Tips from A Hawaii Elopement Photographer; On A Budget

Just because money is tight, doesn’t mean that you have to exclude your photos being taken! As a Hawaii Adventure Elopement Photographer, I get it! Those highly coveted photos aren’t always easy to come by when you are on a budget. I always try to avoid saying “I can’t afford this” and instead replace that phrase with “How can I afford this?” You can translate this mindset into many other areas of your life but for now, let’s talk about the investment of photography!

Let’s break it down.

You’ve found the photographer of your dreams. They have the scenery, the editing, and the shots down, yet their rates are half your mortgage payment for this month.

OUCH.

It’s tough when you’ve been eyeing a photographer that has the aesthetics you want to frame on your living room wall but can’t afford it.

A HAWAII ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER’S THREE TIPS FOR CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER WHEN YOU ARE ON A BUDGET

ONE | KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING

It is important to put your money towards a photographer that wants to get to know and build personal connections with you.

THIS. IS. VITAL.

In order to have an authentic photo shoot that you are happy with, you need to know that your photographer knows exactly how to capture YOUR love specifically- even when your on a budget!

If you have ever struggled with feeling comfortable in front of the camera, connecting with your photographer is ESSENTIAL before the photoshoot. You can usually get a feel for how personable a photographer is simply by going to their website. You can their information and going to their social media!

Building a connection with your photographer is the “icebreaker” that allows connection, trust, and authenticity to happen and allows the most confident, comfortable, and best version of you to be captured! With that said, maintain the integrity of who you choose! That is ultimately one of the best ways to get the best photos. 



TWO | BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR BUDGET

Explain to them your budget. Although they may create some sort of custom package to fit your needs, you also must understand that this is their livelihood and their art. They reserve the right to charge what they deem worthy. I could write a whole other blog (and eventually will) of why and how photographers consider their own rates when charging their prices, but ultimately trust that your photographer knows what they’re doing and knows their value. Instead of getting upset because they will not lower their pricing, ask them for recommendations for other photographers that might fit your budget.

Often time, they will send you emails, websites, and social media accounts. From here, you can repeat the process with these new recommendations!

When I was brand new to photography (like brandddd new), other photographers would reference me who thought I was pretty good but knew I had lower prices because I was just starting out!

You have options, I PROMISE!

THREE | JOIN FACEBOOK GROUPS

If you can’t find a photographer you vibe well with through recommendations, join Facebook groups in the photo location! For example, being a Hawaii Elopement Photographer, I would search for groups similar to “Hawaii Fun Things to Do.” If you’re having an Antelope Canyon wedding in Arizona and looking for photographers out there, I would search for a group similar to “Lake Powell Weddings”, or “Lake Powell Community”.

Basically, a group where you could find a lot of references for photographers.

Explain your situation and how your on a budget. A ton of people will recommend photographers they know personally or have used in the past! Ask for their websites and social media beforehand and get an idea of how they work with their clients before you book! Remember to read reviews, too!

If you just can’t find a photographer other than the one you can’t afford, consider cutting things out that you absolutely don’t need. That way, you can put those extra dollars toward your dream photographer’s services.

Remember that when you are booking a quality photographer, you’re booking their high-quality professional work. Their sweat, tears, and love go into each photo.

They’ve more than likely spent over $10k for their gear but don’t care. Why? Because they’re passionate about capturing YOU.  More than that, you’re investing in an experience that will hang on your living room walls and stay with you for good!

Quality is an investment and experience is priceless, so stay tuned for my blog on how to SAVE for the photographer you can’t afford!

Honestly, I could go on for days when it comes to choosing a photographer when you are on a budget. However, if you only remember one thing, let it be that quality photography is an investment!