How to Book a Destination Session | WI Destination Wedding Photographer

My love for traveling is one of the many reasons why I became a destination wedding photographer. In addition to my destination weddings I also love to travel for just about any photo session. There’s something special about photography in a space that’s either new to me, my clients, or both of us. If the idea of destination photography seems a little abstract, keep on reading and I’ll go over exactly what it is and what I love so much about it.

What is a Destination Session

You may have heard of a destination wedding photographer, but did you know you can also book a photographer to travel with you for just a session?  Destination sessions are sessions where I come out to where you live or are traveling to and photograph you there. It’s a way to capture exactly who you are in that moment, and where you’re at in life. Capturing these feelings and moments is so important. My goal for all of my couples is for you to look back at these photos and feel these moments again.

I LOVE traveling. National parks and airports are like my second home and I feel so inspired when I’m in a new place to document a couple’s story. There’s a special sense of wonder that comes with the new and unknown and I love having that energy going into a session. Where we are doesn’t have to be new to both of us by any means though. It can be somewhere you know that I travel to, or somewhere I may have been before but is totally new to you, maybe even a place we both know already. There’s really no wrong way about it!

Capturing the Moment

I love destination photography because not only do I get to capture my amazing clients enjoying themselves, but I also get to capture all the feelings and emotions that come along with an adventure. Being a destination photographer I get to see a lot of cool places, and even when it’s somewhere I’ve been before there’s a special kind of excitement you get before going on an adventure like this.

Capturing this feeling for my clients is what makes destination sessions so special. Think back on the last trip you went on that just blew you away. Now imagine being able to look back and see yourself in that moment, to really feel what you were feeling then. Being able to provide that for my clients is the main reason why I became a destination photographer. If you want to get an idea of what I’m talking about check out the full gallery of this destination session here.

We Choose the Location

Now that you’ve got the idea of what a destination session should be it’s time to pick a location. When it comes to choosing a location there are a couple of things to consider. First, you’ll want to decide if you want to go somewhere new or somewhere you’ve been before. This is totally your preference and the good news is there’s no wrong answer as we’ll have a blast either way. Think about you and your partner’s relationship. How do you spend your time? Is there a place that feels like home to the two of you? If not a place is there an activity that makes you feel at home with your partner? You two might LOVE to hike to new places, or maybe you just have a beach somewhere that holds a lot of memories. Both options are perfect for your destination session.

Once you have an idea of whether you want a new or familiar location you’ll want to make sure that you like the look of where you’re going. This can be a little harder if you’ve never been there before so use your resources (Friends, Google, your Photographer, me!) before committing to a location. If you’ve been there before you likely have a good idea as to whether or not you’ll like the look of the destination for photos. If you’re not sure on the location don’t worry, as your destination photographer I am here to help and make sure you’re in love with your session and your photos.

How to Start Planning Your Session

To start you’ll send over an inquiry through my site. Once received I send you a questionnaire so that we can get to know each other more. If you don’t have one in mind, we will work together to choose the location. After we decide on a location we’ll discuss the price based on a few different factors which I’ll list below. Once the price is decided I’ll send over your contract for signing as well as the invoice.

For the invoice my couples pay a non refundable retainer of 25% the remaining balance can then be split into a payment plan or paid in full with a due date of 1 week before the session date. Our session is a collaboration from start to finish. I’ll send over an outfit guide for inspiration and together we will plan every aspect from, permits, to time of day, to final outfit picks. From there we will plan out our session, where to meet how long it will take us to get to your destination of choice and what the experience will be like once we get there. Then we get to the day of your session and we get to have some fun!

Take Me With You!

Options Outside of the Midwest

1. If I am already visiting the area that you want your session at you’re able to book the session and you would only have to pay the session fee. I have a travel list that is regularly updated which you can check out here.

2. If you want to fly me out for a session at your location then the cost of my flight, overnight stay and car rental would be included in your total invoice as well as the session fee.

3. If you want to book a session at one of the places on my dream locations list (Coming Soon!)  then only my flight cost and 50% of the session fee would be included in your invoice. 

Options Within Driving Distance

1. If I am already visiting the area that you want your session at you’re able to book the session and you would only have to pay the session fee.

2. If you’re looking to book with me where I would be driving over 1.5 hours one-way from where I live then your invoice would include the session fee as well as the IRS mileage rate each direction.

3. If you want to book with me and there is a substantial amount of driving and it is determined to be too late for me to drive home based on the session time, predicted weather or time of year then your invoice will include the session fee, mileage and overnight accommodation. 

All the Options

Every couple is different, thus every destination session experience is different. Together we will create an experience that is catered to you, your partner, and your adventure. I believe that a destination session is something truly wonderful that everyone should be able to experience. Do not hesitate to reach out to ask about any of the options and we can work through a plan together.

I hope this article helped give you a better picture as to what destination sessions are all about and hopefully you’re thinking of having one of your own. The feelings and emotions that you’re able to capture during these sessions is one of a kind and something truly special to experience. If you’re in need of a destination photographer for your session, check out my inquiry page so we can start planning!