The REAL Questions to Ask Your Elopement Photographer

The Real Questions to Ask Your Elopement Photographer:

Choosing an elopement photographer is more than just picking someone with a camera. It’s about finding a storyteller who can capture the essence of your intimate adventure. As you plan your non-traditional wedding day, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure your photographer aligns with your vision and needs. There’s plenty of lists out there for finding a wedding photographer, but not as much about what to ask as you’re hiring an elopement photographer. Some guides out there are full of half-hearted questions that don’t really matter in reality. From an experienced elopement photographer who also hired someone for her own non-traditional wedding – here are the REAL questions to ask your elopement photographer to make sure your special day is beautifully documented.

What’s Your Experience With Elopements?

Sometimes, especially if you’re looking on the cheap end of the budget, you’ll find photographers who offer elopements but have never shot more than a couple of them before. These celebrations are so unique and specific that it truly is its own skill set. While you may be fine using a newbie, it’s important to know either way before you book! An experienced elopement photographer will know how to help you each step of the way, be more hands-on in the process, and have insights to make your experience 10/10.

Can You Share a Full Gallery of a Recent Elopement?

Elopement photographers should be able to share what your gallery could look like with you before you book. If they can’t, it’s likely that those epic images on their website and socials came from a staged model shoot that involved perfect conditions and a fake model couple. This kind of shoot can be beautiful, but it doesn’t help a photographer know how to create great images from every part of the day, or how to handle challenging situations that inevitably arise from a real elopement day. Being able to see what you can really expect to receive is a huge comfort when you’re investing so much money. A really great and experienced photographer should even be able to show you a gallery from a similar area that you’re looking at!

How Do You Ensure a Good Experience on Our Elopement Day?

An experienced elopement photographer comes to the day prepared for anything. You’ll have backup plans, rain gear, info on layers and weather, coordinates for meet-up and emergency contacts for just in case. I even bring a whole “oh shit kit” for my couples including hand warmers, first aid, a copy of our permits, extra pens and bobby pins, tylenol and so much more.

What Planning Help Do You Offer?

Elopements, while intimate, still require meticulous planning. Ask your photographer what kind of planning assistance they provide. Do they offer guidance on timelines, or help you choose the best time of day for lighting? A photographer experienced in elopements, like Amanda Matilda Photography, often doubles as a planner, ensuring that your day unfolds seamlessly. Their knowledge of the local area can be invaluable in crafting a stress-free experience.

How Do You Assist in Finding the Perfect Location?

The location of your elopement sets the stage for your entire day. Inquire how your photographer can help you find the perfect spot. Do they have a list of hidden gems in places like Crested Butte, Moab, or Ouray? Experienced (and local) photographers often have a treasure trove of secret locations and can suggest sites that align with your vision – not just the same-old spots that are viral on Instagram. Their familiarity with the region ensures you get the most breathtaking backdrop for your vows, AND that you have epic backups in case you need to pivot. I’ve had plenty of elopements, for instance, where wildflowers weren’t popping off like they usually are in a certain spot so we’ve had to explore Plan B, Plan C and even Plan D before! Some years, areas like Ouray especially, whole areas of locations have become closed due to landslides and construction. Working with someone familiar with the local areas helps you know about these issues in advance too.

Are You Familiar With Permit Requirements At Our Location?

Again this question comes back to using experienced and local elopement photographers, as they’ll know the permit requirements in your area (or consider that a permit may/may not be needed at all – something new photographers probably wouldn’t think about.) They cannot help you through the permit process if they don’t even know there’s one needed. Most places in Moab, for instance, almost always require a permit – sometimes one for the couple AND the photographer – and they can be hard to get or needed well in advance. Finding a photographer who is ahead of the game can be a huge help.

What is Your Approach to Photography?

Understanding your photographer’s approach is another important discussion to have when you’re meeting elopement photographers. Are they completely unposed and documentary-style, or do they provide some guidance and posing to help you look your best? Some couples prefer a natural, candid feel, while others appreciate a bit of direction. Here at Amanda Matilda Photography, for instance, I like to blend both styles, capturing genuine moments while ensuring you look and feel amazing in every shot. It’s awkward to just have a camera taking your picture without any idea how to behave or what to do with your hands. That’s just fine for activities and such, but those epic vista photographs don’t happen by chance! Make sure they can do both if that’s what you’re looking for.

How Will I Receive My Images and What is Included?

In this digital age, knowing how you’ll receive your photos is crucial. Ask if the images are delivered digitally and whether you can download them unlimited times. If your photographer still uses CDs, do you even have a disc drive you can use to access them? Are high-resolution files included in your package or do they cost extra? Can your guests also download images? I for one offer free web-sized images so your guests can enjoy the images from the day too. Plus in this global day and age, your images are accessible worldwide so even if you’re traveling here from another country, you and your loved ones still have access.

Additionally, check how long your gallery will be available online. A reliable photographer will have a seamless delivery system, ensuring you can easily access and share your memories. I even offer my couples a subscription option to keep their gallery up year after year, so they never have to worry about the storage and safety of them, or go rifling through drawers to find that USB thumb drive with their memories on them!

What’s Your Timeline for Delivery of Our Images?

This timeline for after the wedding day can widely vary from photographer to photographer. Some people take 6-12 weeks to deliver the full gallery – and months after that for a full wedding album book. While that’s a pretty standard turnaround time, I prefer to deliver within 4-6 weeks – including an extensive sneak peek for couples within 24-48 hours! You deserve amazing images to share the news with your loved ones as soon as possible.

How Do You Protect My Memories?

Your elopement photos are irreplaceable, so understanding how your photographer safeguards them is essential. Do they have backup equipment in case of technical failures? How do they store and back up your images? Here at Amanda Matilda Photography, for example, I use multiple backup systems to ensure your precious moments are secure, giving you peace of mind. My cameras are constantly saving to two memory cards at once, and I’ve got backup equipment in case something fails or breaks. I always have tons of memory cards and batteries too!

Similarly, make sure they have a backup plan if they have an emergency and cannot shoot your elopement at the last minute. Many elopement photographers will belong to local groups of pros who could step in and provide an equally great experience – but it’s important to know ahead of time what the plan is… just in case!

Can You Describe Your Photography Style?

Every photographer has a unique style, whether it’s dark and moody, true to color, or light and airy. It’s important to discuss this upfront, as most photographers will not alter their style. Amanda Matilda Photography, for instance, offers a style that is vibrant and timeless, perfect for couples seeking a slightly enhanced version of the true to life scenes they took in on their big day.

What Products Do You Offer?

While digital images are convenient, physical products like prints and albums hold a special place in our hearts. Ask your photographer if they offer these products and what options are available. Having a beautifully crafted album or a stunning canvas print allows you to relive your elopement day for years to come, and a good photographer will offer a range of products to suit your tastes and needs.

Conclusion:
Choosing the right elopement photographer is about more than just their portfolio; it’s about finding someone who understands your vision and can bring it to life. By asking these essential questions, you’ll ensure your photographer is the perfect fit for your unique, adventurous day. Remember, your elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — make sure it’s captured beautifully.