if my dream photographer lives in another state, is it worth paying them to come to my wedding?
Question Asked: 6/10/2017
Wedding Date: 9/08/2018
Most Helpful Response
(12) · Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, servicing all of South East Queensland.
Posted: 26/06/2026
Answered by: 16 Experts
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Firstly you need to consider where the photographer shoots the majority of their work. If the photographer shoots spectacular couples shoots against the vibrant reds of Momument Valley in the US, or perhaps stunning mountains in Iceland or Europe you need to ask yourself firstly, is it the location of the image that you are drawn to? Or is it still the photographer - and how will they translate your wedding in the location you have choosen? e.g. if all their images or shot in the desert and your wedding is going to be in a rainforest....
I believe there are always a number of excellent local photographers who you should at least approach first. Certainly show them the editing style that you are drawn to and ask them how, with their knowledge of the local area they can ensure they capture some similar beauty for you and your partner.
(11) · Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley / Dandenong Ranges
Posted: 19/11/2017
Hello and thank you for the question.
I would answer yes to that question. I get lots of enquiries from interstate couples and its great! I love traveling in my work and exploring new places.
If you love someone specifically- the style and the experience will be a valuable investment for your wedding day!
All the best
Madeleine
100% yes!
Having travelled out of state for a Wedding I can tell you it is exciting for us to be able to research the venue and other surrounding locations, in addition to being able to meet you prior to the wedding day AND capture your day.
A change is great for the creative soul
Thanks
Sam
Hi yes it sure is once your wedding day is over you can never get that day or those moments back so if you have a dream photographer you know will give you the pictures you want it will help complete your perfect dream wedding day.
You will also need to consider after wedding services in another state.
We have covered 3 states, which allow customer to do cross state wedding and customise their photos in a close by studio.
Absolutely! Having done weddings in Palm Cove recently and Rarotonga, I'm so appreciative that my clients love my work so much they want to ensure I do their photos... no matter where the location is. I think you chose a photographer not only because of the calibre of their work, but also because they are someone you want to be with you on your wedding day, wherever that may be.
(2) · Melbourne + Yarra Valley + Mornington+Country Victoria
Posted: 8/10/2017
Hi, If you find your dream photographer and you have the budget then YES! always go with the photographer you want - this is your special day and only the best photographer will be able to capture it. If your budget it tight, explain it to your dream photographer.. they might be able to negotiate their rate or recommend someone local to you :)
Good luck!
Yes worth it!!!! I'm in Perth happy to travel around australia NO travel costs !! ;-)
Cheers Marnix
Yes !! . I used double exclamation marks to show how important the answer is. In a very competitive industry it would be foolish of a photographer to turn down work that even though it is in another state it just means they might not have the local knowledge of the best locations for those formal photos.
When booking your photographer discuss what fees they have for travel, many have distance from CBD terms and conditions. Finally dsicuss how your wedding photography products will be delivered. Many of the Pro Printing Labs in Australia enable direct shipping to customer without the photographer having to double handle any products.
Hope this was helpful
Kindest Regards
Nick
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Short answer: yes, if their work genuinely makes you feel something, it's worth the conversation. The thing nobody tells you is that what you fall in love with isn't really the location, it's the way that photographer sees light and moments. That travels with them. We shoot all over South East Queensland and head interstate and overseas for couples who want us specifically, and the look you booked them for comes from their eye and their editing, not from their postcode.
What I'd actually ask before you commit: how do they handle the unfamiliar venue, and how do they cover the risk. A good interstate shooter will arrive at least a day early to settle in, scout your ceremony and photo spots in the real light, and build a backup plan if the weather turns, which in Queensland it absolutely can. We'll often work off your run sheet and a few photos or a video walk-through of the venue beforehand so we're not seeing it cold on the morning. Also pin down the practical stuff in writing: flights, a night or two of accommodation, and whether that's a flat travel fee or itemised.
One question worth asking that couples often miss: who actually edits your photos and film. With us, every image and every video is edited in-house by the same team who shot your day, never sent offshore or outsourced, so the style you booked is the style you get back. If your dream photographer is hands-on through to the final edit, distance really is just logistics.
So get in touch with them, be upfront about your date and location, and ask how they'd approach it. If they light up at the idea and have a clear plan, you've found the right person.