Did you bring your own photographer to the Bahamas?

[Lanajoy]

I am looking for someone who knows the details behind bringing your own photographer with you to the Bahamas.  We have a close friend who is a photographer that we would like to ask to shoot our big day but would like to explore the requirements and extra costs before approaching the topic.  From what I understand we will have to apply for a temporary work permit for him.  Any information would be appreciated.

[KalikLove]

Non citizens can apply for a temp work permit through bahamas immigration. http://www.thebahamasguide.com/facts/immigration.htm

[berggred]

We're also bringing our photographers from the US. It's 400 USD each - the work permit package is attached.

[MrsMissick2B]

I am bringing a photography team from Miami. Does anyone know if I can just purchase 1 permit, and have them say only one will be photographing? Any suggestions?

[MissBubbles205]

Thanks for sharing this advice. It was one of the many questions I had as well!

[KalikLove]

We are brining in our own Photographers and Videographers, the quality is still lacking in my opinion, for us to hire the local vendors. We know that our video and photos will be very important to us later on. Just a warning I heard of photographer who didn't get a permit, the problem is coming into the country with all that gear looks supisious. Just get the permit, you don't want the gear to be confiscated (YIKES!)

[MissBubbles205]

Oh No!  That would be terrible!!!..

 

For y'all that are bringing your own photogs.. Are y'all paying for the accommodations and a wedding package price?  I was curious as to how that is normally handled. I got a quote from one guy from Atlanta, GA and we wanted us to pay his flight and accommodations plus a wedding package that was about 3k by itself.  I about fell out..
 

Originally Posted by KalikLove 

We are brining in our own Photographers and Videographers, the quality is still lacking in my opinion, for us to hire the local vendors. We know that our video and photos will be very important to us later on. Just a warning I heard of photographer who didn't get a permit, the problem is coming into the country with all that gear looks supisious. Just get the permit, you don't want the gear to be confiscated (YIKES!)

 

[KalikLove]

It is customary to pay for the services, plus food, flight and room. Sometimes you can find a photographer who would be willing to work with you on price if they want to make a vacation out of it. A good photographer in the city is at least 3k, depending on the city. Flights from Nassau to major southern cities are relativity cheep, and you may get a great room rate a sister hotel you can put them up at. 

 

I'm flying in 2 photographers, 2 videographers and having them stay for 3 nights (only working one)- Photo and Video are very high on importance to me.  I am bartering some services tho.   Its a big investment for us, considering our budget, but then again so are my memories.

[MissBubbles205]

I agree..  Once everything is over with all we will have left is our photos.. so it's def something I'm willing to splurge the money on, we just didn't realize we was going to spend almost 1/2 our budget on a Ceremoy site we fell in love with.. Guess we've got a lot more savings and re-budgeting to do..  

 

I guess we'll just have to decide if we want to get one in the city or take someone will us, but I know that will cost us over double since we would have to pay the 3k fee plus accomodations and travel.  but I'm sure there are other great photogs in our areas we can check on.

 

Thanks for the advice!