a picture is worth a 1000...?

i'm pretty sure i've harassed almost every professional photographer in jamaica now for quotes. we knew wedding photography was going to be expensive, but just how expensive, we had no idea. i've tried to cost compare with wedding photographers here in ottawa, and though of course there are ranges, it seems jamaica is significantly higher. i guess because they know they'll get the business with so few photographers on the island.

when we were first deciding on a location, i found SAAB photography's blog, which boasted amazing photos! they are absolutely worth checking out: http://saabwedding.com/index2.php  sadly, these guys are way out of our price range.  i then tried four others that had been recommended on a destination wedding forum i was reading. though not quite as pricey as saab, the prices were still pretty high. plus we have to pay an "entry" fee to bring in an outside worker.  we know you have to pay for quality work, but the fees were higher than we were hoping. in fact, high enough that we are now considering offering a FREE trip to jamaica for a professional photographer from here if they will work our wedding for free.  anyone know anyone?

and yes, we realize our friends and family will have cameras, and many photos will be taken. we can't wait to see them all. but, we were hoping for a few professional shots. with professional equipment, to capture those stunning sunsets... someone whose job it is to take photos. we want our friends and family doing what they please - maxin and relaxin!

for now, the search continues for someone to photograph this day for us while staying in our budget. 

on a side note, both dave and i are also considering moving to jamaica to become professional wedding photographers.