Having shot a fair share of weddings myself, I knew exactly what to look for when my wife and I were hiring a photographer for our engagement photos, and eventually for our wedding. When it came time for the honeymoon, however, we wanted to make sure that we could document the trip without being distracted from what we were there for — celebrating our love. Here are some tips on making your memories picture-perfect from someone who’s been there.
Keep It Simple
Don’t stuff your suitcase full of camera gear — you’ll want to save that valuable space for an extra outfit or a souvenir from paradise. Skip the bulky DSLR with multiple lenses, and instead pack a simple point-and-shoot camera that’s easy to carry. For the honeymooners with photography experience, the stylish Fuji X100VI is a popular choice that offers as much image control and versatility as a larger camera while still being able to fit in your beach bag.
But you don’t have to buy a new camera to get great photos. If you have a new cell phone, you likely have a highly capable camera already. Consider downloading a professional photography app like the Moment PRO Camera (available on IOS) to unlock the full capabilities of your phone’s camera. The user interface will feel familiar to anyone with photography experience, allowing full manual control of shutter speed, ISO, white balance and more settings usually reserved for “real cameras.” If you’re capturing video of your romantic vacation, download the CapCut app to edit your clips into a memorable movie to share with your loved ones.
(At left) Heath Braun, Staff Photographer at Travel Leaders Network
Hawaii
Prepare for the Destination
Not every camera is right for every activity. If your honeymoon calls for adventure, like snorkeling in the tropics or zip lining through a rainforest, you’ll want a camera with the ability to capture all the action and stand up to the elements. The pint-sized GoPro HERO12 Black is a classic, waterproof action camera that comes ready to capture high-quality footage (5.3K/60fps and 4K/120fps) right out of the box. If you want to create a vlog-style video with silky-smooth stabilization, don’t forget to pack a DJI Osmo Gimbal to hold your cell phone and eliminate unwanted camera shake while you’re walking through the resort or filming by the pool.
Focus on the Experience
This trip is all about you and your partner’s love, and the little details help tell your uniquely romantic story. Focus your lens on what is most likely to slip from memory — the presentation of your favorite meal, the brightly colored fruit at the farmers market or the tide washing away your footprints from the beach.
If you want some professional photos to remember this once-in-a-lifetime trip, consider booking a portrait session through your resort or ask your advisor if they can connect you with a local photographer for a sunset session. Remember that your honeymoon is your chance to celebrate your love — so, whatever you do, don’t be so focused on the content that you forget to simply enjoy the moment.
