5 Key Tips For Shooting an Elopement Solo

My name is Jojo (find me on Instagram @imjojoortiz), and for over six years, I've been passionately involved in film and digital photography and videography, focusing on editorials, elopements, and weddings.

My work in the wedding industry has been recognized and published multiple times. One of my recent highlights was photographing an intimate elopement in the breathtaking Yosemite National Park — a “no bad spot” bucket list location for many photographers due to its sheer beauty. When shooting in such a picturesque setting, the real test is to encapsulate and convey its spirit through the photographs.

For this particular elopement, I used a Sony a7RII camera, utilizing 35mm and 50mm 1.8 lenses, and a medium format Pentax 645, fitted with a 45mm 2.8 lens for 120 film shots. The challenge of the shoot was heightened by the fact that I was working solo, alternating between digital and film formats, all while keeping pace with the unfolding events of the day.

Below are five crucial steps I followed to ensure a smooth shoot day. These tips span from preliminary preparation to in-the-field shooting techniques and cover the essentials for capturing the spontaneous and cinematic raw moments that make elopements so special.

1. Camera Setup

As a wedding photographer, it's common to work with a second shooter, which allows you to cover a variety of focal lengths and angles during the event. However, when photographing an elopement solo, you're responsible for capturing all perspectives alone.

For my equipment, I chose lenses that let me take both portrait and wide cinematic shots. My Sony setup included the versatile 35mm and 50mm lenses. The 35mm lens was ideal for closer, more intimate portraits. In comparison, the 50mm lens provided enough range to capture detailed scenes without intruding on the couple's personal space during their ceremony.

As for my Penta, I chose the Pentax-A 45mm wide-angle prime lens. Its exceptional bokeh effect was perfect for photographing the couple against the stunning backdrops of Yosemite, balancing sharp subjects with the softly blurred scenery.

2. Shot Angles

Shooting an elopement in a national park presents a unique opportunity to utilize the dramatic landscape creatively. National parks often feature expansive and breathtaking sceneries that can be highlighted by the natural light at different times of the day, such as the soft rays of the sun or the mystic appearance of clouds filling the valleys. In such settings, it's essential to experiment with various angles to enhance the vastness of the location.

For my session in Yosemite, I aimed to showcase the towering height of the granite cliffs. To achieve this, I often used a low angle in my portrait shots, accentuating the impression that the valleys were a direct path to the majestic mountains stretching into the sky.

It's important to remember that national parks are active public spaces; even with permits, total privacy isn't guaranteed. Part of the challenge — and excitement — of the shoot was to strategically select spots where the lighting was just proper, avoiding harsh sunlight while also positioning the couple in such a way as to keep tourists out of the frame, maintaining the focus on the elopement.

3. Don't Be Afraid of the Sun

One of the main challenges I anticipated heading into the photoshoot was racing the sunlight. My strategy was to capture the key shots early in the day to avoid the difficulties of the harsh midday light. As the day unfolded, the sunlight became less of an obstacle and more of an asset. I could work with it effectively rather than dodge it.

Managing white balance is critical in such dynamic lighting conditions, and one must decide whether to meter for the shadows or the highlights. I prefer to meter for the highlights and whites because it's simpler to recover details in the shadows and mid-tones during post-processing than to correct overexposed highlights.

We started the shoot at 8 AM, and as the sun crept higher, it cast beautiful beams of light over the mountain peaks. As the sun continued its ascent, I positioned my subjects so that the sunlight enhanced their features with a natural, radiant glow.

4. Stay Prepared

It might seem obvious, but thorough preparation is essential when shooting an elopement solo, as these events can move quickly. To stay ahead, you need to be ready for every moment and know how you want to capture it. I carried three extra fully charged batteries in my pockets, along with spare SD cards, to avoid interruptions during critical moments. Additionally, I had two film backs ready to be loaded into my Pentax 645.

Preparation is critical. It makes the shooting process smoother, allowing you to concentrate on the shoot. By minimizing potential distractions and planning for various scenarios, you maintain an honest and reliable presence throughout the event.

5. Have Fun

The most important part of being creative is enjoying the process. Remember that the couple has trusted you to document their special day, a choice based on your commitment and the quality of your work. It's important to remember that you are an integral part of their celebration.

To ensure the day goes smoothly, maintain open communication and don't hesitate to offer suggestions. The memories you capture will be cherished, and the photographs will be all the more significant if they are captured with a genuine connection and meaning.