Comments on: Wedding in Mexico: Hire local or bring a destination wedding photographer?

By: adherentofgod

adherentofgod — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 06:01:36 +0000

If there are no familiar people you know, you’d be better bring one from US

By: Christine S

Christine S — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:12:28 +0000

That’s a great question!

Given that you’ve not been able to find a local photographer who really fits with you and your groom, I would suggest going with a destination photographer (check WPJA.com for great referrals).

My biggest piece of advice when hiring a destination photographer is to interview them, get to know them, review their portfolio (online or otherwise). Most often if you’re comfortable with the person, you’ll be happy with the results. It’s when you don’t click that communication problems (and expectations on either side) can cause problems.

Also, with hiring a local photographer you’ll encounter the disadvantage of working long distance after the wedding – and if you’re getting albums (which it sounds like you are) that could turn out to be a pain.

Either way, choose someone you click with.

Best of luck!

By: basketcase88

basketcase88 — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:14:38 +0000

Well, the photographs are the one part of your wedding day that lasts beyond the wedding day, so I usually strongly encourage my brides that if you’re going to splurge in one area, make it photography and you won’t be disappointed. As far as your friend’s experience, without knowing details I would have to assume that she didn’t check out the photographer in advance. Even in Mexico, you can check out photographers in advance, and it’s well worth your while to do so. If the resort that you’re having your wedding at has a photographer, then ask to see copies of his/her work. Ask if he/she has a website, many do.

There’s really no right or wrong answer here, it’s what you feel comfortable doing. You might feel that you can’t find out enough about local photographers in Mexico that it’s worth paying someones travel expenses to have someone you KNOW will do a good job for you. And, if you’re paying travel expenses, you’re not stuck with photographers who are local to you. I would suggest you really spend some quality time finding a photographer that you feel comfortable with, you’ll be happy you did in the long run.

Good luck!

By: SChi25

SChi25 — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:34:36 +0000

I would start to research photographers that you like that specialize on destination weddings. Then start to get quotes that include the travel fees. It’s better to go with someone you’ll trust rather than taking a risk, as you seem to understand. I’m with you, I would never use the “package” photographer. The photos will last forever, you want good ones!

If the photographer prices are a little higher than you expected because of the travel fees, see if you can cut costs elsewhere to make up the difference. For example, only have ceremony bouquets and boutionniers (Mexico should be pretty enough without elaborate decorations!), or get a smaller cake or cut your guest list. There will be plenty of ways to make it work

Hope this helps. Happy planning!

By: SirenSong

SirenSong — Fri, 29 May 2009 20:53:31 +0000

Only you can decide that. The all-inclusive photographer probably won’t be the same quality or get the type or quantity of pictures that you want. If you want a small handful of pictures that are strictly formal posed shots, then go with the local photographer since that is all they do.