How to tackle your first elopement as a photographer

Q1: What are your top tips for booking your first elopement?

If you're wanting to transition from a local wedding photographer to a destination elopement photographer, my best advice would be to set up a styled, out-of-state "elopement". People won't hire you if they don't see that you're available, willing, and able to do what they want. Invest in yourself and book a trip somewhere you hope you get a client. If you want an elopement at a national park, book yourself a flight to somewhere like Yosemite and set up an "elopement" of your own. Reach out to vendors, find a couple (I've even asked my personal friends!), and GO! Once you have the content to show, you'll start to garner interest. TIP: Make sure to tag and geo-tag appropriately.

Q2: How do you make clients feel relaxed when it's just you and them at the shoot?

I spend a lot of time getting to know my couples before I even meet them at their engagement shoot! By this time, we've already emailed, texted, and conversed on multiple occasions. I help my couples with finding their shoot location, I send them guides on what to wear, I ask questions about their relationship, and I make sure they already feel like I'm a trusted friend BEFORE I meet them in person! I am personable and transparent with them about my own life as well (I talk about my kids, my husband, and my life outside of photography). I also let them know I'm absolutely not opposed to liquid courage if they want a drink, I play some music on Spotify with an outdoor bluetooth speaker, and I make it FUN!!! I never want a shoot to feel like it's just something to be checked off their to do list. I want it to be a day they remember forever!

Q3: What would be your go to gear for an elopement shoot and why?

I could shoot an entire elopement, wedding, or portrait shoot with my 35mm! It's my baby, and it RARELY leaves my camera. Depending on where the elopement was, I would also consider a 24mm lens to capture more of the environment. I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark iii, and carry everything in my Evecase backpack. I would also bring my flash (a Neewer TT560) to be safe. For creative purposes, I would bring a prism and plastic bag to shoot through for some fun effects!

Q4: How do you prep and stay organised before an elopement so it goes smoothly?

Before an elopement, I double triple check to make sure I have my bag packed well in advance. I have backups of almost everything (two camera bodies, two flashes, multiple cards, multiple batteries + my chargers). I send my flight information to my couples, to verify the airport + time + destination looks correct, and I ALWAYS check the sunset times for the locations we're heading. If it's a spot I've never been, I'll also stalk the geotag and google earth to get an idea of where the light sets and what the surroundings look like.

Q5: What are your most common challenges on an elopement shoot and how do you overcome these?

Truthfully, travelling is often a lot more challenging or exhausting than most expect. Especially if you're shooting at a remote or distant location, there's a lot of flying, driving (car rentals), and finding hotels along the way. It's not always as glamorous as it seems, so I try to prepare as best I can. Lots of snacks, water, TSA precheck, booking everything in advance, and a good podcast downloaded and ready to go. As for the actual day of, just be prepared for anything. You have limited control of what happens (as far as weather, timelines, etc). Your couple will feed off of your energy, so do your very best to stay positive and encouraging! Pack good hiking shoes, water, and make sure you're well prepared to take care of yourself.

Q6: How did you set your pricing for elopements and travel fees, and understand your worth as an elopement photographer?

When I started getting inquiries for elopements or jobs out of state and overseas, it felt really exciting. I wanted to jump on every opportunity, and really didn't value myself at what I was worth, solely because I was so genuinely stoked about the experience! Which isn't always bad--you have to start somewhere. But as a wife and a mama to two toddlers, I quickly realized what my time was worth. Time on a job meant time away from my kids and our family.

When I get an inquiry for a destination job, I immediately go to Expedia and get rate estimates for the location: flight, hotel, rental car, gas, insurance. When I present a proposal to an inquiring couple, I put it all together into one overall price. Personally, I've found that people are more likely to book if everything is "included" and there are no additional (or hidden) fees. I present everything in a really easy to understand proposal, as one set price, and my couple can sign and pay right there.

Knowing your worth isn't something that comes overnight (or at least for me, it didn't). It was hard for me to justify my pricing when I was so eager to just hop on a plane and explore a new place with a couple in love. But the more I did it, the more I realized my value and what I was providing my clients. If your couple really wants you, and values your work, they will trust your pricing. Be proud and confident, because you ARE worth it.

Anyone who casts an eye over Monique Serra’s portfolio can’t help but be moved by the fun-loving creative spirit that shines through her photographs. It’d be easy to assume that it’s all luck and natural aptitude that have led her to where she is today, but it sure is comforting to have learned a little bit more about the journey she’s been on literally and metaphorically (and that it’s included lots of planning, trial and error, and snacks).