Breaking up with my photographer

BrittneyRN

So, as I was trying to sleep this morning I started to think about my photographer. I love her pictures and think she did an awesome job on our engagement shoot in October. The thing is though, that she doesn't have a second photographer. Normally, I'd be ok with this, but she has been a little flakey since the beginning.

She forgot to send out the contract the first time, so I had to email her to remind her. It took 3 weeks to get it.

She was late to our engagement shoot.

It took her 5 weeks to send us our engagment cd, when she said it would only take 2 weeks. I understand things come up and had no problem with her being late, but she never kept in touch with me about it. I had to email her a few times to see if she'd sent it. When she finally got back to me and said she had sent the cd, it still took another week and a half to get it.

I found another photographer whose pictures I love even more and she's free that day. She has so much more wedding experience, as my current photorapher only has dne 3-4 weddings.

I m going to book the new photographer, but what should I say in the email to my old one? I signed a contarct and understand I will lose the deposit, which is no big deal. I just don't want to deal with her being flakey anymore. Any advice?

achiduck

It sounds like you're probably making the right decision. I'm sure everything would have been ok for the wedding day, but peace of mind means a lot.

I would say something like this:

Dear Photographer,

I am contacting you to let you know that we have decided to go another way in regards to the photography services for our wedding. We enjoyed working with you on our engagement photos and love the pictures, but feel that it's not the right fit for our wedding day. I understand that by cancelling your services, we forefit the deposit.

Best of luck with your business.

Sincerly,
 You

If she comes back and asks for more details, if you really want to you could politely explain that you felt it was taking too long to get photos and other correspondence but I wouldn't go there at first.

brainybrunette

Yeah, I agree with PP.  

If she asks why you think someone else is a better fit, I would just be honest.  Not in a mean way at all, but just some constructive criticism to help her grow her business.  When I was interviewing day of cordinators (I talked to 3), one of the 2 that I did not pick asked me if I would mind telling her who I decided to work with and why.  I emailed her back and told her that although I enjoyed our conversation, someone else was $300 cheaper and provided more services and had a more professional package presentation.  She really appreciated the feedback and told me that I was in good hands with who I chose.

Good luck!  Pictures are so important...I think you're making the right choice.

music11

I think you definitely made the right choice.  I would be uncofortable with someone who has only done 3-4 weddings so far.  You don't want to be unhappy with your photos 20+ years down the road (my parents are!!).   Agree with PP's on how to explain this.

Olexa1979

Yes, I agree with all the posters...peace of mind, is the best feeling, no matter the cost, I have been feeling the same way about our chair rental lady, but lets not go there with that....HAHAHAH!! 

fishinflagrl

I think achiduck said it perfectly. Good luck lady!! I would have done the SAME thing.