here are 10 reasons why you might not hire a photographer:

1. Spontaneity. You love to live in the moment. You love that time is precious and that you want to live with such intention that you don’t need photographs to remember the moment

–> I’d ask you, will you regret not having photos of such a special occasion?

2. Experience. You crave experiences above all else and don’t want photography as a core piece of your elopement

–> PS as an experienced adventure elopement photographer, I do know how to be a fly on the wall and you wouldn’t even notice me. My goal is to help you have the experience you need for your elopement

3. Budget. You are eloping for cost reasons and professional photography costs money

–> This is definitely a real issue, but out of all the things you could pay for, photographs hold value in memories and emotions and last beyond your lifetime. If you could spurge on one thing, it should definitely be on photos

4. Style. You prefer the POV from your friends iPhone and don’t care about polished photos

–> That’s totally okay if that’s your preference, but make sure you won’t have any regrets if the photos come out backlit and blurry.

5. Privacy. You rather have full control of your day and no one else to get in your way

–> Yes, and — you will still need 3 people to make it official, but you can go to a courthouse to get legally married then say your vows in utter privacy. BTW I always give my couples privacy and step away during vow readings and use a long telephoto lens to capture those emotional moments

6. Peer Pressure. You see everyone else hiring so many vendors and you chose to elope to be different. Well, this would definitely be different

–> But here’s my reminder: think about what you value and not just about trying to be different. Do you actually want the photos to remember the laughter and tears?

7. Cameras. You absolutely hate getting your photo taken and feel awkward in front of the camera

–> Did you know that many of my couples claim that they are awkward but they actually have a blast working with me and love how the images turn out? With the right photographer, you can feel at ease and yourself

8. Freedom. You love flexibility and not having to stick to a schedule or timeline or want to get married on a random day

–> While a day may be fixed (weather dependent), I always allow for flexibility with timing at different locations and help you find a timeline that feels un-rushed.

9. Simplicity. The fewer the moving parts, the less stress you’ll feel.

–> But what if a vendor is key to helping everything run smooth so you don’t have to think about the logistics? I am a photographer who loves to plan and take the stress off my couples

10. Expectations. Everyone wants you to have professional photos, but you simply could care less

–> I totally get that and you are 100% allowed to deviate from anyone’s expectations. Listen to your heart. Will xyz bring you joy? Then do it! Will photos bring you joy? Then book your photographer! 

All this to say, there are many very legit reasons why you might not want a photographer at your elopement. My only caveat is: Make your decision carefully based on what you as a couple want, not what any one else says (including me).

The whole point of an elopement is to craft an intimately unique day(s) that celebrates your love for each other. It can have all or none of the traditional wedding elements. But the key is that the only expectations you should care about is your own. Not what your mother thinks your wedding day should look like. Not what the internet says are the coolest trends of the year. It is entirely what you want. If you don’t want a photographer, then don’t get one.

But if there is any inkling in you that thinks that photography would be a great addition to your elopement such as

• Helping you remember all the feelings and emotions on your elopement day
• Allowing you to relive your favorite day over and over
• Adding joy into your life
• Hanging beautiful photos on your wall from your elopement
• Reducing the stress of elopement planning, knowing that your photographer is well-versed in special occasion days
• Being able to share your elopement experience with your friends and family who couldn’t make it

…then maybe it would be wise to consider hiring a photographer for your elopement! That then begs the question of who you should hire as your photographer (a topic that deserves its own post).

If you think we’d get along (I think we might!), the next step is to reach out and contact me! But first, here’s a little more about me:

• I offer custom packages that start with a half-day, full-day or multi-day coverage and I tailor your experience to your wildest dreams from climbing a mountain, skiing the slopes, highlighting your favorite tv show and adding that bit of magic in planning your elopement.
• My speciality is in mountain elopements. Even when I’m not photographing elopements, you’ll find me hiking or skiing with my camera all around Washington and abroad through all the seasons.
• I’m a foodie who loves to travel. So I understand what it takes to be organized while traveling and give so many helpful resources and support to all my couples traveling to Washington and further.
• I’m an introverted, goofy person and value quiet moments but will laugh alongside you.

 

Thinking you want to hire an elopement photographer?