The Blog

It can be hard to know whether or not you’re booking a professional wedding photographer and not just a hobbyist! The reason this is true is because you don’t technically need any degree or certification to become a photographer! Any person with a camera nowadays call themselves a photographer…and sure.. they are. But how do you know if they’re a professional who knows what they’re doing? How do you know if you’re getting your money’s worth? I’ve created this guide to help you know if you’re booking a professional wedding photographer or not. Let’s dive right in!

How to Know if You’re Booking a Professional Wedding Photographer

Professional wedding photography of a bride and her bridesmaids walking across the Stillwater bridge in Minnesota as the sun is setting

So you’re wondering how on earth do you choose the right elopement photographer for your awesome adventure? The struggle can be real! Seriously! With elopements becoming so popular after covid and thousands of people with a camera claiming to be an elopement photographer, it’s hard to be sure you’re getting what you pay for! That’s why I’ve created this guide to help you choose the right elopement photographer for your epic elopement adventure! Not just ANY elopement photographer, but the right one for you! let’s get started!

How to Choose the Right Elopement Photographer

Arizona Elopement couple on Devil's Bridge in Sedona.

If you’re wondering how to host your very first styled shoot to expand your portfolio and have an extra flow of income, this is the guide for you! Hi, I’m Heidi Straus, a professional wedding and destination photographer based in Minnesota, originally from South Africa! I’m here to help guide you through hosting your very first styled shoot and many more after that! I’ve hosted over 20 styled shoots in the past 3 years and 4 Safari Retreats in South Africa. It is one of my greatest passions and I love networking with others in the industry!

How to Host Your First Styled Shoot

Bridesmaids standing next to the bride in their colorful spring mismatched bridesmaids dresses, holding their colorful spring bouquets next to their sides

Interested in Eloping in South Africa but not sure how? I’m from South Africa and I’ve created this helpful guide to show you exactly what you need to elope and exactly how to do it!

How to Elope in South Africa

South Africa Elopement at Tugela Falls

The story of Joe and Kirby’s surprise proposal in Glacier National Park during sunrise is crazy!!! It’s one of my highlights as a wedding and elopement photographer and I can’t wait to share this story and these beautiful photos with you. I hope you enjoy it.

Surprise Proposal in Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park engagement couple sitting between the blooming flowers

If you’re considering having your wedding at the Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson Wisconsin, look no further! This was a beautiful venue for Matthew and Maddie who celebrated their special day during Spring! This venue has a capacity to hist 300 guests with both in-door as well as out-door options! They offer in-house catering with fresh ingredients and home-made recipes as well as an array of beverage packages and signature cocktails with a wide selection of high-end liquor. They have a gorgeous bridal suite to get ready in and stunning spots on the golf course for sunset photos! Please enjoy these beautiful photos of Matthew and Maddie’s special day the the Burne Golf Club Wedding in Hudson Wisconsin.

Troy Burne Golf Club Wedding In Hudson Wisconsin

Minnesota Bridal Party with pink blossom flowers and pastel dresses

If you’ve ever been to the salt flats, you’ll know why it’s such a popular elopement spot! It’s vast and beautiful and one of the easiest spots to get to! There’s no hiking required, there is a ton of free parking (you can even drive on the Flats) and you are guaranteed to find a secluded spot somewhere out there to have your special day!

How to Elope at the Salt Flats in Utah

Salt Flats Elopement couple during blue hour, pink sky reflected in flooded flats

If you’ve ever been to The Grand Canyon, you know it’s absolutely magnificent and almost impossible for our minds to grasp! It is simply out of this world for lack of better words! I was lucky enough to capture Jaydon and Kelsee’s beautiful Elopement at the Navajo Point outlook in the Grand Canyon. As these two said their vows to each other, overlooking the valleys of the Grand Canyon, taking in the slight breeze as the sun went down, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect day! Here are some tips to help you plan your Grand Canyon Wedding!

How to Elope at The Grand Canyon

Elopement couple walking on the edge of a cliff in The Grand Canyon