Frequently asked questions about the budget wedding photo and video package

Question 1: We want to keep it as low-budget as possible but want to get a good amount of coverage. How many hours do you suggest we book you for?

If you can swing four hours -- depending on the wedding, of course -- that is a good amount of time to capture your ceremony, all your major events, speeches, well wishes, etc. I would prefer to arrive an half-hour to one hour before your ceremony to set up and take some photos and video of the location, your setting, all your decorations, and the pre-ceremony guitarist. So, if your ceremony starts at 5:00PM, I would arrive at 4:00PM and leave at 8:00PM.

Question 2: We want maximum coverage. How many hours should we have you at our wedding and reception?

Have me there six hours. Allow me to start one hour before the ceremony. If your ceremony is at 5:00 PM, then I arrive at 4:00 PM and leave at 10:00 PM. That is a good amount of time to get all of your festivities, including dancing.

Question 3: We want the one hour coverage. How much can you do in one hour?

Well, I would arrive 15 minutes before your ceremony for a quick setup (normally I would arrive 30 minutes to one hour before). Then allow for a 20 minute ceremony. Then another 15 minutes for family photos. And the last 10 minutes transferring your photos to CD.

At one hour, you won't have time to transfer any video footage to DVD, so you would just have to purchase the original digital video tapes and have it transferred to DVD at a transfer house back home for as little as $20 per DVD.

Question 4: Will you capture our guests' congratulatory comments on video?

Depending on time you have booked me onsite, yes. These comments are often some of the best moments captured. I do not, however, stage interviews with your guests or with the bride and groom. I find the off-the-cuff well-wishes given to the camera to be a lot more natural, sincere, and enjoyable to watch.

Question 5: Is the video documentation edited or unedited?

The video documentation is unedited. An unedited video is a straightforward documentation of your wedding ceremony. The footage is linear, it cuts from one shot to the next, there is no music added nor any manipulation of footage. However, I have great techniques to making this documentation have a smooth flow and, of course, give you nicely composed footage. For "movie style" shot and edited packages, please contact me.

Question 6: Will we be able to make copies of the video documentation on DVD?

Yes. There is no macrovision nor CCS protection on the DVD transfers. You will be able to make VHS copies as well as direct DVD to DVD copies.

Additionally, if you purchase the original digital video tapes, I will not copyright your video documentation. You will have complete ownership of the footage.

Question 7: What format will be the video documentation on DVD? Will it be compatible in my DVD video player or on my computer?

I use the highest quality professional media for maximum compatibility. However, no DVD recordable disc is perfectly compatible with all players on the market. The problem is often with the player itself.

Your video will be encoded as a DVD Video burned on a DVD+R. Though it should be playable in most DVD players, please be aware that some DVD players do not entirely meet the DVD spec. Especially old players or extremely cheap players. Also note that in order for the video to play back on your computer, your computer DVD drive must support the DVD+R spec. But even with the worst case scenario -- that is, the DVD doesn't play back in your particular DVD player nor your computer -- you still can use the DVD as a master disc from which to make copies. You should be able to find a duplicator online to make an inexpensive copy to a DVD-R, which is probably the format you need for your particular player.

Question 8: Should I provide you a meal?

If you have booked me for more than 4 hours, a meal is requested. However, it is not necessary to provide seating at your tables. I will sit and eat the meal at the work table and chair you provide for the equipment and transfers. This will be a work-through meal. I will continue to work throughout the meal.

If you have booked me for 4 hours or less, appetizers and drink are a welcomed courtesy but not required.

Question 9: You advertise photo/video packages as low as $200. But mileage, referral fee, and delivery on media are additional charges. How can I pay no more than $200 as you advertise?

Here is how you can avoid any additional charges from the quoted $200/hour of on-location time and pay as little as $200 minimum for your wedding photos and video documentation:

Avoid mileage fees. Have your wedding at one of these following resorts located south of Playa del Carmen and North of Akumal. There are no mileage charges to your wedding at these resorts.
Provide your own digital video tapes for the camera original. Rules apply. See rules.
Provide your own DVD media. Rules apply. See rules.
Provide your own CD media. Rules apply. See rules.

Question 10: Are your prices negotiable?

I believe I am offering you great value for low cost. I have over thirty years of professional photo/video experience and equipment costs for professional equipment is high. I have structured my packages to be reasonably priced and affordable for any type of budget.

Question 11: What if my ceremony is delayed for any reason the day of the wedding?

If a delay is caused due to rain, the photographer/videographer will stay on-location up to one additional hour for no additional charge. (Rain spurts on the Riviera Maya are rare and, when they do occur, are often very short.) After that time, the hourly fee will kick in. However, during the rain delay, if you would prefer the photographer/videographer take photos and shoot video of your guests while they are all waiting around, then the additional hourly charge to remain on-location will be accessed.

You are charged for the photographer/videographer's on-location time. Any requirements for the photographer/videographer to stay on-location to complete his work due to delays in the program will be billed as

Question 12: What is your payment schedule for deposits?

20% deposit to book your wedding date
40% deposit 60 days before your wedding date
40% balance to be paid in exact change US dollars cash the day of your wedding (bills only, no coins)
Optional 20% markup payment: The above payment schedule reflects a direct order reservation (non-referral) discount. If you came as a referral from a wedding coordinator, an additional 20% markup referral fee is required and due on the day of the wedding in exact change US dollars cash (bills only, no coins).

Question 13: Can I pay the balance by check or traveler's cheque?

Due to problems with cashing checks here in Mexico, I would normally have to charge an extra fee for accepting checks. However, because I am offering a package of immediate turnaround with immediate delivery at a budget rate, I am unable to take checks or travelers cheques for this type of package.

Question 14: Can I pay the balance then by credit card?

Yes, you can. However, if you pay the final 40% balance by credit card, it will be due 45 days before your wedding date. So that the modified deposit payment schedule is as such:

20% deposit to book your wedding date
40% deposit 60 days before your wedding date
the balance of 40% to be paid by credit card 45 days before your wedding date

Question 15: What if I do not pay you the full and final balance that is due on the day of the wedding, including any referral markup fee?

Please note that materials will not be immediately delivered on the wedding day if final payments are not paid and paid in full. Any shortage on final payment and the final materials will be held until payment is made by credit card, as well as additional delivery fees (read, "expensive in Mexico") and any charges for mileage and travel time and for labor necessary to properly prepare packaging and guarantee delivery. In addition, delivery will be delayed a minimum of one month after final payment is made by credit credit.

Question 16: What if my wedding is cancelled? What happens to my deposits?

All deposits are non-refundable. That is why there is a rising percentage the closer we come to your wedding date. It is a confirmation of the contract for both parties. It is a guarantee that you are not canceling the job and a guarantee that I will not book any other paying work during your booked date and time. However, the deposits can be applied to a rescheduled wedding at the same rates up to one year after the original wedding date.

Question 17: Can you send me a demo of your work?

Currently I offer the online video samples as demos. In the future I hope to have a system in place whereby you can order a DVD demo from the U.S. and have it shipped to you without paying exorbitant shipping fees.

Question 18: Can you provide any additional service not listed or give a referral for a musician, DJ, etc.?

Your best source is actually a wedding coordinator. Please see my links page for recommended wedding coordinators. However, to avoid paying a 20% markup referral fee, please contact me first, so that I can drop the coordinator an email that you will be contacting them.

Question 19: I can't seem to get a speedy response from my wedding coordinator. Can you contact them for me?

Wedding coordinators seem to be busy people. Especially during high season. I have no more accessibility than you do. I would suggest being patient and politely persistent with your emails. If you have a phone number, use a voice-over IP company to call the coordinator over the internet, so that you are not billed high long distance fees. I can really do nothing more than you can. Inexpensive Akumal wedding photography and wedding video.