We’re all familiar with the phrase: “It’s all about the location!” for a rather good reason! Location really makes a difference and should have great care taken when considering and planning your elopement. Location scouting is a term you may have heard of, or possibly not until now, but it’s not common to hear such an important aspect of your big day explained. So I want to go in depth about location scouting and why it's important to TRUST and VALUE your photographers experience and knowledge in this matter.
Location scouting is about knowing a place and understanding it’s pros and cons. This is because location is more than just a place, it is an experience! We have such a great privilege to explore this beautiful Earth and if you’ve ever just taken a walk, you probably know what I mean about experience. Anywhere you go, each of the 5 senses is stimulated and remembers a unique experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in quite the same way. Familiarity with a place is a big part of fantastic photography.
As a client, it is important to understand that this is my job and expertise as a photographer to assist you create the best choices for your day. After getting to know you both and what excites you about your wedding day, I plot and scheme the most fantastic ideas and location alongside my expertise for your elopement! As such, I take personal time to explore and go on adventures for the excitement of finding beautiful locations to photograph my clients. This means day trips, vacations, and frequent travel plans both local and beyond to familiarize myself with different places.
As a photographer, I can take into account some essential details when scouting locations that could otherwise be overlooked. Lighting, style/mood, season of your session, time of day, what wedding events would be suitable and what might not be, what the weather is like and how it can change… are some important things to consider. We know what we are doing, which takes quite a bit of what could be stressful for you, off your plate. Just leave it to me!
When it comes to elopements, location is a focal point of your event and highlights not only your experience, but gives character and backdrop that is just as unforgettable as your commitment to your partner. Nature varies far more than a venue. It will never look exactly the same as it did the day you tie the knot. You may, perhaps, be a couple of very few, or maybe the only ones to date to be married in that particular naturesque location. In my experience, some locations are just perfect to do some really fun and cute things for your event that may not otherwise be accommodated at a venue and can vary based on what kind of setting you want. Here are some examples:
Reading Private Vows before a sunrise or sunset. Breathtaking! Both in the moment and forever-y reminiscent moment you take with your photos.
First Dance can still happen and be absolutely amazing with elopements! Especially romantic in front of a sunset or over cliffside, in the waves of a lake or ocean...the possibilities and ideas are endless. It’s quite neat when songbirds join in to sing a tune for your dance!
Intimate Picnics are lovely and wonderfully romantic with just the two of you or with close family and friends to join in a private reception. Perhaps take it up a notch with a private chef-cooked meal on a blanket for two with a beautiful view!
First Look is a favorite that can be stunning with a specially chosen location. It adds to the splendor of the scene whether you chose to partake or opt for an intimate & raw experience prior to getting ready.
Parent Letters If you’re opting for a totally private elopement, there is nothing sweeter than family members writing you letters to read during your elopement.
AirBnBs are an amazing option to either start at or finish your Elopement adventure together. Let’s start the day with you two taking a bath or steamy shower together, make some bacon an eggs, or just sip some coffee and breathe in that crisp air.
In the event that I cannot experience a location for myself ahead of time, I take full advantage of technology to virtually scout ahead. I utilize Google Maps, All Trails, weather apps, and Instagram hashtags (#) for information about a location. It is amazing what can be seen and learned about a place this way!
Once we have our initial meeting about your day, my Elopement questionnaire has been completed, and all the research has been done. It’s time to unveil the vision planned out for your adventure together. We will go over items to possibly bring (hiking shoes, head lamps, etc) depending on the locations we will explore together. Whether you are hiking in your gown, carrying your gown along the way till we get to our stopping spot, or what options we have to make it to our final destination (helicopter, jeep ride, etc).
There is so much planning and preparation behind the scenes that goes into selecting a location that is perfect for your chemistry as a couple! What I want you to know is that as your photographer, I am your trusted explorer when it comes to scouting THE perfect place for you. Not only is this what you hired me for, creating that once in a lifetime experience for your Elopement is what I LIVE for, it’s why I do what I do. To create for and alongside you!
