Photog needed for Negril...Approx Cost?

*Karla* · March 25, 2009

Hi Ladies!

I am have my wedding at a small resort outside of Negril. They offer photography for the wedding, but it is just someone random who works at the resort. I am interesting in bringing in my own photographer. I have seen so many beautiful pictures by local photographers and was wondering what I should expect to pay for various packages. Nobody seems to have pricing on their websites.

Can you guys tell me what you have found as far as pricing for local photographers? I did a search here, but all I found was comments about how expensive various people were (no actual price).

Also, for those of you having a reception, did you book the photographer to stay for the entire time, or just a couple of hours? One last question...for those of you that have done, or will be doing a TTD session, was that included in your package?

Thank you in advance for any help/suggestions!

nathanielthompsonphoto · March 26, 2009

Hi Karla,

Pricing varies tremendously from photographer to photographer, so its hard to give you a good estimate. But, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000+ for a photographer, and then travel expenses on top of that. If you're looking for someone from you're area, find 5-10 whose images you LOVE LOVE LOVE- then call them up (or meet with them in person - its important to have a good connection with your photog - especially at a destination wedding) and find out what their pricing is. Explain your situation to them. If they're in your budget, great book the one you like best and have the best connection with. If $ is tight - ask the ones that don't look like they've done a destination wedding before if they'd be willing to work out a deal with you - they might be thrilled to have a DW in their portfolio and may do it for just their travel expenses being paid for or expenses plus a little more. Just be honest and tell them what you're hoping to get and how much you can afford. Then they'll say yes or no.

For hours, 8 hours is usually a wonderful amount of time to document the day. From the "getting ready" shots to some of the reception.

For, TTD - many photogs include that in their destination package - others its an add on.

Congrats and good luck!

O'Driscoll Photography · March 26, 2009

I agree with what Nathaniel said. Pricing does vary considerably, and it really depends on various factors such as the photographer's skill level, experience, the market they're in, etc., etc. A good rule of thumb though, is that if your wedding photography is high on your list, you should plan on spending 10-20% of your total budget on your photography. I have had clients who have spent much more than that - more like 30-40%.

That said, while price is certainly one of the factors, it's definitely not the only one. Quality and style of work, personality of the photographer, and professionalism are also extremely important. Remember, though, that the old saying you get what you pay for generally holds true in wedding photography, and that your wedding images are one of the few things you will be able to hold and treasure forever.

Best wishes,

Tod

Paul'sSoulMate · April 2, 2009

Hi. I am using Brian from Photography by Brian Nejedly - Ocho Rios, Jamaica - Weddings, Villas, Surfing, Reggae and so far he has been great!! Since we are getting married at SGOR and they have outside vendor rules we are paying for a few pics from them and we have a friend that is great with a camera going. Brian will do our TTD pics I have listed below what it includes, but he is also doing dry pics of us just to be nice because of the whole SGOR issue. So far he has been so nice and very helpful. He even offered to have a van pick us up so that our friends and family could go with us. Needless to say his work is awesome and I am so excited!! I hope that you can read this well. i just copied and pasted it from the price list that he sent me.

Package One: Up to eight hours coverage. At least 500 high resolution,

printable images provided on cd. Includes two 8 x 10 and fifty 5 x 7 prints. $2800

Package Two: Up to six hours coverage and at least 350 high resolution, printable images providedon cd. Includes one 8 x 10 and thirty 5 x 7 prints. $2400

Package Three: For small resort weddings. Does not include reception

coverage. About three hours. At least 200 high resolution images provided on cd, with one 8 x 10 and 20 5 x 7 prints. $1500

Trash the Dress: Generally a 2-3 hour session at one or two locations. At least 100 printable imageson cd, with one 8 x 10 and ten 5 x 7 prints. Usually done the day after your wedding. $800

*day after TTD shoot may not always be available.

Portraits: Engagement, post-wedding, or any other type of portraits. Up to a 2 hour session. At least 100 printable images on cd. $500