CANCUN

HAS ANYONE HEARD OF THE MOON PALACE IN CANCUN I WAS TOLD IT WAS A NICE PLACE FOR A HONEYMOON--IM GETTING MARRIED IN SEPT 00, I REALLY WANTED TO GO TO SANDALS BUT IM TO WORRIED ABOUT THE WEATHER SO A FRIEND SAID I SHOULD TRY MOON PALACE, ITS SUPPOSED TO BE ALOT LIKE SANDALS IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFO PLEASE HELP - THANKS

Dear Jeannine, There are many factors involved, i.e. budget, importance of photography to you, personal artistic sensibility, etc. It depends which style of photography appeals to you. Traditional photography means that there are a certain number of pictures that are "traditionally" taken at every wedding. Make sure that the studio provides the quality that you desire in the price range that you can afford. If you care about a personal relationship with your photographer, than make sure you know who's pictures you are looking at and be sure to meet the photographer before the wedding. To me, one of the most important aspects of choosing a photographer is your rapport with the people you will be working with. Most studios take the same number of photos at each wedding. See if you can determine how many proofs are traditionally taken (an average of 200-500). How do you feel about posing? Do you prefer spending a long time posing for formal portraits (often as long as two hours) or would you rather be enjoying your party and interactions with guests. Do you like black + white? The best way to do black + white pictures is with black + white film + separate cameras already loaded with that film. Do you mind posing for more pictures during the reception?

The alternative is so-called photojournalistic wedding photography, which has come into vogue in the past 2-3 years and has become the latest fad, or trend (I've been doing this style for 10+ years) Photojournalism implies taking many pictures in a spontaneous, candid way. That means an average of 500-1000 pictures. It is best done with two photographers (one doing formal, traditional usually in color; while the second photographer does all candid, usually in black + white.) If you like this style, then make sure that every album you look at looks different and reflects the personalities of the people being photographed. Every wedding needs to be different. Formal portraits are generally done more quickly (less than an hour) The photographers need to be more unobtrusive and not interrupt you as much. Most studios are now offering aspects of this approach as an add-on. Ask to see sample albums from years ago to check out how long they've been using this approach, or if it is relatively new to the studio. The best way to be sure that they are being spontaneous in their approach is whether or not they charge for each picture exposed. If they don't, and say that "unlimited" pictures are included, than you can be sure they are working within a set budget that includes a certain limit on film and processing costs. If they tell you that the best way to do black + white is by using color film and then printing in black + white, (the best of both worlds!) then that means they are using one camera and one photographer and do not have the flexibility to work both mediums (and you're likely to print maybe a few in black + white-not hundreds.) This style generally costs more, since there are more proofs and two photographers.