EP 35: mastering travel wedding photography with summer and jake
The Ultimate Retreat: Summer Camp
Hey everyone! It’s Summer Grace, and welcome to this week's episode of Summer School. Before we dive in, I’m super excited to share details about our upcoming workshop, Summer Camp. From June 17th to 20th, join us just outside of Palm Springs for the ultimate photography retreat. If you want to come a day early on the 16th, you’re more than welcome!
At Summer Camp, we've got a lineup of workshops, styled shoots, and activities that will seriously elevate your photography game. Dive into film with our workshop led by a local LA film lab where we’ll develop and scan film together. We’ll also have a marketing class, creative shooting techniques, an emulsion lift class, and so much more. Enjoy amazing food, chill by the pool, and build a supportive community to foster connections and inspiration.
As a special offer just for our podcast listeners, use the code SUMMERSCHOOL250 to get an exclusive $250 discount off your Summer Camp ticket. Reserve your spot today and get ready for an unforgettable journey of artistic growth and creativity.
The Challenges of Travel Wedding Photography
Recording this episode from Washington at Jake's family's home, it seemed fitting to dive into all things travel. Traveling for wedding photography has its unique challenges and rewards. I’ve learned a lot over the years about managing travel fatigue, staying creatively inspired, and balancing personal life.
Getting Started: My Travel Photography Journey
I started my career inspired by a friend who introduced me to elopement photography. Initially, I didn’t even know what an elopement was. My friend got paid to hike overnight with couples at places like Lake Tahoe, blending my love for landscape photography with weddings. This kicked off my journey into travel wedding photography, focusing on elopements even before they became a trend during COVID.
Now, my focus has slightly shifted as I’ve branded myself away from elopements, but my early career involved creating beautiful, nature-filled wedding portfolios by traveling to different scenic spots. Showcasing these travel experiences helped me attract clients who were looking for a photographer willing to traverse landscapes.
Building a Diverse Portfolio
If you want to break into travel wedding photography, the first essential tip is to have a diverse portfolio. Show what you want to be hired for. Even if you don’t have high-end, luxury weddings in your portfolio, go to styled shoots or create your own. Showcase diverse locations to appeal to a broader audience.
Effective Marketing Strategies
Brand yourself as a travel photographer on social media, websites, and through networking. Use hashtags relevant to your desired locations on Instagram and engage with communities in those areas. If you're into SEO, target destinations you want to work in by creating content around those places.
Finding and Securing Gigs
Be broad in your location descriptions. For example, I used "PNW wedding photographer" and "worldwide" to signal my willingness to travel. Use SEO to your advantage by targeting specific destinations and creating content that will rank for those areas.
Pricing Your Services
When it comes to pricing, transparency is key. I offer my clients a rough quote up front and provide a final quote closer to the event to avoid losing money due to fluctuating travel costs. Some photographers offer all-inclusive packages, but I prefer billing clients honestly for travel expenses.
Booking Flights and Accommodations
Book flights as early as possible to avoid high prices. Always aim to fly directly to minimize the risk of delays. Incorporate tools like AirTags to track your belongings and avoid losing your gear.
Rental Cars and Hotels
Sign up for rental car loyalty programs and use a credit card that offers good travel rewards. Booking hotels last minute can sometimes save money, but always weigh the risks.
Staying Organized
Use travel agencies for discounts and points, and rely on solid calendar management tools. Keep track of all your bookings and travel details in one place for easy reference.
Managing Travel Fatigue
Traveling frequently can be exhausting. Book flights that align with your sleep schedule and treat yourself to quality meals. Keep pre-packed snacks to avoid unhealthy airport food. Exercise, sleep well, and maintain good nutrition to manage fatigue better.
Handling Different Lighting Conditions and Weather
Whether you're in a sunny locale or a rainy forest, understand how to work with the environment. Adjust your camera settings accordingly and prepare for varied lighting conditions. Some locations will cast different hues due to natural vegetation and sun position, which you'll learn to navigate with experience.
Editing and Delivery
Backup photos immediately and cull during the flight home. Deliver sneak peeks within a couple of days, but don’t stress about same-day delivery. Having a streamlined workflow helps ensure you meet client expectations without compromising your well-being.
Follow-Up
Keep clients updated on gallery progress and ask for their input on slideshow music to keep them engaged. Clear communication post-wedding is key to maintaining client satisfaction and building lasting relationships.
Practical Travel Tips
Sign up for Clear to skip security lines at airports. Invest in a good travel case for your gear like the Pelican Air. Use AirTags to keep track of your luggage. Always download your boarding tickets on your phone. Never check a bag unless absolutely necessary. Pack snacks and meals to avoid overpriced and low-quality airport food.
I hope you found these tips helpful. If you have any travel-related questions, feel free to DM me. Stay safe, travel well, and have a great week. Love you guys!
Connect with Me Online:
Show Notes: summergracephoto.com
Instagram: @summergrace.photo
Shop My Summer Grace x G-Presets Here!
Join us at Summer Camp
Don’t forget to use the code SUMMERSCHOOL250 for a special discount on your ticket. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow, connect, and create.
