Photographer Update...

[fudgie]

So, I got in touch with Roly - the local Varadero photographer and he had sent me some pictures of other weddings. While the photos were great, a great price and he was totally nice I felt that I was going to still look around.

 

I found another professional photographer who is now based in Havana, and emailed back and forth with them for a while. They were very accommodating and understood that I had a specific budget. While they did up a package specifically for me and emailed me the forms to fill out. I thought the package was great but wasn't sure if I needed so many hours on the wedding day because we aren't doing a reception. Anyways, a week later and before I filled out the forms I emailed them and asked if is was necessary for that many hours - but still said go ahead and email me the paypal request for the deposit. The next day they said that they were no longer available for my wedding date I emailed back and asked if it became available then please let me know and asked if they were still available to do a TTD in Havana the following week (which I was so looking forward to) - I haven't heard anything back. So, I am disappointed and kicking myself thinking that they just got fet up with me. I feel stupid and think that maybe I shouldn't have asked them to reduce the hours but I really didn't think I wouldn't need so many. He was a great photographer and I am wondering if I handled everything (the communication) wrong?

[AnyafromCineart]

Hi Fudgie,

Did you contact Abel? He is pretty busy - he may just book another wedding (especially because I promoted him in few places).

Cubans don't have unlimited access to the internet, he may be just unable to contact you.

You won't be able to send deposit to hold your date - but if there is any formal contract or form - I will try to book firm ASAP.

I wouldn't bargain with the price - if he already gave you option based on your budget.

I can tell you from my photographer view - when bride try to bargain to much - is a red flag - I won't book her because she doesn't value my artwork, time and person.

This may be a cause - as Cubans have to pay a lot to be able shoot your wedding, they don't have an access to equipment at the fair price, they have probably to pay something under the table for resort to get in.

Life there is more expensive then in Canada - trust me.

 

 

The other thing - most of resorts don't allow Cuban photographers in, you will have to go with the resort photographer or bring photographer from Canada as a guest.

Contact me if you have any questions - we have been to Cuba about 6 times (living there as well for a 6 months), we have a lot of friends there. I know couple more photographers in Varadero and area - but the style can be little bit shocking.

 

Best of luck with planning!

[jackobelle]

Sorry that happened, Fudgie! Maybe they had someone who got a bigger package and signed right away, or maybe something else came up. I hope you hear back and can at least do a TTD with them. Could they recommend another photogapher to you? Does your resort have a photographer?

 

I think it is difficult communicating over email...good luck, and let me know if there is anything I can do!

[fudgie]

Thanks jackobelle for the offer I just think I must have miscommunicated with them because they never did email me back.

[Dmitri_Markine]

On my last trip to Cuba, I talked to a local photographer for an hour and he said he has to work under the table as much as he can or the government takes most of his money(communism?) Basically, their government can't allow photographers make $400-500/wedding, while others make that amount in a year. Chances are, you shouldn't try to persuade them to do it under the table. Their communication lines are being watched(according to him),so if anything, they usually are more willing to negotiate in person. Still,their camera equipment suffers quite a bit. The cameras he showed me were so old and rusty, it was painful to watch. If it breaks, it can take up to 8 months to get it fixed, as they have to send/receive it through someone else.

Cuba is still one of the happiest countries on the planet!!