Destination Wedding Vendor Spotlight - Lindsey Chairez Photography
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© Lindsey Chairez Photography
Phoenix-based photographer Lindsey Chairez has been creating art with her camera for as long as she can remember. She’s funny, quick to make a joke (and laugh at yours), and is an absolute champion at making the people around her feel safe and relaxed - just how every wedding couple wants to feel on their big day. This is ESPECIALLY crucial for couples celebrating their marriage with a destination wedding or elopement. When there are logistics, flights, guest travel plans, and more ON TOP OF all the standard planning that any wedding requires, you need a photographer that can help you feel at ease so your photos reflect your love story, and not how annoyed you are that your cousin’s flight is delayed.
© 2023 Lindsey Chairez Photography
I met Lindsey on a retreat in Salt Lake City this spring, and I immediately felt relaxed and comfortable in her presence. She greeted me with a huge smile and asked me a few questions about myself, (which was perfect for me as someone that struggles a bit with social anxiety) and I immediately felt connected with her.
Did I mention Lindsey is also a doula, and takes photos for families to commemorate their children being born? That’s another story, but it’s a great thing to keep in mind about her. Remember how I mentioned that she’s fantastic at helping her couples feel relaxed and comfortable in front of her lens? She can do the same thing with women and families at their most vulnerable, which means destination weddings are no sweat - like I said, she’s a pro.
I caught up with Lindsey recently to ask her more about her destination wedding photography so I could share more about her with my destination wedding couples!
© Lindsey Chairez Photography
Tell me more about yourself!
My passion for photography started in high school! I loved being behind a camera. I started my photography career taking pictures of local bands and families I babysat for. From there, word of mouth got me around to taking photos of so muchI loved developing my own film in the dark room.
Tell me about your photography style
My style is unique in a sense, I really just let the venue or location and people i’m taking photos of, speak to me. Once my session begins I go into “photographer mode”. I try to get all different angles and artistic shots, but also all the classic shots everyone loves.
How is working with you for a destination wedding different than for a normal wedding?
When working with me as a destination photographer, I definitely want you to get all the amazing shots of the location we will be in. It’s why you chose the stunning location you did! I add those elements into all my photographs.
© Lindsey Chairez Photography
How far in advance should couples that want to work with you connect with you?
As soon as they can! I would love to put you in my calendar as soon as you pick your date and location!
Where are you willing/able to travel to take photos?
Anywhere you want to have your wedding! This day is about the couple! I’m available to go whenever you go!
Do you photograph elopements?
Yes!! I photograph elopements & micro weddings.
© Lindsey Chairez Photography
What kind of film do you use?
I am strictly digital photography and deliver high-resolution digital images in a private online gallery.
I shoot with a Canon R6 Mark ii. I have a prime Canon R 85 1.2mm and a Cannon R 24-70mm 2.8mm lens. I also always have a backup digital SLR. I always carry multiple batteries & SD cards, as well as a OCF (on camera flash) when needed.
Why do your destination wedding clients love working with you?
I am all about communication! I truly listen to what my clients want and stay in constant communication throughout the process.
What's a recent achievement or accomplishment in your business that you're really proud of?
I hosted my first style shoot! I contacted multiple vendors and photographers and put together a micro wedding at a popular speakeasy in Phoenix, Arizona. It was so much fun and gave me a taste at wedding planning!
© Lindsey Chairez Photography
What is the one moment of photographing a destination wedding that you find the most magical?
It’s hard to narrow down one moment! I think that first kiss after the couple has been married is so magical. Like, we are here. You did it! You are married! Its such a beautiful moment and I love to capture it.
Do you have any destination wedding hot takes?
Make sure to have a customized timeline! It is SO helpful for all the vendors and members of your bridal party. I offer one in all of my wedding and elopement packages.
What's something you wish more destination wedding couples knew before choosing their photographer?
I am driven to make your wedding day the best day ever! I typically go above and beyond to help you in any way I can! [Note from Erin: I can attest that making sure you vibe with your photographer, and knowing that you can count on them for support, guidance, or anything else that may come up is a massive weight off your shoulders on your wedding day. When Lindsey says she goes above and beyond to help, she means it - make sure that you know your photographer would be there to have your back if needed!]
© Lindsey Chairez Photography
What's your best advice for couples currently working on choosing their destination wedding photographer?
Research your venue or location. Ask the venue about what kind of lighting there will be if it’s indoors and what the backup plan is if the weather is bad outside. You don’t want to plan a beach wedding then be forced to have your wedding in a dimly lit room with zero ambiance.
What can your couples expect from you when they work with you?
Lots of communication. I would consider myself a good time. I love to laugh and make the most out of every situation! If there is a minor crisis, I work through it with ease and find a solution. I am easy going and truly listen to my clients.
What are your favorite poses for your destination wedding couples?
I love posing where both couples are looking into each others eyes. You can really feel and see the love. It’s so magical! I also love to incorporate fun poses! When we first meet, I love to go over posing and ask the couple if they have any favorite poses they absolutely love!
© Lindsey Chairez Photography
What do you need from your destination wedding couples to make sure they get the most out of their experience?
Communication! It goes both ways. Write down what you want and your expectations so your photographer knows what to pin-point.
Please tell me about your magic - what lights you up? Why are you so passionate about what you do?
When I get behind my camera I light up. I love capturing special moments. Pictures are memories. I want you to look back on your pictures and be able to feel those moments - the love and joy.
How can interested couples view your work/connect with you?
I am available via my website, Instagram & Facebook.
© Lindsey Chairez Photography
All destination wedding vendor features on this website are based on my personal experience hiring the featured vendor, collaborating with them on at least one project, or experiencing their product or service first-hand in another capacity. My intention with this series is to share destination wedding vendors doing amazing work and to connect more couples with more reputable and prominent vendors in various fields. This is not a paid feature.
All photos in this blog post are the copyright of © Lindsey Chairez Photography
I’m Erin, your new travel bestie. Based in Michigan with plans to see the entire globe, I am passionate about empowering my travel clients to create and experience your very best adventure. After studying abroad in Rome during college, marrying the love of my life in 2020 (COVID wedding!), and becoming a mom, I know that we all want to spend less time stressing on the internet and more time enjoying the people we love. Let me help you achieve this by taking on the work of your next vacation so you can spend more time enjoying your people.
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