Hiring A Local Destination Wedding Photographer

You've decided to get married in Costa Rica, but you don't have the cash to bring a photographer from home along for the ride. Hiring a local destination wedding photographer is a great way to incorporate local flavor into your special day without breaking the bank.

Make a Few Calls
Start your search by calling up the resort where your wedding will be held. Most resorts have an exhaustive list of trained professionals who are ready (and waiting) to help you with whatever you need. Keep in mind that these services may come at a surplus, which may be worth the extra cost given that the photographers know your location well.

Make sure to ask for referrals on your potential destination wedding photographer. The resort should have several references from couples that have been thrilled with your future photographer's performance.

Know the Language (Barriers)
Knowing a location well means your potential destination wedding photographer most likely speaks the local language. The plus side is that you'll be able to leave your pocket Spanish dictionary at home on your wedding day. You'll also have a partner in crime who can tell the local children and annoying onlookers to back off as you take your dream wedding photos.

Caution: make sure your top candidates also speak English at a conversational level, as you'll want to be able to easily communicate with your photographer before and on your wedding day.

Have a Phone Date
If traveling to your wedding location prior to the big day is not possible, arrange phone dates with your top candidates to discuss their experiences with destination wedding photography. Ask about past weddings and request a few recent client referrals. Write down and visit your photographer's website. If your potential shooter has not embraced the digital age, chances are your photos will be reminiscent of the past.

As you're talking with potential destination wedding photographers, take a moment to assess your conversation chemistry. If you can't communicate with your photographer now, you won't have much luck on your wedding day getting the shots that you want and need.

Get Pricing Info Right Away
During your initial conversations, make sure you understand what your destination photography package includes. Consider hiring your photographer for more than just the wedding, as your guests will be around and celebrating for several days. Negotiate a reduced rate for events like BBQs, rehearsal dinners, and pool parties.

Ask About the Secret Spots
Looking for a private spot on the beach? Your destination wedding photographer should not only know where to take you, he should also know the favored time of day and the best angles. If he or she doesn't offer up this option right away, inquire about ways to ensure that your destination wedding photography will stand out from the crowd.

Sign Up for Instant Picture Delivery
Ask your photographer to hand over your digital negatives before you leave town. Yes, this requires your photographer to work double time to ensure your photos are ready to travel home with you. Even if this costs you a little extra dough, it will save you the heartache of trying to siphon your photos out of your photographer six months following your wedding.

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