First Vendor Problem-Need Feedback

redreviving6

Hi Ladies.  I could use some feedback.  I am planning a wedding in Lancaster, but I dont live in the area.  After meeting a few photogs we finally booked one over the phone.  We mailed a signed contract with our retainer fee and confirmed it was received.  Since we booked the photog he hasn't communicated anything to us.  First, he didn't receive our payment--I called because I hadn't heard from him.  Second, he didnt return the signed contract because he lost it--again I called and found out because I hadn't received it or heard from him.  Now, I resent the contract and he still hasn't returned a signed copy--and I am about to call him AGAIN!Maybe I am tripping but I feel like its unprofessional to hold on to $500 and not promptly deliver a contract or contact me if something goes wrong in the process.   This back and forth has been going on since mid-August and I am annoyed and 1 second away from finding another photog.  I really just don't feel like searching again...LOL.What should I do? Am I tripping?

K-hart

This vendor sounds incredibly TOXIC. My advice is to get out while you still can. Any serious wedding vendor is going to have great communication with you at all times and take these things very seriously. I had this same problem with my original officiant and I got rid of her. It was the best move I ever did. I would suggest that you look into more photographers and find someone new. IMO, if you have to question one thing about a vendor that seems kind of shady, fire them and move on. I just don't want to see you get burned.

yellow_grace

I second K-hart. If they aren't going to take care of you up front, they aren't going to come through for you when you need it. If you need some suggestions, give us the feel you would like and your budget- we can offer lots of names!   GL

tba0313

I agree that this is probably just a sign of things to come. If they aren't taking your wedding seriously now, why would they on the day of? There's plenty of great photographers in the Lancaster/York/Philly area in every price range. Shop around. You'll thank yourself later.

redreviving6

I think I know what the right thing to do is--thanks for confirming.  I don't mind shopping around but driving from DE to Lancaster to meet folks gets old! :)If you could please send over some recs that would be AWESOME...our range is 2000-2500 max and we are looking for the photojournalistic style.

klbailey85

So, I hope this is appropriate for theknot. I was just wondering who this photographer is? My fiance and I are still looking for one and I think I may want to steer clear of this one. Thanks

mollynagem

I too would be curious who it was. I have several friends getting married next year and posts like that are a little scary. You might check out Minnig Photography: www.michaelminnig.com They are a husband and wife that I know are willing to travel pretty much anywhere. They shot a friend's wedding in York PA and didn't charge travel fees and her photos were great.

emthewondergirl

I feel like a broken record tonight with my recommendations for photographers I agree with the girls in that if this is the way they are treating you now, it's probably a good indicator of how they will continue to handle business with you.  I personally feel like your photographers are one of the most important vendors of the wedding day and you have to be able to really trust them.  I definitely wouldn't be comfortable with all of this either -- I don't blame you! We used Solas Photography and I have to tell you that they were HONESTLY so fantastic to work with! They answered all of my millions of emails, were so professional, easy to work with, were extremely affordable, and took amazing pictures! We used them for our epics and wedding day photography and they were just wonderful.  I recommend them to anyone I know who is looking for photographers because I feel that strongly about how great they are Their website is www.solasphotography.com and their names are Heidi and Sean (newly-married, at that!).  Good luck in your search! And always trust your gut-instincts too! :)Emily

yellow_grace

I am happy to suggest my photographer: http://www.allebachphotography.com/prices.htmlThey are based in Philly but travel. They have all sorts of price points based on what you need and what your budget is. They are a pleasure to work with, and I have gotten SO MANY compliments on the e-pics/family pics they shot for us.Let Mike know I sent you his way if you choose to check them out.