Bringing a Photographer from the States

[JenFL]

I am signing the contract with my photographers soon to lock in my date and was wondering if anyone out there has any tips for bringing your own to the resort. We are paying for their (2) air and hotel (don't know if its going to be at the resort or somewhere else since the resort is expensive). We are also paying for a package (probably the least expensive one) but get the whole weekend (or day) of pictures.

 

I would love some do's/don'ts from ladies out there as this is of course mine and their first time doing an out of the country destination wedding.

 

Thanks!

[nsblum]

Hi Jen, I recently got married in Turks & Caicos. I am from NYC and know a bunch of amazing people here in NY. I was however told that Customs gives a very hard time to vendors who are not from the island. I don't know where you wedding will be, so maybe it's a different scenario, but I'd hate for you to run into any problems. Usually people who don't live on the island/ country where the wedding will take place will have to apply for a work permit, and if they get approved, it's somewhere around $500. They sometimes are given a hard time at the airport, and I also think that local vendors happen to know great spots around the island/ hotel, that maybe a photographer from home does not know of. They also know how the weather is, the lighting, reflections in the ocean, etc, and I think those are all important factors in picture perfect photos. Perhaps you can use this local photographer for your engagement session in your hometown and then you will have beautiful contrasting tropical photos for your wedding. Just thought I'd share my opinion. Best of luck with planning! Enjoy every single minute.

[Aumuller]

I don't think bringing your own photographer is a problem at all. I am bringing mine. However, mine has done DW before. I would suggest that your photographer maybe get in contact with a photographer that has done a DW before and get any details they might need regarding customs.