Navigating the Curious Terrain of Elopement Photography

1. Embrace the Wilderness (Literally)

Elopement photography is not for the faint-hearted or those with an aversion to nature. You may find yourself in the thick of the wilderness, scrabbling up mountains, or wading through a stream because the couple decided that was their 'perfect' spot. Tip: Always keep a pair of wellington boots and a topographical map in your camera bag. You never know when you'll need to transform from photographer to intrepid explorer.

2. Become a Jack-of-all-Trades

As an elopement photographer, you're not just a simple shutterbug. No, you're a navigator, a wedding planner, a sherpa, a confidante, a weather forecaster, and occasionally, a wildlife wrangler. One moment, you're snapping the perfect sunset kiss; the next, you're explaining why kissing a wild moose for an 'authentic wilderness" photo might not be the wisest decision.

3. Master the Art of Stealth

When eloping, couples often leave behind everything but each other and their love (how romantic!), and yes, that often includes their sense of direction. Your job is to capture the raw, unfiltered moments of their journey without becoming an extra in their romantic escapade. Practice your ninja skills and make your presence as inconspicuous as possible. Remember, you're aiming for 'fly on the wall," not 'elephant in the room.'

4. Adopt the Speed of Light

This is elopement, not a grand royal wedding. There's no waiting around. These couples have already sprinted off the beaten path, and you need to keep up. Anticipate moments, keep your camera settings flexible, and always be ready to snap that impromptu shot. Who knows when they might decide to express their love on a windswept cliff or amidst a flock of perplexed sheep?

5. Become a Master Storyteller

Every elopement is a unique narrative of runaway love. It's your job to tell that story. Are they a Bonnie and Clyde couple, living on the edge, or more of a Pride and Prejudice duo, finding quiet romance away from prying eyes? Let their personalities guide the narrative of your photos. Use your surroundings, their emotions, and the available light to weave a visual tale as unique as their love.

6. Keep it Intimate

Elopements are intimate affairs, and the photographs should reflect this. Find the balance between maintaining professional boundaries and being close enough to capture their private world. You might feel like a third wheel, but remember, you're the one crafting their memories. Just make sure those memories aren't of you tumbling into a lake while trying to get the perfect shot.

7. Pack for Adventure

Elopement photography is an adventure, and you need to pack accordingly. Aside from your camera gear, consider what you might need in various situations. A first aid kit for when the groom decides to climb a tree for a 'fun shot," a spare veil for when the original gets carried away by an overzealous seagull, and a flaskof courage-boosting beverage (coffee, naturally) for when the going gets tough.

8. Learn to Go With the Flow

In elopement photography, not everything will go as planned. That's an understatement. Practically nothing will go as planned. You may have planned a sunrise shoot, only to be greeted with a downpour, or the couple might decide midway that they prefer a shoot with a family of raccoons. Stay flexible and remember: in the world of elopements, unpredictability is the only predictable thing.

9. Build Trust

Your clients are entrusting you with capturing one of the most significant and intimate days of their lives. So, build a rapport, understand their preferences, their quirks, their love story. But remember, no matter how well you get along, you're still not invited to the honeymoon.

10. Lastly, Enjoy the Ride

Elopement photography is a thrilling, adventurous field that lets you witness and capture the raw, undiluted essence of two people in love. So, despite the challenges, remember to enjoy the experience. After all, how many people can say they've chased love across meadows, mountains, and sometimes, even municipal borders?

So, there you have it, young grasshoppers, a guide to navigating the wild and thrilling world of elopement photography. Take these tips, pack your gear, and step into the adventure. Just remember to tie your shoelaces tight, for in this line of work, you're always on the run.

Article kindly provided by rachelsuephotography.com