Destination Wedding Photography

Destination Wedding Photography by Award-Winning Photographer Christina Craft

Congratulations on your upcoming destination wedding! A wedding abroad can be a thrilling experience -- and I know this first hand since my own wedding was held at the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica.

It can be very tricky finding a professional photographer you can trust -- someone who will create images that show the beauty of your surroundings and intimate portraits you will treasure forever.

I believe in working with you to create treasured portraits you will cherish forever. I'm an experienced and trained professional with a huge passion for both wedding and nature photography. My experience in both areas are a bonus when it comes to photographing weddings in spectacular locations.

You are welcome to contact me at 250 475-9268 or mailto:christina.craft@shaw.ca and view examples of my work in my Online Wedding Portfolio

Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Wedding Photography

What are your prices?

Since the bonus of attending/photographing a destination wedding is often the destination itself, I only charge a nominal fee for my photography services. Instead, I ask for coverage of my travel expenses (usually flight and a couple of nights' accommodation). I'm flexible when I travel and am happy to accept a budget seat and accommodation. In addition to travel expenses, I charge $300US for wedding photography services. This is a huge discount from my regular high-season rate of $1595 for four hours of coverage. My package includes a CD with high resolution images and an online gallery where everyone can order prints directly from a photo lab.

What makes you different from other professional destination wedding photographers?

You have a lot of great choices when it comes to destination wedding photographers and the competition is stiff. We all have our own creative style and unique offerings so it's hard to compare. However, I can tell you that my prices are competitive and I am professionally trained and experienced in photographing weddings.

My offerings may be a little different than other photographers in the following ways:

1. I provide high resolution images on a CD. You can take these images to any print lab (and they will print up to poster size). Many photographers will give you a disc, but it will have low resolution images that cannot be printed. Rather, they only look good on your computer screen. They will then charge you a premium to have prints made. This covers their costs of post-production, printing, and all the extra leg work that is involved after the wedding is photographed. I have a different approach. Unless you want to order a photo album from me, the price you pay for your packages is all you pay. The costs of all of my packages take all the extra labour of post-production into consideration.
2. While I go through and make initial edits and touchups, you are welcome to come back to me at any time (at no extra cost) to request further touchups. I'll even put the edited files on a new CD for you.
3. I offer an online photo gallery where friends and family from can actually order prints. Other photographers may offer you a gallery, but many don't offer the option to order prints. I work with a professional photo lab that produces excellent prints. People order directly from the lab (not from me) and the pictures are delivered straight to their door.
4. I provide both a colour and a black and white version of every picture taken on your special day.

I have an easy-going yet very professional attitude towards my work. I'm friendly and outgoing, but I also know how to blend in with my surroundings so you don't even notice me.

What is your approach to photographing weddings?

I believe in covering events with as little intrusion as possible. I try to capture the emotions, natural expressions and details that make each wedding unique. I am trained in photojournalism techniques (I used to be a journalist) and usually take lots and lots of candid photos of you and your guests. I also have training in posing and portraiture and know how important those traditional shots can be. I work with you to decide what you want covered and my approach is flexible.

Everybody has a digital camera these days - why should I hire a professional to shoot my wedding? Why should I choose Christina Craft Photography?

This is my full-time career and my experience and camera skills mean that I the make the most of any situation, venue or person (including very difficult lighting situations). My professional telephoto lenses can do things like selective focus that you can't get from traditional point-and-shoot digital cameras.

I work quickly, effectively and discreetly to produce images that you will treasure forever. Plus, I take professional pride in paying attention to your needs during your wedding day to ensure you get exactly the kinds of pictures you want.

My training includes a professional photography diploma from the Western Academy of Photography, where I won the school's highest honour "Best Overall Student." The Western Academy is an intensive 10-month full-time program that teaches you everything about the creative and technical aspects of photography. Some of my training and experience includes:

• Wedding photography
• Advanced lighting
• Portraiture
• Advanced digital processing
• Photojournalism, and
• Fashion photography

I also have a master's degree in journalism and experience in producing, writing and filming documentaries. Telling a story visually comes naturally to me and it's something I've always loved doing.

I also have over 10 years of experience with Adobe Photoshop and I am able to provide you with professionally-edited images -- touchups are all included with your package.

You are welcome to look at my portfolio to see how I could put my experience, training and creative expression to work for you.

What kind of equipment do you use?

I use digital SLR cameras with portable flash units.

How many pictures will you take?

I will take as many pictures as you want. You can expect an average of 1,000 photos - sometimes more.

I've heard that some wedding photographers only give low resolution (unprintable) proofs on CDs. Will the images on our CD be printable?

Absolutely. I will provide you with the highest resolution possible so you can take your pictures to any print lab. Picutres will blow up to poster size.

How long before we see our pictures?

Normal viewing time is about two weeks, sometimes less. I put great care and attention towards editing your photos and generally spend about 20-30 hours of time after the wedding sorting through the sometimes thousands of images taken on that day, touching up the best ones, and creating your online galleries.

Do we get to choose how much Color or B&W, you will take?

That's the beauty of digital photography. I actually provide you with both a colour and a black and white version of every photo. I also apply other treatments and I never mind sending you an extra disc with more touchups, even after you receive your initial proofs.

What other costs should we consider?

There are no hidden fees and the package prices cover everything except custom-designed hardcover wedding albums. You, your friends and family won't have to pay pay a markup on prints ordered on my website and you get a disc with high quality pictures you can take to any photo lab.

What is required to book the date?

I require both a deposit of $100 and a signed contract. This guarantees your date. The complete balance for the wedding package is due on the day of the event.

Do you offer wedding albums?

Yes, I create custom-made hardcover coffee table books from a company called Asuka Books. I can go over all of your options either before or after your wedding.

Do you offer services for same sex marriages?

Absolutely!

How do we arrange a consultation with you?

I offer a no-obligation, personal consultation for each couple considering my services. We can do this over the phone and I'd be happy to send you samples of my work in a PDF document (in addition to my online portfolio

After the consultation, I do not put any pressure on couples to book with me. My usual advice is to meet with me first, talk things over between yourselves (or with other family members) after you have left the consultation, and then make your decision. My packages and prices are competitive and you are welcome to look at other photographers' work so you can compare prices and styles before making a decision.

May I see examples of your work?

You are welcome to view my Online Wedding Portfolio to see examples of my work.