I've gotten a response from Michael, Riu's Photographer

[Dbld78]

That's bologna man! She got 10 pictures....and from what I saw they weren't anything I would have spent money on....sorry, but I would totally tell him to shove it! I don't understand this whole exclusive contract thing, and having to pay him off to use another photographer....sorry but he sound shady.

[RiuBride2b]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heidi Absolutely not! I have an email from Carolina, Wedding Sales Dept, saying explicitly that I am allowed to use a US photographer as long as the photographer stays the minimum stay at the resort. Michael can't tell me what the resort's policies are. He doesn't work for the Riu. I am confident in the fact that the resort has told me I am allowed to have an oustide photographer. These were the terms: 1. If the photographer is local to Jamaica, you have to pay the breach in contact fee to Michael, and pay for a day pass 2. If the photographer is from out of the country - they need to stay at the resort for the minimum stay (3 nightS)

I have this same email from Carolina as well. Believe me, I will be using this as verification. I am not paying the breach of contract fee.

[Heidi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLyteful Heidi, can you give us Caroline's email address? I want to email her too.

Absolutely; I know I posted this somewhere but I have no idea where. This is teh email I have from her:

Dear Heidi,

Thank you for contacting RIU Sales Wedding Department

What Michael stated in his e-mail is true, Should the photograher be a family member or friend travelling with them they are allowed to take pictures. A local photograher is allowed at fee of uS200 plus the cost for the day pass. This fee is payed to the Photoshop for the breach in contract.


If you shall require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.


Warm Regards,

Carolina Miranda
Sales Wedding Coordinator
Ocho Rios & Negril, Jamaica
Weddings By Riu
America's Division
Phone: + (52) 984 877 23 20
Email: weddings05@riu.com
Wedding Packages by Destination. Honeymoon Holidays. Weddings by Riu

And as far as they are concerned, my photographer is a friend traveling with us.

[PrecisePlans]

I sent Michael a follow-up email to let him know that I would be having a close family friend do some of the photography. I also asked him if he had any streaming video samples of his video work. Here is his response:

 

Hello Marsha,

 

thanks for getting back to me - let me answer your questions:

 

We charge a fee of US 200 for every professional (camera) at the wedding site.

Regardless if it is a guest, a family member or an outside photographer.

Same for video.

I can specify if you like.

 

There are no videos as well as no photos online - we can only present it to each individual couple.

For the video, its too much data to send so you can have a look at a couple of videos at the resort if you like to do so.

[AlmostMrsForbes]

I'm sorry, but that is crap. He sent me like 50 sample pictures (maybe more). Additionally, he told me that there was only a charge if the photog was a professional.

[Nic Dragomire]

Just from what I have read in this post... the guy is as shady as they come, preying on uneducated brides.

 

Here is what I would do:

 

1~ write Carolina, and ask her specifically about the photography restrictions.

2~ print out her email back to you and take it with you, you may want to print out a couple of copies.

3~ ask Carolina if this Michael bothers you, your guests, or your photog, what should you do... ie. call her, call security

 

when this Michael character come up to bother you... hand him her email response allowing the outside photog.

[Nic Dragomire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by md_ocr I sent Michael a follow-up email to let him know that I would be having a close family friend do some of the photography. I also asked him if he had any streaming video samples of his video work. Here is his response: Hello Marsha, thanks for getting back to me - let me answer your questions: We charge a fee of US 200 for every professional (camera) at the wedding site. Regardless if it is a guest, a family member or an outside photographer. Same for video. I can specify if you like. There are no videos as well as no photos online - we can only present it to each individual couple. For the video, its too much data to send so you can have a look at a couple of videos at the resort if you like to do so.

maybe the reason why he doesn't have photos online is because a monkey with a camera could do better! these are the kinda people that give us photogs a bad name, and it really gets to me
• ask him who "we" is
• ask to see some documentation from the hotel with this info on it... he is twisting the truth..

[jajajaja]

Oh my. So much drama for your girls to have to prepare for. I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have to carry around documentation on your wedding day just in case someone starts hounding you. I hope it works out so there is no stress!

[PrecisePlans]

i just sent an email to Carolina in at the headquarter's office. Hopefully, she can send me RIU's policy on this situation.

[twinkletoes]

He is totally full of it! He wants you to pay him a $200 fee for EVERY professional camera he sees at the wedding. Tell him to wait on it, lol. If he's planning on watching the wedding 'uninvited' and actually approaches you or any of your guests, that is on the border of harassement!

 

Thats really one of the most craziest things I've ever heard!!! My boss happens to have a 'professional' camera with the expensive flash sets and all, but he isnt a photographer, he just takes pics as a hobby. I would totally tell Michael to kiss my !

 

But I agree with the other girls, just print all your emails out and take them with you.