Finding a photographer who understands and aligns with your vision for an elopement is a huge, important part of the planning process. If you identify as LGBTQ+ it’s even more important to choose a photographer who not only aligns with your vision but also affirms your identity as this can make a major difference in your overall elopement experience.
Being a queer elopement photographer myself, I know how important it is to find the best match for you and your partner. After all, this is one of the most important days of your life and there’s no room in it for people who are not going to celebrate and support you 100%.
As you plan your elopement there are so many great reasons to hire queer/lesbian/gay elopement photographers and vendors which is why I’m sharing with you what the pros are to working with queer photographers so that you can find the best fit for you and your partner and have the elopement of your dreams.
Pros of Hiring LGBTQ+ Photographers and Vendors
Comfort and Community
By choosing to work with LGBTQ+ photographers, and queer wedding vendors in general, you will automatically be a part of an inclusive and welcoming environment. You’ll be able to fully express your authentic self and your love which is exactly what your elopement should be about.
There will be no room for stress, worries, microaggressions, or judgment from others who aren’t fully accepting of who you are.
Also, your pronouns and identity will be taken seriously and you won’t have to be worried about being misgendered or having your identity questioned or invalidated. I’ve had firsthand experience with people asking me things like “who is the boy/girl” in my queer relationships. That is an absolute no-go around here.
I also believe that it’s way more fun to work with someone who is a part of the community. You’ll be working alongside someone who identifies with you and who you can create a deep bond and connection with.
Remember, we are here to listen to all your ideas and all the things you love so that we can turn this into the most fun, authentic elopement day for you and your partner.
Advocacy
Having someone beside you who will also be a voice for you and make sure that you are safe and seen is exactly what you’re going to get when you work with an LGBTQ+ vendor.
You can be confident that your needs will be advocated for every step of your elopement planning process and also on the day of your elopement.
In my own business, I am committed to affirming the identities of every client. I always want to create a space that is BIPOC inclusive, welcoming to all, and a safe space to celebrate who you are and who you love.
Sensitivity
Working with queer photographers and vendors means that they will have a heightened sense of sensitivity and will be really intentional about making sure they are being inclusive and affirming throughout their time working with you.
You deserve to have an incredible elopement and part of this is working with individuals who truly take the time to get to know you before your elopement and genuinely care about you and your partner.
Representation
As someone who is a wedding photographer in the South, I recognize the unique challenges that come with being queer, especially in the wedding industry and particularly in the South. If you’re planning your elopement here it’s extra important to know that your photographer is going to be affirming.
The wedding industry is continuing to grow and evolve but it’s still super important to highlight and recognize LGBTQ+ wedding vendors to continue to create a more inclusive and welcoming industry for everyone. It’s also important in the wedding industry to continue to challenge stigmas and stereotypes and to create a wedding industry that truly celebrates all kinds of love.
By hiring an LGBTQ+ photographer you’ll also be contributing to the success and sustainability of these businesses and they will be able to continue to serve more of the queer community.
Gender Neutral Posing
If you’re working with a queer photographer you’ll be working alongside someone who helps you feel comfortable with your posing and who also directs poses that feel good for both you and your partner.
Also, working with them means that you won’t be asked to conform to traditional masculine or feminine posing but rather you’ll have inclusive posing that treats you and your partner equally.
You deserve to feel amazing while your photos are being taken and not feel uncomfortable or that your boundaries aren’t being respected and acknowledged.
For my own clients I’ve worked with during my process, I don’t assume anything or push any kind of gender roles on you. I’m not going to ask the “boy/masc” to spin the “girl/femme” when I’m shooting – I’m going to ask who wants to get twirled!
I also get not knowing what to do in front of the camera! I mean, this is probably the first time you’ve been in front of a professional camera and while I’d love to say it’s not scary, sometimes it can be.
When I work with my clients there is total guidance throughout the entire photography process. Anytime there is any kind of posed photo, I will guide you through prompts that will create genuine emotion. We’re not trying to force anything here.
Final Thoughts on Reasons to Hire a Queer Elopement Photographer
Making the decision to work with a queer elopement photographer is a meaningful choice and there are so many great reasons to do so. By choosing to hire LGBTQ+-affirming photographers and vendors you will have the comfort of knowing that they are going to understand and celebrate you for exactly who you are.
If you are still looking for LGBT wedding vendors and want to work with a queer elopement photographer, I’d love to chat! You can take a look at my elopement photography services here or you can head over here to get in touch and start chatting about your dream wedding day!
And as you plan your elopement and finalize the details be sure to also check out my blog on Tips for Finding Queer Affirming or LGBT Wedding Vendors.
