Destination Wedding...? Bring Your Own Photographer!
- Why bring your own photo/video vendors to your destination wedding? -
One of the main reasons is the Language Barrier. Communication with the vendors who will be filming and editing your ONLY visual memories from your Destination Wedding Week AND your Big Day is very important. For them to understand your vision and for you to get a clear explanation of the terms, conditions, tips and all the details that will make your destination wedding an unforgettable experience. Another reason is based on a fact that (for example) most resort photographers are shooting 2-5 weddings EVERY DAY and if you think they will be able to remember you after you're back home, for any additional services or products - you're mistaken.
For them you're just another client ID number in their endless catalog of clients...
Fun fact - RESORTS NEVER USE THEIR OWN STUDIOS/PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR THEIR COMMERCIAL/ADS...
Let that sink in.
- Comparing "apples to apples" - 9 things to check off when considering a resort photographer. -
(NOTE: ALL those are INCLUDED in MY Destination Wedding Package fees)
1.GEAR - I work only with professional, full frame camera bodies and prime lenses. ✓
2.BACKUP GEAR - As a rule of thumb, I always travel with all my backup gear. ✓
3.BEFORE your Big Day (locations scouting) - I love taking my time to scout for nice photography locations.
That way you will have images with backdrops that are different from what resort photographers will show you,
simply because they do the same poses at the same spots for all their clients. There's nothing like a pair of fresh
and creative eyes, to scout new/different locations for your creative photos after the ceremony... ✓
4. BEFORE your Big Day (details photos) - photos of the rings, gifts and everything along the lines of "details",
might take 1-2 hours to photograph. So, I usually do all those before your wedding day.
That way, we have more time to focus on your Getting Ready part on the day-of. ✓
5. BEFORE your Big Day (fun & romantic photo session on the beach) - not only will you have additional set
of images from your wedding vacation, but this is also another opportunity to get comfortable
in front on the camera before your Big Day. (time permitting) ✓
6. The Wedding Day - starting from the "getting ready" and all the way into the reception party - you get the full day photo coverage
of your festivities (approx 8-10 hours). ✓
7. AFTER your Big Day - I offer the fun, creative and trendy "Trash The Dress" photo session (time permitting). Does not have to be with
your original wedding dress. I will explain everything when the time comes. ✓
8. Let's not forget your family and guests!! - During the week, before or after your Big Day, I will be offering
a COMPLIMENTARY photo session for your immediate family members and 60% off for your others guests.
(30 mins sessions, with collections of 15-20 high res edits). ✓
9. Your Destination Wedding Album... - nothing preserves the highlights and memories from your Destination Wedding,
like a modern wedding album, with an acrylic cover. This one is available at 50% off the regular price, for every destination wedding couple. Parent albums are also at 50% off and with Buy-One-Get-One-Free promo.
(10x10" wedding album with 8 spreads, featuring the highlights from your wedding and vacation week. Parent albums are identical, 6x6", leatherette cover). ✓
- Should you "hire" a photographer offering "free" services, in exchange for their "vacation" cost coverage? -
(Well, two things to consider, as at the end of the day - yes, it's your money, but it's also your Destination Wedding,
that cannot be re-done and you might want to have a reliable, experienced and professional photographer for that matter).
A - in most of the cases, the only way those photographers might get a destination wedding is if they will offer it for free...
They KNOW that if they will charge actual fee for their WORK, they won't be able to book any clients.
You should ask yourself why is that. I'd be very careful with hiring a wedding photographer
who does not VALUE his/her WORK enough to charge for it.
B - if the "free" photographer is able to "check" ALL 9 points mentioned above, by all means hire him/her ASAP
- How to deal with "vendor's fee", charged by the resorts? -
All inclusive resorts have realized that more and more wedding clients are bringing
their own photographers (for obvious reasons) and it's "bad for business".
So, they decided to "fine" the couples with "outside vendor fee", that's supposed to force
them to use the resort vendors. Those go for about $500-$1000 per vendor and depend on the resort.
Some experienced Destination Wedding Planners / Travel Agents have great connections with
different resorts and by working with one like that might help to get those "fines" reduced or even cancelled...
OR - if your vendor is on your "guest" list for your wedding, with minimum 3 nights stay at the resort, the vendor fee most likely will be waived.
(Side note - there's NO COST to the couple, when working with an established, experienced and professional Travel Agent).
If that fee is not cancelled - I can guarantee that it's still worth your money to bring your personal photographer with you.
You will never regret it.
For any questions, concerns and tips - do not hesitate to Contact Me.
I love helping, regardless of who you will be booking.