WARNING for those bringing a photographer to Cuba!

[fudgie]

Jackobelle, I am so sorry for your experience!

 

I was reading this a thought that I have to make a quick comment, and then came across Ana's making a similar comment that I was going to make (but hers is much more indepth and informed). From my experience, Ana has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Cuba (she was our wonderful wedding photography in Cuba).

 

I was going to mention that Peter was actually located in Cuba. We were actually in contact with him regarding wedding photography in Cuba. I was thinking that his situation must be a bit different than those travelling to Cuba, and as Ana explained it is. This information though is great for future brides travelling to Cuba, his working situation in Cuba is not something I would have thought about.

[jackobelle]

Thanks for the comments! I am sure that puts future wedding couples bringing a photographer to Cuba more at ease!

[sjmacphe]

Jackobelle, that sucks! I'm sorry you had to go through all the stress a couple of minutes before your wedding, hindsight is 20/20 - so knowing this info now and the reasons why the resort did this don't really help you feel any better. I'm glad you have some great photos and I hope you had a great time regardless. Cheers -Stephanie

[jax_the_beach_bride]

Im just so shocked at the fact that blau would do that.... my wedding was also at the blau last may and we had two canadians roughly the same age as us (early 20's) who came as our photographers.. they were so ready to make us happy... it may have something to do with the fact that the photog lives in cuba and has a presence there... regardless its definitely an awful experience for sure.. but for future brides... i wouldnt write this place off as a destination or resort for that matter because i loved every second of my day and week at blau varadero...

[jax_the_beach_bride]

oh i almost forgot... jackobelle... what do you think about forwarding some of your moms pics to the photog for him to edit.. kind of like a good will gesture or something for you guys.. this way he can create truly amazing pics out of something you might have considered as mediocre before hand.. just a thought

[jackobelle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jax_the_beach_bride oh i almost forgot... jackobelle... what do you think about forwarding some of your moms pics to the photog for him to edit.. kind of like a good will gesture or something for you guys.. this way he can create truly amazing pics out of something you might have considered as mediocre before hand.. just a thought

Thanks Jax - Yes our photog had already offered to do this for us. Other than this issue, we did enjoy the resort. It would have been nice if the hotel had let him take photos of our wedding, and then taken him to immigration to make sure he had the proper permit etc. But what will be will be. We still had an amazing wekk and wedding and have some great shots from friends & family!

[Anna Wasniewska]

I just want to bump this up for those ladies who are really thinking I'm spreading a fear. I'm really far from this. I personally spoke to this immigration officer in Cuba and he explained me what happen in this matter. I also captured one wedding after photographer canceled because he got in trouble. I also paid $200 to Embassy to get my visa. Is not yadda, yadda.

 

 

 

[Fireweed]

Hmm we just had our wedding at the Blau in December and brought our friend who's a photographer with us. She had a camera bag with her with a few lenses/flash etc. and was part of our wedding group and it wasn't a problem at all. It was quite obvious she was the photographer that day and nobody at the hotel, including the wedding coordinator, said anything negative about it.

 

I think maybe if your photographers don't bring a ton of gear and just act like their your friend and part of your group, no one will bug them about anything.

 

 

[tanyaraej]

Hi all, we had booked our wedding photographers for our wedding in Cuba (we are getting married Nov 21, 2014) back in December 2013. They have just told me they cannot shoot our wedding because they fear they will be arrested.

 

Can they apply for a work visa? They were supposed to be staying at the resort with us for a week. Is this illegal?

[IvanLuckiePhotography]

I am sorry to hear this, this is a sad news for all brides coming to Cuba to get married, hope Cuba changes his mind on this