Dallas and Sabrina Kolotylo: How We’re Taking Our Wedding Photography International

As wedding photographers connect more with one another across continents, shooters are expanding their business reach to international clients, taking advantage of trips abroad to network with peers and potential clients—and in the case of Dallas and Sabrina Kolotylo, planting permanent roots outside North America. 

Breaking into the international market and expanding our client base has been a primary focus for us for a while now. In fact, in 2017, we’re making a permanent move to Barcelona.

We started shooting internationally two years ago, sort of by chance. A couple asked us to shoot their elopement to Vancouver (where we’re currently based), with a full wedding planned later in Sayulita, Mexico. They loved working with us, and hired us for their wedding, too.

From there we looked for any opportunity to do more international work. We made travel plans, and told every couple we met with about them, making it clear that we love shooting anywhere. We even contacted photographers we admire in Europe to let them know of our plans, should they be looking for someone to refer clients to. 

Last year, one of our clients recommended us to friends who were in Vancouver for a short time. Similar to the Sayulita couple, we shot their engagement session, and eventually their wedding in the U.K. While we were abroad, we booked post-wedding and engagement sessions in Paris, Lisbon and Barcelona to maximize the input to our portfolio. Amid all of this, the amazing privilege of being one of Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars of 2014 directly led to us booking a few more incredible destination weddings!

The impact on our business has been great; more clients from around the world are now seeing our work, and more adventurous couples with out-of-the-ordinary ideas are hiring us. What ultimately drove our decision to make a permanent move was the sheer variety in Europe. In five weeks, we did four different shoots in four different countries! There are so many cultures, cities, landscapes and people within a relatively small geographic area—not to mention that travel within Europe is incredibly affordable.

Related: 6 Ways To Skyrocket Your Bookings

Soaring to New Heights: Catching Up With the 30 Rising Stars of 2014

From the Cubicle: Celebrating Milestones