Should i trust a destination wedding photographer
My wedding is in Bali. I don't know if I should trust a photographer in Bali or pay for one to fly over from Australia. What are your thoughts?
Question Asked: 16/06/2017
Wedding Date: 9/08/2018
Most Helpful Response
(14) · Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, servicing all of South East Queensland.
Posted: 26/06/2026
Answered by: 7 Experts
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(11) · Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley / Dandenong Ranges
Posted: 4/12/2017
I would always make sure you met them- even if via skype.
I would personally feel more comfortable flying someone over for the wedding- knowing they are going to turn up! I have to agree with that!
I know in my business, I have a special at the moment that I ask my couples to pay my my expenses- inc. flights, accomm (at wedding venue) car hire if needed and then I offer a free package.
Would love to hear more about your plans
Madeleine
You should be able to.
Hi!
Keep in mind that a good destination wedding photographer will cost you more then just as good local photographer, because it will be travel and accommodation fees, plus so many things can go wrong like flights delays or simply not reliable person. It is better to have a plan B if you’re inviting photographer from far, especially if his fees are suspiciously low. Not all local wedding photographers are expensive, check my fees and folio, and good luck!
Best Regards,
Lili from LiliPhoto Photography
Hi there!!
Weigh up what is most important to you - budget, style, quality. Then do your research, find photographers in Bali that suit your style, then message them. Ask LOTS of questions, ask to see a full wedding (ALL the images not just their best shots), make sure that you will receive exactly what you decided most important to you. Then do the same for your favourite Australian photographers. You may find that there is a photographer based in Bali that will tick all the boxes, or there may be an Aussie photographer who you absolutely love that wants to travel to Bali and shoot your big day within your budget!!
Good luck.
(64) · Perth, Regional WA, South West, Margaret River and Surrounding Areas.
Posted: 28/06/2017
It really depends on the quality of the photography that you require. If the company that you booked to stage your wedding has organised your photographer more than likely you are going to get ok images. If you want something extra special then you should organise the photographer yourself and know that you are going to get the images you want.
Warm regards,
Peter Edwards Photography
(6) · Sydney, Wollongong, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Katoomba, Newcastle, South Coast
Posted: 28/06/2017
I thing you should get Australian photography because maybe photography's out there in Bali will not turn up to your wedding day.
nick wedding photography and video
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Both options can absolutely work, so don't let anyone scare you off Bali photographers entirely. There are some genuinely brilliant shooters based over there who know the light, the venues and the local logistics better than anyone flying in cold. The real question isn't Bali versus Australia, it's whether you can see a full, unedited wedding gallery from start to finish and whether you actually connect with the person behind the camera.
The thing that matters most with a destination wedding is the editing, because that is where the final look of your photos is decided. Ask any photographer you're considering exactly who edits the images and where. For us, everything is edited in-house by the same people who shot your day, never sent offshore or outsourced, so the look you fall in love with in their folio is the look you'll get back. Some studios shoot beautifully and then hand the editing to a third party, and that's where galleries can come back inconsistent. A quick Skype or video call also tells you a lot about reliability and whether they'll genuinely show up and look after you.
One practical Bali note: it's tropical, so the heat and humidity are real, and the light is harsh and bright through the middle of the day before that gorgeous golden hour kicks in around late afternoon. An experienced shooter there will build your timeline around that, often pushing your couple portraits to closer to sunset. If you're leaning towards flying an Australian photographer over, budget for their flights, accommodation and ideally an extra night either side so a delayed flight never becomes a disaster, and make sure that's all locked in writing.
If you'd like, tell us a bit more about your venue and dates and we're happy to talk through how we approach destination weddings and what to look for either way. Congratulations, a Bali wedding sounds magic.