Photographer for Sandals wedding

[JennLizFran]

Hello! I am planning an October 2010 wedding at Sandals

(either Ocho Rios or Bahamas). I am looking for a photographer. I know the Sandals rules state no outside vendors, but I am determined to find a way around this! Any photograhers out there who have helped a Sandals bride?

[JessicaPV]

Hi!

 

By reading the thread I am assuming they don't have the "day pass" policy, am I right?

 

I can't see other reason than monetary (having a deal with their "retained" photographer at Sandals) for the policy. Thus, has anybody asked to pay a fee to bring the bride's preferred vendor?

I totally agree with you Alec, don't give it up!

[TATrisha]

Hi!

It has been done. it was posted on here a few months ago. Sadly, I have NO idea where the thread is.

If i recall, the bride had the photographer as a guest at their wedding (paid for a three night stay). Then the bride discussed with the wedding coordinator how the photographer was simply a friend that wanted to also take pictures. I believe they still had to allow the Sandals photographer to do their thing, but the "guest" photographer was still able to capture everything perfectly.

I would talk to the wedding coordinators and see if you could go that route.

[JennLizFran]

I'm thinking that's how I can get around it (have the photographer be a "guest"), but I plan on talking more to my TA about it. I'd like to find a photographer familiar with working at Sandals and destination weddings. Most of our local photographers are willing, but have no experience with it. I'm also looking for someone who may work out travel deals. I want a good photographer, but 2000 for travel fees and another 3-4000 for the services is a bit much!

[TATrisha]

I think finding a photographer who is familiar shooting at Sandals will be tough. because of the rules on outside vendors I don't think a lot of brides have tried it. i know it has been done though. However, finding a photographer with good destination wedding experience and who works out travel deals should not be a problem. This forum will be a great resource for you!

[ipodgirl]

I've heard as long as you are not hiring local professionals to the resort, it's okay to have a guest stand in as a photographer in their properties. Good luck with the search! Feel free to PM with more questions.

[Macphail]

Hey Jenn! We have yet to work at a Sandals resort as brides have been a bit worried about their rules on outside vendors. From what I've heard from fellow photographers, if you call them a friend/guest attending your wedding and just happen to be taking your photos, then you shouldnt' have a problem. It's a great idea to double check with your TA.

 

One way to work within your photography budget is yes to find a photgrapher to bring along with you. There are lots of us out there that are fairly new to destination wedding end and yet have YEARS of experience in wedding photography. Those just starting with DW's are likley to offer better deals (expenses, plus minimal extras) and offer you great coverage.

 

Another thing to keep in mind, is with your wedding being in 2010 you may be able to find another bride gettting married within the same week at the same venue that would be interested in sharing expenses to bring a photographer along.

 

Lots to think about, but please PM any of us and let us know if you have any questions!

 

I'm sure you'll find just the right photographer for you two!

 

Best of luck!

[dinogomez.com]

There are many options around the forum.

[O'Driscoll Photography]

There are quite a few photographers here, so if you haven't already found someone, you should be able to find someone here on the forum who is open on your date.

 

Happy planning!

 

Best wishes,

Tod

[Jeremy Herman PhotoVideo]

Bring your photographer as a guest...they cannot do anything if a good friend of yours is a photographer