Is it worth it?
Before answering the question, let me briefly address the current situation. In these difficult and strange times, we face the problems that until recently were pure speculation. Today, we are primarily busy being afraid. Hardly anyone plans today. Hardly anyone plans without worry. If planning at all. The coronavirus suddenly changed the world and mercilessly thwarted plans for everyone. The only certain thing is uncertainty. The wedding industry, like others, has been brutally slowed down, if not fully stopped.
Does this mean that no one will think about the wedding anymore? Of course not! But for now, we are sitting at home and falling into boredom. When we will be done with cleaning everything up, done with reading all the books we have, we can start planning what we would do once we had subjugated the virus. Among the thousand things that bride and groom can plan is their wonderful wedding with beautiful session. One day our life will get normal again.
If your own wedding is not special for you, something that deserves special commemoration - it's not worth it. Quite differently if you think that a wedding without a wedding or engagement session is like a record-breaking Polish sportsman Kamil Stoch’s ski jump without a "Telemark". You just need a good location.
You can find wonderful locations with amazing potential almost everywhere. Regardless of whether you decide on a domestic or foreign session. Personally, I believe that at the end of a day you should strive to have something aesthetic, something that will remind you and others of these beautiful moments. Such a session will not ruin your wedding budget for the memories are priceless. Is it worth it then? Sure it's worth it! If anything, at a different time than the wedding and the reception. You will probably ask how to prepare for such a session?
On the web you can find articles on this topic, I have chosen for you https://www.brandilynnaines.com/seven-tips-for-a-successful-engagement-session-virginia-wedding-elopement-photographer-brandilynn-aines/ or https://www.nadyafurnari.com/tips-for-successful-engagement-session/, which I find worth attention. After reading, you will certainly find it not so terrible. I expect a positive response here.
Domestic or abroad destination?
The decision on the location will probably not be a problem if we take into account current trends or fashion, but above all your preferences. Those who will not be able to decide will probably say that in the end it is more about capturing fleeting moments, feelings, glances or emotions than about location, and all the rest is just the background.
Not really so. It is not that simple. On the one hand, the pressure of friends, family, personal preferences. On the other hand, the weather, the amount of time available, distances, etc. There are many beautiful places for sessions in your country - there is no doubt. So why go abroad?
Here is the answer - for exotic climates, for beautiful light, which is usually better than in native geographic latitude (why do you think the most beautiful fashion sessions are carried out there?). Because it has a colossal impact on the atmosphere of photos and their emotional content. A couple of people in love should feel good and at ease outdoors. And it will be undoubtedly visible in the pictures. On trips, we feel naturally relaxed, we have more time, we are away from the worries of everyday life. The atmosphere of the place is special to us, we express our emotions differently, we are more likely to smile and express joy. And it shows.
I intentionally don't mention costs because I assume that this is not a problem anymore. So, going abroad.
If abroad, where?
As I have already mentioned, you can follow the trends. Thailand, Italy or Morocco may be fashionable and cool today. Tomorrow it could be Iceland, Georgia or Egypt. There are dozens of attractive destinations available more easily than ever before (when there are no restrictions associated with something as dangerous as an epidemic). There should be no problem with this.
Maybe it is worth considering the question of whether combine it with holiday? If you already decided to go there for a session? Such a honeymoon with a session. Yes of course! This will significantly reduce costs eventually. It doesn’t necessarily mean colossal costs because there are photographers who travel in search of such locations and with a bit of luck you can meet them there. Obviously, the costs related to travel and accommodation will fall off. This is a deal! Just make an appointment. This year alone, I plan travel photo sessions (after the pandemic crisis is over) on Fuertaventura Island among the others.
Either way, there are many possibilities, it is all about the idea and positive attitude. I am a photographic freelancer with a lot of free time slots and with irresistible desire to travel. I set my own schedule so that it is not strained to the limits of human performance. It provides me with freedom in what I do. In addition, I have considerable experience and travel portfolio - so I can advise where and when.
One day our life will get normal again.
Before answering the question, let me briefly address the current situation. In these difficult and strange times, we face the problems that until recently were pure speculation. Today, we are primarily busy being afraid. Hardly anyone plans today. Hardly anyone plans without worry. If planning at all. The coronavirus suddenly changed the world and mercilessly thwarted plans for everyone. The only certain thing is uncertainty. The wedding industry, like others, has been brutally slowed down, if not fully stopped.
Does this mean that no one will think about the wedding anymore? Of course not! But for now, we are sitting at home and falling into boredom. When we will be done with cleaning everything up, done with reading all the books we have, we can start planning what we would do once we had subjugated the virus. Among the thousand things that bride and groom can plan is their wonderful wedding with beautiful session. One day our life will get normal again.
If your own wedding is not special for you, something that deserves special commemoration - it's not worth it. Quite differently if you think that a wedding without a wedding or engagement session is like a record-breaking Polish sportsman Kamil Stoch’s ski jump without a "Telemark". You just need a good location.
You can find wonderful locations with amazing potential almost everywhere. Regardless of whether you decide on a domestic or foreign session. Personally, I believe that at the end of a day you should strive to have something aesthetic, something that will remind you and others of these beautiful moments. Such a session will not ruin your wedding budget for the memories are priceless. Is it worth it then? Sure it's worth it! If anything, at a different time than the wedding and the reception. You will probably ask how to prepare for such a session?
On the web you can find articles on this topic, I have chosen for you https://www.brandilynnaines.com/seven-tips-for-a-successful-engagement-session-virginia-wedding-elopement-photographer-brandilynn-aines/ or https://www.nadyafurnari.com/tips-for-successful-engagement-session/, which I find worth attention. After reading, you will certainly find it not so terrible. I expect a positive response here.
Domestic or abroad destination?
The decision on the location will probably not be a problem if we take into account current trends or fashion, but above all your preferences. Those who will not be able to decide will probably say that in the end it is more about capturing fleeting moments, feelings, glances or emotions than about location, and all the rest is just the background.
Not really so. It is not that simple. On the one hand, the pressure of friends, family, personal preferences. On the other hand, the weather, the amount of time available, distances, etc. There are many beautiful places for sessions in your country - there is no doubt. So why go abroad?
Here is the answer - for exotic climates, for beautiful light, which is usually better than in native geographic latitude (why do you think the most beautiful fashion sessions are carried out there?). Because it has a colossal impact on the atmosphere of photos and their emotional content. A couple of people in love should feel good and at ease outdoors. And it will be undoubtedly visible in the pictures. On trips, we feel naturally relaxed, we have more time, we are away from the worries of everyday life. The atmosphere of the place is special to us, we express our emotions differently, we are more likely to smile and express joy. And it shows.
I intentionally don't mention costs because I assume that this is not a problem anymore. So, going abroad.
If abroad, where?
As I have already mentioned, you can follow the trends. Thailand, Italy or Morocco may be fashionable and cool today. Tomorrow it could be Iceland, Georgia or Egypt. There are dozens of attractive destinations available more easily than ever before (when there are no restrictions associated with something as dangerous as an epidemic). There should be no problem with this.
Maybe it is worth considering the question of whether combine it with holiday? If you already decided to go there for a session? Such a honeymoon with a session. Yes of course! This will significantly reduce costs eventually. It doesn’t necessarily mean colossal costs because there are photographers who travel in search of such locations and with a bit of luck you can meet them there. Obviously, the costs related to travel and accommodation will fall off. This is a deal! Just make an appointment. This year alone, I plan travel photo sessions (after the pandemic crisis is over) on Fuertaventura Island among the others.
Either way, there are many possibilities, it is all about the idea and positive attitude. I am a photographic freelancer with a lot of free time slots and with irresistible desire to travel. I set my own schedule so that it is not strained to the limits of human performance. It provides me with freedom in what I do. In addition, I have considerable experience and travel portfolio - so I can advise where and when.
One day our life will get normal again.