So why hire a traveling wedding photographer? Aren't there plenty of local photographers to choose from?
Sure. There are a million great photographers out there. And yes, probably even in your local area if you look hard enough. If you feel a strong connection to their work (and if they're available) you should hire them. I'm a huge fan of supporting local businesses and artists, so please, dig deep in to your community first... If you can't someone you love and trust to capture your day the way you're envisioning, then here are some benefits to hiring someone who is not based in your area.
A fresh perspective and no time restrictions!
First and foremost... Unique photos are born form unique perspectives. I believe it is a huge benefit to have a photographer at your wedding who is experiencing the place (the landscape, the atmosphere, or even the culture) for the first time. This means means they'll approach your day with fresh eyes, new ideas and a higher level of excitement to find the most beautiful and interesting spots around your venue, which inevitably creates a unique set of images. Compare this to a local who already knows the lay of the land... they might be more inclined to follow a formula, and hit the same predetermined photo spots as the previous weddings they've shot in the area... which undoubtedly yields a similar and less unique result. This isn't all bad, some might prefer the tried and true scenario. But I've been guilty of this myself, and so now, no matter where I am shooting, I challenge myself to find locations that other photographers might walk past, and to keep it all relevant and specific to the couple and their story.
AND once I'm there, I don't see the point in laying up in my accommodation and merely shooting a 6-8 hour chunk of your wedding. No no no! I'm always far more flexible and generous with my time when I travel. So I promise to make myself available for as long as it takes to tell a complete story of your wedding from start to finish. There are no set time restrictions, so you don't have to wonder if I'll be there to catch the groom reading a letter from the bride 3 hours before the ceremony... or if I'll be there for all the late night craziness at your send off or after party. If I'm there. I'm there all the way.
What about cost?
Admittedly, my prices are usually tilted toward the high side of average for most markets. But there's no harm in starting the conversation, and after I hear about your plans and specific needs, quite often we can reach a package scenario that is cost effective for everyone!
Yeah, there might be travel costs involved... but in my case, I want to make it as easy as possible for you to bring me to your event. So I merely estimate the flight costs and factor that in to a custom quote specific to your wedding plans. I never nickel and dime for meals, rental cars or Uber fares (those are expenses I'm happy to cover, as I consider it such an honor to be there in the first place). And I'm not at all picky about accommodation: hotel, motel, holiday inn... just kidding, I'll even crash on your parents couch if it helps to keep your costs down.
Lastly, just know this... When I sense that a couple truly cares about the visual legacy of their wedding day, and doesn't just see photography as a line item in the old budget, I always feel inclined to go above and beyond. The biggest thing I can offer you, is my heart, my time and energy... It's hard to put a price on this, but if I have your attention so far, then I hope you find value in what I strive to give you.