the big guide to picking your honeymoon photographer in the riviera maya

So you plan to honeymoon in the Riviera Maya, Mexico?

Well, aren’t you lucky.

And choosing to have this once-in-a-lifetime holiday captured by a professional honeymoon photographer is even better!

You will be fresh from your wedding, looking your best, and oozing with love for each other. Set that against a backdrop of soft, ivory sand and crystal clear water, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for magical photos you will cherish for a lifetime.

You don’t want to trust these special moments to just any average photographer, obviously. So how do you find the best photographer for you? Where do you even begin?

(PLUS you’ve just finished planning a wedding! We understand that you need this to be E.A.S.Y.)

Don’t worry. We have created this big guide to picking your honeymoon photographer in the Riviera Maya to painlessly help you find the right fit. We are professional photographers in Playa del Carmen and we understand this industry better than anyone. Photography companies in Mexico are all unique, so here’s what you need to consider when weeding through the muck.

Do you like the honeymoon photographer’s style?

This first step might sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many people contact us and ask to see our portfolio. Or they ask about our style in the same breath as they ask for our prices. This definitely gets us off on the wrong foot. Save time by only contacting those photographers who’s style you love. A simple Google search for Honeymoon Photographers in Riviera Maya will get you started with tons of different options. Look at the kinds of photos each photographer takes. Do you like the vibe? Yes? Then send them an email. Simple.

Does the photographer communicate well?

Your initial contact with a lifestyle photographer will tell you all you need to know about how your experience will be with them.

• Do they get back to you quickly, inside 24 hours of your request?
• Do they take the time to write a personalized note instead of sending a canned response?
• Do they answer any questions you asked?
• Are they easy to understand?
• Do they speak English (reasonably well)?
• Do they give you an initial warm, fuzzy feeling?

If the answer is ‘Yes’ to all of the above, then move onto gathering more information.

Is the honeymoon photographer available?

Here is an important step that many couples seem to miss. Before you ask them for a price list, ask them for their availability. It helps to have some flexibility in your schedule, especially with a photographer who is in demand.

How much does honeymoon photography cost?

Although I hate to discuss price right up front, it is sometimes necessary. You have a budget, and you need to find a photographer who’s fee doesn’t break the bank. Make sure that you can afford this photographer before you go any further.

What does the photography package include?

If their price is in line with your budget, then ask about the following in their honeymoon photography package:

• How long is the shoot?
• How many edited images will you receive?
• How will your photos be delivered to you?
• How long will it take to receive your photos?
• Are there any additional fees, such as travel expenses or taxes?

What about honeymoon photography locations?

Here is an important point to consider if you are staying at a resort in the Riviera Maya; most resorts will charge you an outside vendor fee to bring your chosen photographer onto the premises. If you are firm that you want the photographer to come to you, then be sure to ask your resort for their current outside vendor policy.

However, we always suggest having the session at a location with public access that is close to our client’s resort, in order to save them the ridiculous resort fee. So ask your photographer if they will consider this option, and if so, where they like to go.

Also, make sure that you communicate your vision for your location. Do you want honeymoon photos on the beach, in the jungle, or on a vibrant Mexican street? Maybe you are hoping for a few different locations for your session, and that’s great! But discuss it up front so that you are all on the same page.

How much experience does the honeymoon photographer have?

Unless you are negotiating a super cheap rate with a budding photographer who is building their portfolio, then you should definitely evaluate their level of experience to make sure you get what you pay for. Don’t bother asking them how many years they have been shooting for because that is irrelevant to someone’s creativity, and people lie. Instead, ask them probing questions like;

• What happens if it rains?
• What time of day do they recommend for the session?
• What should you wear?

Their answers should give you a sense that they are knowledgeable and confident.

How to decide between honeymoon photographers?

You have followed all the steps up to now, but you are still left torn between your choices for top honeymoon photographers in the Mayan Riviera. What should you use as the tie-breaker? We recommend two foolproof strategies:

1. Check out their Google reviews. Former clients are going to be your best gauge of what it is really like to work with this photographer. Listen to what people are saying, and decide if their experience resonates with you.
2. Ask the photographer to see a collection of photos from one lifestyle photography session. All photographers’ portfolios reflect the top 5% of photos taken across different shoots. A more realistic idea of what your own photos will look like comes from looking at someone else’s package.

Now you are armed with all the information you need to pick your honeymoon photographer. All that remains to be done is to secure your date with a deposit. Don’t procrastinate! You are not the only Holidaymaker planning a lifestyle photography session in the Mayan Riviera, and the best photographers in Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Tulum get scooped up fast.

If you are ready to start your search for the best honeymoon photographers in Riviera Maya to capture your vacation of a lifetime, then contact us today! We are Fun In The Sun Weddings, the best lifestyle photographers in Mayan Riviera, Mexico.

What points did you find helpful in picking your photographer? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!