p.1 #1 · When was your first international affair?
So this morning I had what I'd describe as a "very keen inquiry" from the US (I am in the UK). Whilst weighing it up in my head, I thought I'd drop the question here to see how others with more experience have gauged it in the past. Part of me thinks it would be a great experience, and part of me thinks I perhaps don't have the experience to take it on yet. I've never been to the US, how would I deal with jet lag, adjust to what I imagine are quite different customs during a wedding day... Such things go through my head. But there is always a first, so to speak, so did you know you were ready to take the step, and did you learn anything from that, or about yourself?
p.1 #3 · When was your first international affair?
Totally had a blast. I have shot 2 weddings in Taiwan. The first been 2+ years ago.
Everything, well it seemed like, was backwards as far as time line.
And there are the customs.
Would i do it again .... hell ya.....
It will make you aware of everything and as tony mentioned .... love me some new surroundings.
p.1 #5 · When was your first international affair?
Marcus Watts wrote:
Do it legally. You cannot just come over and work here.
That was one of the other things I would have to look up, but wasn't anything that was playing on my mind in honesty, as it's not something that would "hold you back" so to speak. If you have the time, would you care to share some basic advise on the procedure?
Or if anyone knows where I'd go to find such info, that would be useful. I imagine if some of the work is actually done in the US then it would be taxable by the US somehow? I guess I'd have to know the procedure, and % before quoting, as being taxed on my income twice would not be great!
@Tony & Ziff, thank you, those are interesting ideas. I do know what you mean, I've been to a venue 3 times now and already found myself repeating a few compositions in part, so perhaps a different environment could act as a catalyst.
p.1 #6 · When was your first international affair?
I imagine your travel agent could fill you in. I believe that on the right visa you would pay taxes back home still.
Chances are that unless you are carrying contracts or other evidence of having worked (or intention to) that could be found by a customs officer no one would know.
But if you were denied entry just before a wedding that would obviously have it's own set of problems.
I don't want to poo poo on your opportunity but would hate to see you get burnt too. Just make whatever decision you do with your eyes wide open.
p.1 #7 · When was your first international affair?
Thanks Marcus, I will see what info I can get. And no, you're welcome, you're not being negative or anything, this was the sort of stuff I was looking for (when opening the discussion).
p.1 #8 · When was your first international affair?
I've shot video in many different countries (in my former career) and always found it fascinating. I love working in other countries and cultures. However, it also meant that I had to plan accordingly. If, for example, I needed some rental gear I needed to know in advance where to get it, how much it was going to cost, and how was I going to pick it up or have it delivered. Then there were custom forms I had to carry so that my gear would not be confiscated on my return. Also, I knew that my cell phone would not work overseas so I had to arrange to have a local phone available. Of course there were usually many more details to work out but all these things can be done. I say go for it and enjoy the experience.
Oh...and just so you know.....we talk funny over here and drive on the wrong side of the road
p.1 #10 · When was your first international affair?
I did my first international wedding four years ago in Brazil. It was such a great experience and while I was a bit nervous I realized it was no different than working at a venue you're not familiar with or shooting at a new location. It's just in a different country. I'm actually more afraid of flying then shooting. Since then I've shot at 6 countries around the globe
p.1 #13 · When was your first international affair?
Sergio Mottola wrote:
i went to the dominican republic in early 2010... have since done china, hong kong, taiwan, australia, nz, germany, greece, canada.
don't mention a wedding at the border.
I agree, if you're asked about why you have so much camera gear, say you're going to a workshop. My first international affair was in the UK in 2008. I was deported. Silly 20 year old me told the customs man that I was there to shoot a wedding. Since I've traveled to the US, Mexico, Turks and Caicos and Japan ( Based in Canada )
Work visas are often complicated and expensive. If you go the legal route, make sure you client is aware of those added costs and takes care of them.
p.1 #19 · When was your first international affair?
Sergio Mottola wrote:
i went to the dominican republic in early 2010... have since done china, hong kong, taiwan, australia, nz, germany, greece, canada.
don't mention a wedding at the border.
Also remember that you can be pulled aside for a random check where they go through your bags. If you have a couple of wedding contracts in there, a large supply of business cards etc.
Things that seem obvious but when you hear of stories where people are refused entry to other countries it sometimes comes down to a little bit of paperwork that made someone suspicious.
