Having a Hawaiian wedding is like a dream come true, but it can be a nightmare trying to interview and hire a Hawaii wedding photographer when you’re on the other side of the country. To learn how to find the best destination wedding photographer right from home, read on.
Conduct an Interview Over the Phone
If you can’t meet your Hawaii wedding photographer in advance, you should get a phone interview as a bare minimum. Remember, you’ll be spending the bulk of your wedding day with your camera person, so you want someone that meshes with your personal style.
Interviewing a service provider over the phone can be difficult, but try to get a sense for both their personality and photography style. Ask about the equipment used, preferred shots, picture technique and what you can expect for the price.
Always Request a Portfolio
It’s hard to hire a photographer long distance, but at least make sure you review their portfolio before you hire. Most photographers have an online portfolio or should be able to at least email you photos. If they’re unwilling to provide examples of their work, then look elsewhere.
When reviewing a photographer’s portfolio, ask yourself if you enjoy looking at their photos. Do they tell a wedding story? Do they capture the beauty of the Hawaiian surroundings? Does the bride look beautiful? Does the style match your own?
Ask for Client Referrals or References in Your Area
When hiring a wedding photographer for any destination wedding, including in Hawaii, you should not only ask for references, but see if they can provide a reference in your area. Ideally, you could call or email the prior client and ask about the service, whether satisfied with the work and if they would hire the photographer again.
Bring Your Own Photographer From the Mainland
Many professional photographers will travel with you, but it can be expensive. If you’re prepared to spend the extra money, bringing a photographer from home allows you to meet the individual in advance, review their work personally and choose the photographer that you actually want.
However, bringing your photographer with you from home can be very expensive in addition to your other preparations. In addition to the photographer’s fees, you will be responsible fro their airfare, transportation to and from the airport, hotel accommodations and a per diem for food. To save money, many brides book their photographer’s hotel at a nearby, cheaper alternative rather than at their own, more expensive resort.
Ask Your Venue or Hotel for Advice
Weddings are popular in Hawaii and because most hotels or venues hold weddings every weekend, so they have a chance to work with and evaluate hundreds of local photographers. Ask them which Hawaii wedding photographer they’d recommend or, better yet, ask who they would hire to shoot their own wedding.
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