Azul Sensatori Brides - POST HERE!

Hey some photographers will not charge you for the actual "package" if you fly them down and put them up at the resort. It may cost you $2000 to pay for their travel but they won't charge for anything else. Also, I remember Kittenheart's photographer had a special going on at one point (he may still have it). He didn't charge you to travel. He said as long as you purchased a package, he would not charge for travel. ALSO, email every photographer you like. A lot of photographers are trying to get into the destination wedding market, so they may give you a good deal, just to get some exposure. Just do your research!

They don't really tell you about the kids menu unless you ask, and yes the kids menu is FREE. Don't let them make you try to pay. It's possible your WC is confused and thinking that you want the kids to eat the surf and turf with the adults. If you do that, then it's half price. We had 6 kids at ours; 2 ate the adult meal at half price and the other 4 ate for free off the kids meal.

Something like that. You're right that we had a lot of time for pictures for just the two of us. We had a 4:00 ceremony and a 6:30 reception start time. The ceremony ended at 4:30 and we did a 1/2 hour of group pictures. Then we sent everyone off to fend for themselves for 1.5 hours while we did our pictures. I'm pretty sure most of our guests went to Aquanox to hang out. I purposely scheduled it that way for two reasons: to have a lot of picture time and so that we weren't pushing up against sunset for our pictures.

I love it that you emphasized 'husband'! You're sooooo close!!!!

Valid points and that may be the case sometimes, but with anything buyer beware. Be careful with someone who is willing to do it on the cheap for a "free vacation". It will likely be fine, but you never know. Not trying to hate on anyone or scare anyone.

I am one of those photographers trying to break into the specific area around Puerto Morelos. I am a full time photographer for the past 6 years and shoot 25+ weddings a year. I have a handful of DWs and hope to do more soon.
While I am "working with" my first few clients on pricing, I am also sensitive to my peers in the area and those coming down to do the same work. There is no point in undercutting the locals and having them not happy with us. With that in mind I have taken the time to meet with one local team while down on vacation. I think communication among peers is important. I want to have someone I can possibly turn to in the event of an emergency. We are guests on their turf and should act accordingly.

While I enjoy coming down to paradise to do what I love to do, I am also a full time photographer and traveling for weddings is still work. I also think it is important to be legit with the authorities and the resorts. I have heard of plenty of photographers that fly under the radar as another "guest". That may work almost every time, but I'd hate to see what happens if something goes wrong. I listened to my peers and took the time to get my FM3, it was very easy and worth the peace of mind for me and my clients.
My intention is to book in Mexico where my family has a home, during the slow season here in Cleveland, November to April.

Speaking of breaking into the area, I want to thank Wendy for giving me my first MX DW and I am looking forward to photographing Merideth's wedding in November.

Please excuse any perceived harsh tone or negativity, it is not intended at all. I LOVE what I get to do! I am just laying out my personal opinions. Sometimes tone can not come across in writing.

Congratulations and Best Wishes! I hope to get to work with more of you soon.

Andrew, all valid points! It's extremely important to be sensitive to the locals, especially if you're trying to make a good name for yourself.

 

I feel that you get what you pay for, especially for wedding pictures. It's hard to expect spectacular, take-your-breath-away pictures if you're not willing to pay for it.

 

I have a horror story that hit too close to home for my brother. Long story short, he chose to splurge on having a live salsa band at his wedding and then skimped on the photographer. They went with a local up-and-coming girl who was trying to break into the wedding business. Turns out her camera malfunctioned and the shutter didn't open. And she didn't realize it They have NO WEDDING PICTURES after the ceremony, well except for the ones we all sent them from our own cameras! Terrible, terrible, worst-case scenario.

Oh my lord...that is AWFUL!!! Seriously, your poor brother, that would absolutely break my heart.

Andrew, I totally get what you're saying. I wouldn't necessarily feel right asking someone to take time out of their lives to fly to Mexico and follow me around for a few days, and then not pay them for that time.

At the same time, though...the relationship with the local photographers is being put at risk by the resort's policy, not by you. Seems like it would be better suited for them to direct their ire at the resort.

I'm still trying to work with Tiffany, so it's very possible I may make some headway from that avenue...we'll see. She's actually been very receptive to my complaints, which I'm appreciating

Thank you ALL for your awesome suggestions...I don't know what I'd do without you ladies!

Wendy,

Does that mean I delievered take-your-breath-away pictures? You have certainly express your happiness with the pictures, but that is a phase I'd be happy to be attached to.
Of course if you didn't mean that, then I am kinda set my self up here :0.

Is this a serious question?! I ask as I sit at my desk chuckling. You know me better than that!

You officially have my permission to attach "provides take-your-breath-away pictures!" to your trademarked tagline

I think you should make a jingle out of it!!!

Yes we are definitely having 90+ people...we already have 85 booked! We invited everyone we would have invited if we got married locally and thought not that many people would be able to come. But we've been surprised, about 50% of people are coming.

Wow that is amazing!!! Well, AB will not disappoint!