Wedding Photography and Videography Forum

Photographer Stress

Ok so I jumped the gun and hired a photographer back in September when my first 4 choices were booked. However now that we have had our Engagment session done I am SO unhappy with the choice I have made... our photos are nothing that I asked for.

Now my Fiance, my Parents and I have all disccussed changing photographers, however I feel awful about the lost money, but I also feel like I would rather not have a photographer at all then have pictures I HATE. 

Thoughts?

Ps. My family has a wedding photography curse... my sisters Photographer got indited for murder, my mom's photographer didnt have a card in the camera and missed half the wedding and getting ready... so my stress on this matter is even higher.
Marrying my Best Friend! Wedding Countdown Ticker

Re: Photographer Stress

  • Go with your gut. If you are not happy with the engagement photos, you will most likely not be happy with the wedding photos. A wedding is a lot harder to photograph than a portrait session where things can be paused and done over. There are no do-overs if they miss a moment of your wedding. 

    All you can do is be really thorough when selecting  new photographer. Look at one full wedding, make sure they have backup gear and backup photographers, make sure they have liability insurance and indemnity insurance would be great as well (covers the cost of do-overs if they mess up). Most of all make sure you like their work and are comfortable with the photographer and enjoy their company... you will be spending your wedding day with them after all.

    If you have any photo specific questions during your search, feel free to PM me and I will assist as best that I can. Good luck to you! I really hope that your wedding photographer will break the "wedding photography curse". 
  • Hey! 

    Sorry to hear about the unfortunate circumstances. It must feel terrible to not like your engagement pictures. 

    But, do remember that you have the power to discontinue any time. After all, making the right choice before your big day (that you will only have once) we will echo for eternity! :)

    Where are you located by chance? Perhaps I can help refer you. 

    -K
  • I would explain to your current photographer that you are unhappy and see if they will work with you and maybe give half of the deposit back. Also explain your situation to the photographer you do hire and maybe they will be sympathetic and help you out a little bit. It never hurts to ask!
  • Your sister's photographer got indicted for murder?? Holy moly!

    Your mom's photog didn't have a camera card in there? That's just the utmost incompetence. Who wouldn't check that??

    Go with your gut but you will probably lose the deposit. What don't you like about the pics?
  • Talk to the photographer first.  Ask yourself what you didn't like about the pictures.  Then tell them that.  If you don't like the shooting style or the way you worked with them get out.  

    Nothing is worse than not loving your wedding pictures and to do that you need to be confotable with them and they way they shoot. 
  • designmyido- It does feel awful I like about 4 out of the 100+ we got back... and I like them because they are the ones I asked him to take... not a good start. Also in WA state.

    And to basically answer all of you, I am not a cookie cutter bride. I am not getting married in a church, my uncle is our officiate not a pastor or priest. I am wearing a very avant-garde dress and am looking for something.... artistic! When I explained to my photographer I originally hired what I was looking for, as well as showing him 50+ pics to explain it he told me I only liked the photos I was showing him because of the location they were in not the way they were shot or because of a specific style. He also told me that all wedding pictures are "cookie cutter" which I specifically told him I did not want. 
    He made us do the jumping shot which I am very against. He gave no direction, no help in posing or anything. I look about 30 or 40 lbs heavier in most of our shots then I really am. 

    When I explained and spoke with my original photographer yesterday his response to me expressing my lack of excitement about them was "ok, thanks for letting me know :)" I am slightly less then impressed with this customer service. 

    Lastly he showed up to our first meeting in beat up jeans and a T shirt, which I let pass because it was a Sunday. But our engagement session, same jeans and T. When I asked what he would wear to our wedding he looked at me and said "This". I am not expecting him to wear a tux or a suite or even slacks for that matter but at least a nice clean pair of jeans and a button up or polo would be nice. 

    I guess this rant in it self says it all. Time to bite the bullet and change photographers.
    Marrying my Best Friend! Wedding Countdown Ticker
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