It’s vacation time, and you’re heading to Seychelles. You’re super excited, planning every detail—the hotel, the clothes, last-minute purchases. Everything needs to be perfect! The trip date arrives, you get on the plane, and through the window, you see the beauty of Seychelles. Then it hits you – ‘I need to book a photo session to remember this trip by.’ You reach out to a few photographers whose work you love, but they’re all booked. What a bummer! You now have to choose between a photographer that didn’t make the first cut or settling for phone snaps. Let me help you fix that with these 5 reasons to book your photo session early. Here are five essential questions to help you see the benefits when you book your photo session early:
Why book early?
Photographer availability
Among the reasons to book early for a photoshoot, I feel this one tops the list. Keep in mind that couples, families, and other solo travelers are in similar positions as you are. They want to capture some amazing photographs when in paradise. Even locals and expats are booking slots for their own reasons. Getting in touch early with your photographer and checking their availability ensures a higher probability that you will be able to book a date that suits you both. This can happen as early as when you are planning your trip.
Time to Plan
Booking your photographer in advance provides you with ample time to plan every detail of your shoot, from outfits to locations, ensuring everything aligns perfectly with your vision. Hey, you can even put together your visions through a mood board on Pinterest. That additional time lets you share that mood board and discuss your vision with your photographer. Sharing a mood board allows both you and your photographer to get on the same page when it comes to the vision and outcome of the session. It also provides your photographer with the chance to pitch in.
Enough time to budget
Hiring a photographer is an investment in itself. It is one that will allow you to take a stroll down memory lane whenever you want. Professional photography services can be costly. Learning about your photographer’s pricing early will give you enough time to save ahead of the session. The opportunity to budget and save, makes the investment more manageable and stress-free.
Planning outfits and props
Just as much as having enough time to save ahead for the shoot, booking early allows you to plan out which outfit(s) you will wear at the shoot. I don’t know where you’re from, but it can take weeks for items bought online to be delivered to Seychelles. This of course depends on the vendor you are getting the item from. Alright, so it came early, does it fit the way you want it? Is it true to the online image? Booking early gives you more time to order the right size, get the item altered to fit, or buy a different piece altogether! It all works to your advantage. Same might apply for the props.
Peace of mind
Having your session booked in advance reduces last-minute stress and allows you to enjoy your vacation or event, knowing that your photography needs are taken care of. Booking in advance not only provides you with enough time to plan ahead but also puts your photographer at ease. Seychelles’ main economic pillar is tourism. Therefore, the bulk of tourists visits during the peak season. That is also the time when most photographers are in the thick of the busy season. Marketing their business during that time might take a back seat for most photographers. Due to this, your photographer will be happy and at ease knowing they have sessions scheduled in advance.
I for one will thank you for booking in advance. Being a freelance photographer, and a mother means that there is always something going on. When you book ahead, communication with you is spread out and hence cuts down on rushing through the booking. This is extra insurance that all the details are taken care of to ensure a great session. Both for you and for me.