Photographer: to bring along or hire local

Hi! I am debating a photographer. This is a priority for us, but we don't have tons of money either. Originally, we were looking to hire someone local to DR, and we found someone we liked. Haven't booked yet or anything. Then we were going to rely on our friends and family for other pictures. 

We are not getting married in a very touristy area. So we would be paying for our photographer, plus day passes, and I want to add on a TTD. 

Is it maybe better to hire someone here to take along? I haven't really looked into this option, but now I am thinking about it. 

What do you ladies think? I would like to hear your opinions and experiences.

I would suggest to definitely hire a photographer and do not use the resort one.  Especially if you already know that photos are important to you. 

We used the resort photog and it's my one big regret from our wedding.  I thought I would be able to get pictures from our guests as well, but none are pro quality and honestly, there just really aren't any good ones.  And the resort photog wasn't very good so we didn't' even purchase any of those pictures.

No, I'm not debating using the resort photographer. I meant an actual photographer in the country. We are getting married in samana and he is from punta canal. Reputable too. Still not sure though.

Ohhh I would like his information if you don't mind.

You'll have to weight the costs.  How much to hire the photographer you like vs.  bringing someone from home.  Is the person from a home a pro?  Will you have to pay airfare, accomodations, AND for the pics?  Sounds like more money!

Im probably bringing someone from home as i havent really found anyone in jamaica i like except michael saab but his prices are high. For me to bring a professional from home (with just as amazing work) i got quoted 2000 plus air and hotel which will be about 3500 total and for that price i get a full 10 hour day of shooting and a ttd shoot the next day. 3500 with michael saab only got me 5 hours of coverage and thats it.

so really you just have to look at what each is willing to do for you and how it compares. the photographer im bringing normally charges almost 5000 for a 10 hour day for a local wedding but for destination she drops it and throws in the ttd shoot for free because she gets a vacay out of the deal.

Originally Posted by Oct 2012 Bride 

 

Ohhh I would like his information if you don't mind.

Was this directed at me?

If so, I am very interested in Michael Weiler. Here is his address:

http://www.weddingpuntacana.com/

I am also interested in a photographer from here, who is trying to get into destination weddings, and her price is much more negotiable. 

Pictures and video is the most important thing to me, so I am really torn on this. I guess I will keep talking to each, and see what they can tell me about price.

I should mention, there were 3 photographers I researched for the Samana area. I liked the style of a different one more, but there was no way we could afford everything we wanted from her. This was a compromise... I think it is nice, I am not totally in love, but pretty happy, and they seem pretty good and you can get a lot.

Originally Posted by Tlseege 

 

You typically get more bang for your buck when you fly in a photographer, but that doesn't always make it the right choice.  But from what it sounds like, I think flying someone in will be the best option. 

 

Just for price comparison... and EVERYONE is different, but I photograph destination weddings for $1,000 plus travel.  It's extremely cheap but I love S

Hi Tlseege

You seem a real expert in destination weddings so wonder if you can assist me. We have been to the Bahia Principe chain of hotels for the last 15 years, having been to Mexico 3 times before we have just booked to get married there in June 2013 at Tulum Gazebo. ALthough only just booked Im a control freak and need to be organised, my main concern is the Photographer - read many onflicting reports of  Arrecife Studio . . . .

We have booked the Sunshine package but I'm keen to know (like yesterday) whats the story with the photographer and I cant see any details on either their website or FB page of costs or how long do they actually spend with you during the day.  Yes you get 10 photos in the package but what size photo's? whats the cost for additional photos?  How many photos do they take? can you buy the CD of all the photos?  

Any information would be greatly apprecaited.

Many thanks Kirstin X

I apprecaite we have only just booked and the Wedding Co-ordinator will be able to advise but would liek to be ahead of the game