Frequently asked questions

How do I secure my wedding date?

A 25% non-refundable retainer and a signed contract locks in your date. A further 25% is due three months before your wedding, and the final 50% is due two weeks before the day. Get in touch and I'll walk you through the process — it's straightforward.

What are your prices?

Wedding collections start at US$1,200 for intimate ceremonies and elopements, through to US$5,000 for full-day coverage with two photographers. Engagement, proposal and family sessions start at US$650 for the first hour. Full pricing is on the investment page.

What is your photography style?

Creative and documentary. I tell your story as it unfolds — with thoughtful composition, a light touch on direction, and a genuine preference for authentic moments over heavily staged ones. Family and bridal party portraits are directed rather than overly posed, and even those are shot with emotion in mind rather than just arrangement.

Will we receive every photo taken?

No — test shots, duplicates, out-of-focus frames and unflattering expressions are removed. What you receive is a fully edited, curated selection with no artificial cap on the number of images delivered. Quality over volume, always.

Will our photos be edited?

Yes. Every delivered image is colour-corrected and exposure-balanced. A selection will be converted to black and white where it suits the moment, and some images receive additional colour treatment. Permanent features such as moles are left as they are unless you specifically ask otherwise.

Who holds the copyright to our photos?

Copyright remains with me as the creator of the images, but you receive full print and personal usage rights — you can print, share and use the images however you like for personal purposes. Commercial use and competition entry require a separate licence, which is available on request.

Do you charge a travel fee?

No travel fee applies for weddings in Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios or their surrounding areas. A travel and accommodation fee applies for weddings in Kingston, Port Antonio and Treasure Beach, as those locations require an overnight stay to deliver coverage at my best.

What about the resort vendor fee?

Many Jamaica resorts charge a vendor access fee for outside photographers — this is the resort's fee, not mine, and it is the couple's responsibility to pay. I'm familiar with every major property's policy and will flag it clearly before you book so there are no surprises. I am a recommended vendor at Half Moon Resort, Round Hill and Tryall Club, where no outside vendor fee applies when you book through me.

Can you recreate a specific photo we love?

I'll do my best. Light, location, timing and the couple in front of the camera all influence the result, so an exact reproduction is rarely possible — but sharing images you love is genuinely useful. It tells me the mood, composition style and feeling you're drawn to, which shapes how I approach your day.

When is the best time of year to get married in Jamaica?

Jamaica hosts weddings year-round. November to March is cooler and the most popular season, though accommodation costs are higher and ceremonies tend to start earlier as the sun sets sooner. The summer months are warmer and more humid but offer longer days and more flexibility with ceremony timing. October and May are our rainiest months, though a Jamaica rain shower rarely lasts long.

How and when will we receive our photos?

Your edited gallery is delivered via private online download, usually within four to six weeks of your wedding day — sometimes sooner depending on the time of year and the length of your coverage. You'll receive a link to your private gallery where you can view, share and download everything.

Can we give you a shot list?

Yes — and I'd suggest keeping it focused on the formal portraits you specifically want: family groupings, bridal party combinations, and any must-have setups. Naturally occurring moments like the first kiss, the first dance and the bouquet toss are already covered as part of how I work — no need to list those.

Have you photographed at our venue before?

Almost certainly. I've photographed at most wedding venues across Jamaica and know many of them inside out — the light at different times of day, the best portrait locations, the logistical details that matter on the day. In the rare case I haven't been to your venue, I welcome the new challenge.

What camera equipment do you use?

I shoot with Canon mirrorless cameras and carry multiple bodies, lenses, flashes, batteries and memory cards on every job. All cameras use dual card slots, so images are written to two cards simultaneously — a meaningful safeguard against card failure on a day that cannot be repeated.

Will we meet you before the wedding day?

For weddings in the Montego Bay area, I'm happy to meet you at your resort during the week of your wedding. For couples planning from abroad, we'll connect over WhatsApp, FaceTime or video call — I'm used to working with destination couples remotely and will make sure everything is clear and settled well before your day.

Why should we choose Michael Saab Photography?

Over two decades photographing weddings in Jamaica means I've seen almost everything a wedding day can throw at a photographer — and I know how to handle it calmly. I'll help you build a workable timeline, flag anything that could affect your coverage, and be a steady, experienced presence on the day itself. Every enquiry is answered personally by me — no automated responses, no handoffs.