Imagine this scenario: You're a talented wedding photographer based in Tennessee, but your heart is set on capturing the beauty of weddings in the stunning landscapes of Colorado. How do you make that dream a reality? Enter destination editorials… your strategic move for reaching new markets and building a portfolio that truly represents your work, your passion, and in the places you’d love to create.

The Allure of Destination Editorials

Let's start with the 'why.' Why should you, as a wedding professional, consider creating editorials in non-local markets? The answer is simple: it's a strategic move to expand your reach and establish a presence in places you aspire to work.

1. Crafting a Unique Portfolio: Destination editorials allow you to curate a portfolio filled with diverse landscapes, styles, and atmospheres. Couples planning destination weddings will be drawn to your ability to capture the essence of their chosen location. Local couples in the destinations will understand your ability to create in the local area.

2. Building Market Awareness: By showcasing your work in a new market, you raise awareness about your services among both local vendors and potential clients. It's a stepping stone to becoming a recognized name in that area.

3. Gaining Valuable Experience: Every destination editorial is a learning opportunity. You'll gain insights into the local wedding culture, trends, and unique challenges. This knowledge will prove invaluable when you start booking real weddings in that location.

Plan and Budget Strategically

While destination editorials offer tremendous benefits, they do come with costs and complexities. Here's how to approach them strategically:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define your objectives for the destination editorial. Is it to break into a specific market, showcase your versatility, or expand your destination wedding portfolio?

2. Create a Budget: Carefully plan your expenses, including travel, accommodation, permits, and props. Treat this as an investment rather than an expense.

3. Network Wisely: Connect with local vendors in your chosen destination. Building relationships with planners, florists, and venues can lead to referrals and collaborations down the road.

4. Research and Permits: Familiarize yourself with the destination's wedding regulations, including any permits required for photoshoots. Compliance is key.

5. Maximize Your Stay: Since you're already there, make the most of your trip. Schedule engagement sessions, networking meetings, and mini sessions to maximize your time and resources.

The Focus Isn't Publication

Here's the important part: the goal of destination editorials isn't necessarily to get published. While that's a great bonus, the primary focus should be on the experience, the learning, and the content you create for marketing.

So, whether you're a Kentucky-based photographer eyeing the beauty of New England or a Mid West florist dreaming of the vibrant style of New Orleans, destination editorials are your ticket to building your business in the markets of your dreams.

So, pack your bags, dream big, and create editorials that not only capture breathtaking moments but also open doors to new opportunities. The world of weddings can be a big and beautiful place—why shouldn’t your portfolio represent this fact?

This coming week, I myself will be heading out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a place near and dear to my heart to work with a team of talented local and destination professionals to craft an editorial. Interested in the process? Follow along over on Instagram as I share behind the scenes of the why, how, and day of of the shoots.