Small is beautiful: the joy of elopement photography

After the events of 2020, it's no surprise that elopements are on the rise as couples choose to abandon their plans for large-scale, formal weddings in favour of something much simpler and more personal. Small doesn't have to mean dull, though. To celebrate their thirst for adventure, couples are increasingly deciding to swap traditional venues for stunning outdoor backdrops or unusual locations. Wherever prospective partners choose to say their vows, though, selecting the right elopement photographer is even more important when the images they capture are the only means of sharing the special day with family and friends.

International wedding photographer and Canon Ambassador Pablo Laguia works in partnership with his wife Ana Gómez from their base in Alicante, Spain, and elopement photography is now a major part of their business. Ana used to work in the fashion business and the pair met while collaborating on campaigns. "We thought we made a good team," she says. Ana now manages marketing, communication and clients, while also working as a second shooter.

Here, the couple share some of the lessons they've learned from their elopement photography and why being behind the lens at smaller-scale celebrations is such a unique thrill.

"It's everything for us," says Ana. "It's like our trademark. Transition pictures help to create the story. We work not only to photograph the couple, but also the landscape, the emotions and the details. That's what makes the story, so for us it's very important. We don't see wedding photography as being different to fashion or documentary. A wedding is a story, it's fashion, it's portraits – it's everything."

"I wouldn't say it's a challenge," says Ana. "It's easier than photographing a regular wedding because you don't have the protocols and the fixed schedules. The couple are more relaxed and it's like an adventure. We leave with them, maybe climb a mountain with them – imagine the feelings you have when you get to the top: the emotions, the excitement – it's such a big adventure to photograph."

"It depends on the couple," says Ana. "We try to talk to them a lot and build their confidence. We Skype, ask for their story and try to get as close to them as possible. If we know them a little – perhaps know their favourite song, how to make them laugh or make them feel comfortable – that helps us to capture the emotion."

"We love natural light," says Pablo, who has recently swapped his Canon EOS 6D for a Canon EOS R5. "We always work outdoors and our kit is perfect for this kind of photography. The size and light weight of the EOS R5 makes it perfect for these shoots, and it's reliable in adverse weather.

"The EOS R5 has incredible image quality, even in low light, and has many features that make our lives easier. The eye tracking enables us to totally immerse ourselves in a scene without having to worry about focus. Another thing that fascinates us is the electronic viewfinder, which helps us to find the perfect exposure. And the Image Stabilizer allows us to shoot without a tripod, which was previously unthinkable.

"To add a touch of magic to special moments or a great location we use the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L tilt-shift lens (now succeeded by the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II). It's perfect for testing your creativity. We also use the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM - a lens that is perfect for everyday use – for both weddings and travel. Our all-rounder is the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens, as we could shoot the whole wedding with it - it has the wide-angle range and is very versatile. Ana's favourite lens is the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM, which is ideal for portrait photography."

"Elopements can be just two people or the couple plus a few guests," says Ana. "Because we are there with them all day - sometimes even a couple of days – we leave with something so amazing. A wedding, for many people, is the most important day of their lives - and you get to spend it with them.

"We enjoy it so much because it's not only a travel adventure, we also meet amazing people who sometimes become our friends. That's something we are so grateful for. It's an honour to be a part of someone's wedding - I think that's the best part of the job."