As seasoned wedding photographers in Puerto Vallarta, we have captured countless weddings and acquired extensive knowledge of the local market. In this guide, we share our insider’s perspective on hiring a wedding photographer, offering you practical advice to ensure your special day is flawlessly preserved. From costs and packages to the questions you should ask, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!
The process of hiring a wedding photographer in Puerto Vallarta
Choose a photographer with a style that resonates with your taste and vision.
Choosing the right wedding photographer is a personal decision based on your unique taste and vision. We highly recommend choosing a photographer with a look and style that resonates with you. Do you like light and airy or bold and vibrant? Do you like candid and photojournalistic or traditional and posed? Read 7 Wedding Photography Styles To Consider When Hiring a Photographer to learn more.
Decide how many hours you’ll need your wedding photographer and if you’d like a second photographer.
The number of hours you’ll need a wedding photographer depends on the size and complexity of your event. Most weddings require between six and eight hours of coverage, which usually includes getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception. For more extensive celebrations or multiple locations, consider booking your photographer for additional hours. For smaller, more intimate weddings, you may only need around 3 hours of photographic coverage. Learn more about what key moments to cover in our article, The Ultimate Wedding Photography Shotlist.
A second photographer can be a valuable addition to your wedding day team. Having two photographers allows for more comprehensive coverage, capturing different angles and moments simultaneously. This option is especially beneficial for larger weddings or those with multiple locations. Discuss your needs with your primary photographer, and they can help you decide if a second shooter is necessary and worth the additional investment.
Decide whether or not you’d like to include a wedding video in your package.
Many photography studios provide combined photo and video packages, making it convenient for couples to have a cohesive visual style and a streamlined experience.
Typically, videography packages are priced comparably to their photography counterparts. For instance, a 6-hour photography package priced at $2,000 could be accompanied by a 6-hour videography package for an additional $2,000, bringing the combined expense to $4,000 USD.
Videography packages typically comprise a 30-60 second Instagram teaser, a 5-minute highlight reel, and a 45-minute full wedding day film. The pricing is generally based on the duration of video coverage, rather than the specific video type. For example, you could hire a videographer for a 6-hour duration at a cost of $2,000, allowing you to select from options such as an Instagram teaser, a highlight reel, or a complete wedding day film.
Narrow down your list and schedule meetings.
Once you narrowed down your list, you can begin scheduling appointments to meet your photographer. Here are some basic questions to ask your potential photographer. And remember, at the end of the day, you want to make sure you like your photographer. This is the person you will be spending a lot of time with on your wedding day!
- Are you available on our wedding date?
- Can we see a full gallery from a recent wedding?
- What is your photography style?
- What is included in your wedding photography packages?
- Do you have backup equipment and a plan in case of an emergency?
- What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Hire your photographer as far in advance as possible.
The sooner you book your wedding photographer, the better. As a rule of thumb, we recommend booking your photographer at least 12 to 18 months in advance to ensure their availability. This timeline is especially crucial for popular wedding dates and high-demand seasons in Puerto Vallarta.
Communicate your vision and expectations.
Share your preferences, ideas, and expectations through mood boards, examples of desired shots, and open discussions about your wedding’s style and theme. A Pinterest board is a great way to share your wedding day vision for your photographer.
The costs of hiring a wedding photographer in Puerto Vallarta
The cost of a wedding photographer in Puerto Vallarta varies based on factors such as their experience, style, and package offerings. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 for an experienced photographer to capture full-day coverage of your wedding day. Of course, costs will vary based on the photographer’s experience and the number of hours he or she will cover.
It is common practice to pay a deposit or retainer to secure your wedding photographer’s services for your chosen date. This payment typically ranges from 25% to 50% of the total package price. The remaining balance is usually due closer to the wedding date, often 30 days before the event. Be sure to discuss payment terms with your photographer and review the contract carefully before signing.
Keep reading: How Much Should a Wedding Photographer Cost in Mexico?
FAQs
Q: How many photos should I expect from my wedding photographer?
A: The number of photos you receive from your wedding photographer will vary based on the hours of coverage and the style of photography. Generally, you can expect between 50 and 100 images per hour of coverage. It’s essential to discuss your expectations with your photographer to ensure you’re on the same page.
Q: What is a wedding photography shot list?
A: A wedding photography shot list is a detailed outline of specific images and moments you want to be captured during your wedding day. This list helps ensure that your photographer is aware of your priorities and can plan accordingly. While it’s essential to trust your photographer’s creative vision, providing a shot list helps guide them and ensures you receive the images most important to you. Here’s an example of key moments typically included in a wedding photography shot list: “Getting Ready,” “First Look,” Ceremony, Family and Group Portraits, Couple’s Portraits, and Reception. Download our free wedding photography checklist.
Q: How are wedding photos professionally edited?
A: Professional wedding photographers use advanced editing software, such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, to enhance and refine your images. This process may include adjustments to exposure, color balance, contrast, and sharpness. Additionally, photographers may apply artistic touches, such as filters or presets, to achieve a cohesive look that aligns with their signature style.
Q: What should I consider when deciding between a local and a destination wedding photographer?
A: Consider factors like familiarity with the location, travel expenses, style compatibility, and potential communication barriers when choosing between a local and destination wedding photographer.
Q: How can I make sure my wedding photos and videos will be safely stored and delivered?
A: Ensure your photographer and videographer use secure storage methods, such as cloud storage and multiple backup devices, and clarify their delivery process for edited photos and videos.
Q: What is the typical turnaround time for receiving my edited wedding photos and video?
A: The typical turnaround time for edited wedding photos and videos is 4-12 weeks, but it may vary depending on the photographer and videographer’s workload.
Q: Do wedding photographers offer engagement and pre-wedding photo sessions?
A: Many wedding photographers offer engagement and pre-wedding photo sessions as standalone services or as part of their wedding packages.
Q: How do I handle unexpected weather or other challenges on my wedding day in terms of photography?
A: Develop contingency plans with your photographer and wedding planner to address potential weather issues or other unforeseen challenges on your wedding day and make sure they are clearly stated in your contract.
Q: What is the standard practice for providing meals and breaks for my photographer during the wedding day?
A: Typically, couples provide meals for their photographer during the wedding, and they schedule breaks around key moments to ensure continuous coverage.
Conclusion
With its abundance of wedding venues and vendors, beautiful tropical backdrops, and near-perfect weather throughout the year, Puerto Vallarta stands as a dream destination for weddings. However, selecting the ideal wedding photographer to skillfully capture your special day is crucial. By planning ahead and trusting your instincts, you can ensure a memorable experience. You can also read Top 10 Wedding Photographers in Puerto Vallarta: Cost Comparison and Reviews for a curated list of the top-rated photographers in the area. Should you require assistance from a knowledgeable local wedding photographer at any stage of your planning journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Are you looking for a wedding photographer for your destination wedding in Mexico?
Chas Photography has an instantly recognizable aesthetic, defined by the soft, organic, and classic qualities that film provides. As a bespoke photography service, we apply a highly personalized and hand-crafted approach to each and every wedding. Our team goes above and beyond for our clients to stay true to our mission: to provide a one-of-a-kind wedding experience! Submit an application to receive a custom quote.
