Destination wedding tips

[todd_a]

Wow! I was going to put a bid in to tag along, but I dont want to get arrested and have my gear Mexi-Jacked!

[janetg]

i dont think you should be too scared to go - i think you should be informed... know the law, get all the facts you can, speak to the couple so they can let people know not to refer to you as the 'professional' photographer - and make sure that THEY have spoken to the resort area you will be in and have cleared everything ahead of time.

in the story where the girl was arrested, the resort wedding coordinator turned her in -

[Tom]

Originally Posted by janetg

i dont think you should be too scared to go - i think you should be informed... know the law, get all the facts you can, speak to the couple so they can let people know not to refer to you as the 'professional' photographer - and make sure that THEY have spoken to the resort area you will be in and have cleared everything ahead of time.

in the story where the girl was arrested, the resort wedding coordinator turned her in -

Which is why you should NEVER operate illegally. Especially in a country like Mexico that doesn't exactly have a sterling legal system reputation.

If you go there without the proper business, you are risking being locked up in a Mexican jail. Is that really worth it? Plus as a professional, you should act like a professional and that includes abiding by all laws in the countries you work in.

[wildhorserunphotography]

I'll do some research on the laws, I do NOT want to end up in a Mexican jail. Thats no place for a lady like me.

[phillip ino]

Originally Posted by janetg

hill and usher does not cover it.

Hill & Usher DOES cover it. Unless they're lying to me..

[janetg]

when i spoke to them, they told me no - if you hear something different, please let me know, cause i'm going to chew some rear end..

[phillip ino]

I have my inland marine portion of the policy enhanced with intl. equip. coverage.

[khatley]

Originally Posted by Tom

Which is why you should NEVER operate illegally. Especially in a country like Mexico that doesn't exactly have a sterling legal system reputation.

If you go there without the proper business, you are risking being locked up in a Mexican jail. Is that really worth it? Plus as a professional, you should act like a professional and that includes abiding by all laws in the countries you work in.

Follow Tom's advice and you will loose the gig. Have the B and G treat you like uncle tom with a camera or you will end up not being allowed to shoot at all. It's not just a legal thing, it is a money thing..some hotels want you to use their photographers and will make it very unpleasant if you announce that you are an outside professional. I shot a wedding in Turks in June and the Bride tried to go the proper route and they said no photographers allowed after they already bought my tickets. They never had an issue one once I was there and went out of their way to accommodate me and my gear. The hotel makes a commission off of everything brought on property and they will do what they can to bring their own people, do not bring it up or you are asking for trouble. Get a think tank security that locks and no one will know it is camera gear, if they search your bag at the airport say you are a tourist and do not mention the wedding.

[janetg]

the easiest route..is if you have had a passport for at least a year, do the legal thing. the business license from the consulant is like under $50 and could save your butt.

if you can't do that, as in my case - be extra careful! and have a great time - i did!

[Tom]

Originally Posted by khatley

Follow Tom's advice and you will loose the gig. Have the B and G treat you like uncle tom with a camera or you will end up not being allowed to shoot at all. It's not just a legal thing, it is a money thing..some hotels want you to use their photographers and will make it very unpleasant if you announce that you are an outside professional. I shot a wedding in Turks in June and the Bride tried to go the proper route and they said no photographers allowed after they already bought my tickets. They never had an issue one once I was there and went out of their way to accommodate me and my gear. The hotel makes a commission off of everything brought on property and they will do what they can to bring their own people, do not bring it up or you are asking for trouble. Get a think tank security that locks and no one will know it is camera gear, if they search your bag at the airport say you are a tourist and do not mention the wedding.

I'd rather lose a gig than be in Mexican jail.

[FireHeart Photography]

I agree with Tom - you have to do this legally - even it it means not doing the gig... you do not want to mess with the mexican authority or make someone mad... they may not lock you up but they can harrass you and your couple... I had a run in with the mexican police in Puerto Vallarta during a hurricane that hit there while I was there and I was documenting it. It scared me enough that I wouldn't dare take a job there without getting info in writing prior to going... Don't mess with Mexico... they don't take kindly to gringos who don't follow their laws.