After the corona virus disease outbreak in early 2020, there was a dire need for small crowds even in weddings. This led to a quick rise of elopements which are now a trend.
And you guessed right, elopements are similar to traditional weddings. However, elopements are much more intimate where the focus is on the couple. There are no large crowds, no speeches, no maids or best man; just the couple having an adventure on their best day.
The only way the couple get to share the moments of their special day is by hiring the best elopement wedding photography services.
Whether you just started a photography business or need to transition from a traditional wedding photographer, this article will help you create a successful elopement photography business.
Creating Elopement Wedding Photography Brand
Creating a brand in any business remains one of the hardest tasks. Making people identify you as an elopement photographer is no different. You will have to put in a lot of work before clients start to flow into your business.
To create an elopement photography brand, you must be intentional. Be sure that you want to capture eloping couples. Sometimes the couple is not aware that there are eloping weddings. This means that you should be ready to inform the public about the new trend.
In this digital era, you can reach a lot of people through social media. Assuming you already have a name for your elopement photography business, create social media accounts under the same name where you can share your work.
A serious photographer should also have a website to help market their brand.
How To Conduct Successful Elopement Photography Sessions
Assuming your elopement business is now well exposed and clients start to flow, now it’s time to get the work done. Conducting fulfilling photography sessions is everyone’s desire thus comes with a lot of pressure.
We have listed some principles that will guide you when you are taking elopement wedding pictures.
Have A Team
Do not be deceived that elopement wedding photography is easy just because there are few heads in attendance. You will need at least one helping hand as you carry your duties as the main camera person. The other person may be taking behind the scenes shots for marketing if they are not fixing the lighting for you.
Interact With The Couple
It is normal for photographers to interact with their clients. Couples who are eloping however need something more intimate than a regular traditional wedding. Interacting with them will give you an idea of the kind of adventure they are longing for. Having a list of all the activities they want to engage in will also help you come up with a timeline.
Interacting with the couple will also make them used to you helping them get completely lost as you are taking the elopement photos.
Discuss The Perfect Location
The couple may already be having a destination in mind or may welcome you to discuss the best location for eloping. Whether it is a place you already know or it is a new location, it is always good to be aware. Once you know where the shoot will take place, you should go ahead of time to plan your shoot. If it is a famous place on instagram, capture your elopements from a different perspective.
Create A Timeline
You should have a chronological order of how the events will take place. Right from the preparations such as make-up to travelling and various activities the couple intend to engage in. Remember every elopement wedding is unique and there is no right or wrong timeline.
Create A Story
The couple will not hire you just to take a few shots while they exchange vows. If the couple has rented an Airbnb, take a few shots from the facility as they prepare. Take a few establishment shots of the location of the house. Take a few shots on the road as you drive to the main destination and so forth.
All these transition images will be combined to create a story that the couple will never forget. It will also be easier for the friends and family to understand when shown.
Carry Extra Gear
You wouldn’t go for a wedding photography job with only one camera, would you? When heading for an eloping photography session, carry extra camera, memory cards, battery and a few lenses.
Sometimes your battery may die in the middle of the shoot and you don’t want to miss capturing the moment.
Wear Hiking Boots
Most photographers love hiking boots only that it would look odd in a traditional wedding setup. In contrast, elopement photography is more adventurous and is best suited with hiking shoes. Also, you will probably get dirty from the many outdoors activities you may encounter. It is therefore best if you do not wear bright clothes.
Be Part Of The Celebration
As a photographer, you are not caged to strictly taking pictures especially when there aren’t many people around. Engage the couple in activities for a short while. Show them how you want them to walk or pose. Another idea is to tell either of the couple to take pictures if they like photography. Have them capture you too!
Deliver Custom Experience
Remember every couple is unique. Each eloping photography session will have something unique to document. That is why it is fundamental to know your clients before you go out for the shoot. If for instance they told you they like coffee, surprise them by taking them to a nearby coffee shop.
How To Price Your Elopement Photography Services
By just quoting the pricing on your elopement photography packages, a client can already tell the value of your work. Choosing the right amount you want to get paid will therefore dictate the quality of images you will deliver.
Elopement weddings being low-key may trick you into thinking the couple doesn’t have enough budget. Far from it, elopement photography requires more input than traditional weddings as we have listed above.
Some of the myths associated with elopement weddings include;
- Elopements require less time – this depends on what each couple intends to achieve on their special day. Elopement photography packages may also vary from 2 hours to a whole day.
- Couples elope to save money – traditional weddings are not everyone’s cup of tea. Some people just want to narrow their focus on themselves instead of dedicating the whole day to others.
- Elopement photography requires less work than traditional wedding photography- in traditional weddings, you are just booked, you show up at reception and take pictures. In elopement weddings there is initial consultation, decide on the location, scout the location, build a timeline, document custom elopement experience edit and deliver images.
In this article, we will definitely not give you the exact figures you should demand from your client. This is because each elopement is unique. If a couple is flying to a certain destination, your travelling expenses should be added in the sum total fee.
Always check on what elopement photography package best suits the couple and deliver the best service.
Get inspired by this video by Warren Marshall:
Conclusion On Tips For A Successful Elopement Wedding Photography Business
As a beginner, you might think being a niche photographer lowers your chances to get any job. Far from it, having a specific thing you are perfect at will secure you referrals from clients who have experienced your services.
Elopement wedding photography is one of the least tapped niches yet it is a want that most people are craving for. With this guide, you can start your journey into the photography business with confidence.
