PHOTOGRAPHER + EDUCATOR
My goal with every single shoot is to preserve your unique relationship in its most authentic and adventurous form, creating memories that resonate and stories that last a lifetime. After all, you only get one life, so fucking live it đ¤đź
But my passion doesnât stop there. I also love sharing my expertise and insights with fellow photographers, helping them grow and elevate their craft. Whether itâs through mentorship, behind-the-scenes guidance, or sharing tips and tricks Iâve learned over the years, Iâm here to support others in capturing moments that matter just as much. Letâs create, learn, and live boldlyâtogether.
I remember getting my first destination wedding photography inquiryâŚ
I was legit screaming in excitement, completely over the moon about it. Honestly, I still get that rush whenever âdestinationâ pops up in my inbox (no shame, I freak out every time lol).
But once the excitement settled, reality kicked in.
I had never traveled with all of my camera gear before, and the thought of losing it, breaking it, or something going wrong mid-travel? Instant anxiety. So, I dove into research, messaging other photographers and preparing for the worst.
Thankfully, everything turned out fine. But let me tell you, I learned A LOTâthings that no amount of Googling couldâve prepared me for.
So, if youâre about to shoot your first destination wedding at a resort, hereâs what I wish I knew before going in.
First rule of destination weddings? NEVER check your camera gear. Ever.
I kept mine under my seat the entire time. Checked luggage gets tossed around, lost, or delayed, and I wasnât about to risk it.
Pro Tip: If youâre flying internationally, double-check your airlineâs carry-on weight limits. Some budget airlines have super strict policies, and you may need to spread out your gear between your carry-on and personal item.
I learned this lesson the hard way.
I spent the days leading up to the wedding scouting locations (more on that later), but in the chaos, I completely forgot sunscreen. And, of course, the result was crispy shoulders. Now, imagine carrying a heavy camera backpack and two cameras strapped to you while your skin feels like itâs melting off. Yeah, absolute nightmare.
Sunburn, dehydration, and overheating will drain your energy before you even start shooting. Protect yourself!
One thing I didnât realize? Memory cards donât love heat.
I had a CF card as my backup, but after shooting in 30+°C (86°F+), it got so hot that I had to pull it out just to keep shooting. Thankfully, my SD cards were fine, but this could’ve easily gone south. It was definitely a lesson learned for future destination weddings!
If youâre shooting in a humid or tropical location, throw silica gel packs in your camera bag to prevent moisture damage.
This was a big one.
Resorts often have shuttles between different areas, but⌠they donât always run when you actually need them.
What happened?
Some resorts also require special vendor permits or day passes for photographers, so make sure you check with the couple ahead of time!
I learned so much more from actually doing it than I ever could have from online research.
Yes, I made mistakes.
Yes, I had a few freak-outs.
But the experience I gained from that first destination wedding? Absolutely priceless.
No amount of Googling could have prepared me for the real-life problem-solving, quick thinking, and the confidence boost that came from being there and figuring it all out on the fly!
And as for the couple? They knew it was my first destination wedding, but they still trusted me. That trust meant the world.
And most importantly? Enjoy it. Youâre traveling for work, capturing someoneâs dream wedding, and living out an opportunity so many photographers dream of!
Your Turn: What was YOUR first big creative experience, and what did you learn from it? Drop it in the comments!
PHOTOGRAPHER + EDUCATOR
My goal with every single shoot is to preserve your unique relationship in its most authentic and adventurous form, creating memories that resonate and stories that last a lifetime. After all, you only get one life, so fucking live it đ¤đź
But my passion doesnât stop there. I also love sharing my expertise and insights with fellow photographers, helping them grow and elevate their craft. Whether itâs through mentorship, behind-the-scenes guidance, or sharing tips and tricks Iâve learned over the years, Iâm here to support others in capturing moments that matter just as much. Letâs create, learn, and live boldlyâtogether.