How much did you / are you paying for photograhy?

we're paying $6500 to include:

 

2 photogs

travel and lodging for both photogs

engagement session

trash the dress session

unlimited hours on wedding day

10 5x7s

5 8x10s

all digital negatives

75 images retouched (on CD)

coffee table album

online proofing

I've heard that RIU doesn't allow outside photographers, and over $1000 seems expensive for the resort photographer (more normally around $500-$800) so you would want to look into that and at least make sure you can see the work of the actual photographer and they aren't giving you a bad deal bc its your only option. I could be wrong, but we didn't really look at RIU because of we heard of their photographer rule. Also resort photographers generally do not have a reputation to uphold so you might not get someone that is putting their heart into it, as they probably are getting paid much less than the money you are paying the resort.

 

Anyway, we are paying $3500 for coverage with the files. It's probably cheaper if you don't want an album but we wanted one. The photographer is traveling down for us and that price included travel. Heres the website if interested Tait Fine Art Photography

I'm starting to think I dont charge enough... just kidding

RIU does allow outside photographers. They just have to be a guest staying at the hotel and/or you have to pay a fee to the resort photographer for breaking the contract.

I think the photos are the most important part of the wedding (well, besides the groom and that whole "I do" think - LOL)!

 

That said: we are budgeting about $5,000 for photography. I haven't contracted a photographer yet, but I'm doing lots of "shopping". Honestly, I'm willing to cut things like cocktail hour and flowers so we can have great photos.

I'm shooting several weddings there - I'm on their guest list & staying a minimum of 3 nights at the resort, so all good!

 

Hi Dragonfly (Kelly)

 

Would you say the second photographer was better, would she be able to take good pictures of the actual wedding do you think? If so, do you know her name.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Valerie

Just from experience on this board, I would say that more people have been disappointed by the resort photographer than if they had sought out and arranged their own photography. I also can definitely see a difference in quality just as an outside observer of the photography. You definitely said it right- there is no guarantee (besides, what would they do? You only get one chance to get good wedding pictures). I also just don't think they have much at stake to keep brides happy, so they don't charge as much or try as hard. I know this is just a gross generalization, but I bet the private photographers on the forum would agree with me.

I'm not saying you should rush out and spend 5k on your photography, but if it were me, I would at least try to find someone local that doesn't work for the resort. This will probably be more expensive, but I bet the work would be better. If they at least have a website or something where you can see their work ahead of time you'll have a better idea of what you'll be getting.

I realize that not everyone can afford someone like Juan Carlos, or Leigh Miller, or any of the other really great photographers on this forum- I had to stop listing because it would take up too much space! lol That's ok. I would just encourage you to at least research a little into what you'll be getting for your money. I'd rather spend $1500 for something pretty good than throw away $500 on something that I hate. Although, I forget that I love photography so much -for some people this is a big deal, for others it is not.

With that said, I spent $3,200

That included:

1 1/2 hour engagement session
4 1/2 hours wedding day coverage
2 1/2 hours trash the dress session
All images on hi-res dvd
2 slideshows on dvd

As a wedding photographer who is also having his own wedding in a destination location (riviera maya dec 6, 2007), I can say that we have a pretty big opinion on what to suggest and expect, based on the local market. Keeping in mind that we also live in the Riviera maya, and the once sterotype of "hiring a local photographer is a BAD thing" is now GONE GONE GONE!

 

For our wedding photographer, we kinda lucked out. We actually have 7 WPJA photographers from all over the country attending our wedding, plus 5 other photographers in Atlanta. Out of that dozen or so, one was pissed (he offered for free) that we didnt want him to shoot (we wanted him as our guest) and the other we asked and he offered for free! We spent almost $2,000 for a week of fun at an all inclusive for them and also bought round trip airfare from Arizona. We kinda lucked out, but after being in this biz, we have made a few friends.

 

For most brides coming to the Riviera Maya, expect to pay around 3k for a starting package and 6-7k nicely equipped for the absolute best you can get...there are a handful of local photogs there that will NOT charge you a travel fee. After reading through this forum, I am seeing tons of dollars spent by clients who are flying their photographer into the country to work... Although I understand each person has their own reasons for doing so, I also know that for a fact, it not the most economical choice. Also, you may want to ask if your photographer has a permit to work in the country that you are commissioning him / her to work in.

 

Another consideration of budgeting for a photographer is to consider that recent studies done by Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine have shown that brides are typically spending 10-20% of their entire wedding budget on photographers. I don't think that survey included destination brides, but I would be willing to bet that the percentage is considerably higher for DW brides due to the reduced cost to have a DW wedding.... For example, the reception (food and drinks and tables and such) in mexico would cost us $10,000 -$15,000 EASY if it were in a nice venue in Atlanta GA, where we also live. Mexico is 1/3rd of that cost... SO, more money to put towards photography...um...howa bout a nice BAND

 

Bottom line, I may be biased here because of my career choice, but I do know that you get what you pay for, as some of the brides have said in previous posts. If you comission the resort photographer, be prepared for disappointment... I'm sure this isnt true in all cases. It may be a good idea for someone who is concerned to start a thread asking folks to post their "resort photographer pictures" and then do some comparisons...I'd be willing to bet that comparison will make up your mind on the right choice to make!

 

 

Keep in mind that these photos will be your only lasting memory at some point. With the graphic design books available these days, you can end up with one amazing layout that will make your friends cry... I would also recommend picking a day during the week to have your wedding, as the costs may be cheaper (if you are having a foreign photog fly in)...

 

 

Having said all that, I hope that folks will consider to not hire foreign photogs right off the bat, just investigate the regions local talent first. Ask for recommendations, and of course, search here on the BDWF, you are bound to find the right photog!

 

This was not in any way meant to be an advertisement for my services, just an awareness post.

 

PS. Our wedding photog maintains dual citizenship, USA & Mexican

 

Cheers & happy photog hunting!

 

Mateo

 

PSS, investigate the Wedding Photojournalist Association® | WPJA® | Wedding Photojournalism Photos and Wedding Photographers Resources | Reportage and Candid too while considering photogs!

I am paying $1000 for 3 hrs for day of wedding. I honestly don't even know what this includes. I mean I have in in my documents but not here near me. I know I get all the pics on a DVD though.

 

I am just hoping 3 hrs is enough. I love photos and I like to scrapbook, but I am not that into pics and i don't want too many pictures. As of now and that could change, but I am having him forgo the getting ready pics and start w/ ceremony, individual pics after and reception...