New Barcelo Maya Photographer policy (NO OUTSIDE PHOTOGS)

I understand that the resort wants to keep business with the photographer they have on hand. I know that I, too was considering the Barcelo Maya Palace because it's simply stunning and seems to have everything I could ever want in a resort... But how unfair is it to paying customers that we cannot make our own decisions and bring our own vendors if we are paying for them and would be willing to pay an additional fee (guest pass or what have you)

 

What about if you were to simply have an extra 'guest' that the bride and groom pay for, yet still use the hotel's photographers as well?? If that person just happened to show up with some cameras.. what would be the worst that could happen if they stayed there?

 

I'm sure these have been asked and answered several times over, as I have read many of the threads for this resort. This is by far my BIGGEST concern and worry for when we do book... Being a "noob" I'm not too sure how all of these things work, since we're just starting to plan.

 

Do you all think there is something we can do? Maybe flood the resort with emails, phone calls, pleas?? Something... anything...?? At best, anyone have any ideas/suggestions/ things that have worked in the past? I have seen several brides on here that were at the Palace and had their own photog. when it was switched back to the no outside vendors policy?

 

Any suggestions would be helped! I was really bummed when I read this!

Unfortunately, this idea is not going to work for del Sol photographers and 99.9% of other photographers we know... We contract that we are the only exclusive photographer "on duty" on your wedding day because doubling up on photographers is a huge conflict of interest for 3 parties, the primary photog, the hotel photog and the B&G.

Why?

If a photographer has to compete for the same shot, its a pushing match because we both must try to do our best. The other photographer is likely in the frame or just doesnt care...it is our worst nightmare come true. B&G looses big time because instead of documenting the event, we compete to document the event... time and energy not focused on the task at hand.

Most photographers that I know feel the same way....

When hotels package a group of options for a bride and groom and say "BOOK THIS OR ELSE" then usually, they have one thing at the end of the day that is of the best interest of someone....the hotel.

Unfortunately, us "photographers" can't do anything about these concepts but make the public aware.... In reality, its the brides and grooms and travel agencies and BDWF that have the loudest voice of all.

I too am curious if the photographer is a guest if that would be okay.. The barcelo maya palace is my #1 resort choice and this just plain sucks...

Just book the photographer as a guest at the hotel. You can even book them for 1 night in your same hotel room or at the Beach/Caribe for cheaper. They aren't really staying the night there, they just need a bracelet & to show they are a 'guest' of the hotel.

 

We did this & got a room for our Videographer & Photographer for $150 total, much cheaper than the $300 & the WC was fine with that. Not happy, but fine.

Luckily we told Gabriela before the 7th that we had an outside photographer who we had already booked, and she said we will just need to pay the $300 fee. I'm going to do what Sunshinekc did and have him stay a night at one of the other Barcelo's.

I purposely picked a resort because I could bring in outside vendors (even though it costs me money to do so). I would never get married somewhere that doesn't allow me options on my vendors...especially when the prices for the in house vendors seem to be rather high, for much less then you get with an outside vendor. I hope people start talking with their wallets and wake these resorts up.

Thanks for the heads up Matt. I too hope they will change this policy. Brides should be allowed the freedom to choose to bring in which vendors they prefer especially if they're paying as a guest (ie. outside photographer flown in).

I was just wondering if there are any follow up experiences from brides who have been dealing with the run around / sneak vendor in / red tape process to get the photographer into the hotel.

 

The fee system, although no longer available, made things legitimate vs trying to get in under the radar. I just know that everybody sleeps better at night knowing things are taken care of.

 

Any thoughts on the happenings with this hotel lately? Anybody want to share your experience with this new hotel policy recently?

 

Anybody had any good or unforgettable experiences from www.fotocaribbean.com.mx

that they would like to share? Reviews Please!

My wedding is in May 2010 and I was in the process of booking my photographer when this new policy was announced. I sent my coordinator an email explaining that I had already booked my photographer from the US and she will be staying at the resort as a guest. I received an email in return stating that this was OK. There was no mention of having to pay an extra fee, and I would think not since I'm paying for a 4 night stay for my photog!!! From what I have read from other brides, they are allowing outside vendors onto the property to photograph weddings, but the couple or the vendor must pay for at least one nights stay on the property (any of the 5 hotels).. I will be sure to take the email with me just in case any problems should arise once we get there....