photographer question

So I have looked into so many photographers, both in mexico and here in mass that I could fly down and any way I look at it, my pics are going to cost me about $3500-4000. It's just not in our budget. So what I was thinking of doing is using the resort photographer and buying one of the small pkgs, and then, when that person is done, (they don't take that many) I was going to have my sister do some of our pictures. She's taken photography classes, has a professional camera, and is trying to start a photography business. So this would be great for her portfolio & great for our wallet.

 

The only reason I didn't want to ask her to do this was because she is my maid of honor (hence she's in the ceremony) and because I want her to be able to enjoy the reception. But really I just want her to do a lot of pictures of the two of us and then maybe take a few at the reception. She's already offered, what do you girls think?

We are doing something kindof similar with Aaron's cousin. We paid $700 to have Manuel Burgoin for 2 hours and then his cousin is going to take over for the rest of the pics. It's not like they are going to be taking pictures constantly so they can still enjoy themselves, particularly if they have offered to do it. When is your wedding? I can let you how it goes for us in January if you'd like.

yes, I'd love to know how it goes for you, my wedding is next october. I think the photgrapher package with the resort was about $600 and it is about 60 pics in assorted sizes. My thinking is that I want to spend the majority of my money on activities for the two of us and on our honeymoon, that's where most of our money is going.

don't skimp on photos...trust me on this...i did not think i would care much about my photos and almost just winged it with friends that have photography background etc. but i am so glad i sucked it up and got a great photographer. it makes aa world of difference. these are your wedding pics that you will look at for the rest of your loves, that your kids and grandkids will look at.

 

we loooove our photos and in hindsight wish we had spent more $$ and got more time with our photographer.

 

you can make it happen...tighten up your budget elsewhere.

How long do you want pictures for because I'm using Juan Carlos Tapia and for 6 hours he was only $2400. Alot of girls on here are or have used him and he is amazing! He seemed really amazing. There are links in here where you can view his work.

 

I think that is nice for your sister as well to take pictures especially because she is going to start a buisness doing that. Just do what ever makes you the happiest!

Good points Tammy. I would say it also depends on how much you trust your sis to take good pictures. I forgot to mention that Aaron's cousin is a professional wedding photographer here in WI with 20 years of experience so we are not really winging it. We trust her 100% to do a good job and would have just had her do the whole thing, but wanted her to be able to enjoy the ceremony and champagne toast before she goes "on duty".

jen, everyone has to do what is best for their situation, but i was just stating that if you had to trim your budget, photography should be the last place you should do it. shave a little $$ off invitaions, or OOT bags before you do it off photography.

i worked as an assistant wedding photographer for 6 years so i am very familiar with weddings...what i hear consistently is that people wish they spent more $$ on their photography...i have to admit, i am one of those brides as well that wishes i had 1 more hour to take my wedding pics...

and steve's mom is a photographer and even teaches photography classes so it was not so much about trusting her to take pics... we wanted her in front of the lens not behind it.

One of my close friends had a mutual friend who is a prof photographer do her wedding photos. He spent most of the day working. So if your sister is your MOH and you want her to enjoy the day I would definitely rec hiring someone.

Thank you everyone for your recommendations. I agree that these pictures are going to be with us forever and that was the one part of the wedding that I wanted to make sure we spent money on. I have seen pictures my sister has taken before and she does do a good job, but obviously she's new at it too. I did email Juan, and I love his work, but for the whole package that he gave me it was going to be $4000. steve thinks that this is way too much to spend on pictures. I don't really agree, but we have to think about keeping this within our budget. It's so hard to decide!

jilly, your wedding isn't for a year...we still have time to find that hidden gem in cancun for you that will work for your budget! i am sure jackie is already on it!!