really irritated with the owner of our photography company

jbifro

We didn't choose the owner of our photgraphy company because he was too expensive so we decided to meet with one of the photographers that works for him. I feel like it makes sense to make sure we liked the person who will  be spending an entire day with us (before we booked them). My fiance and I met her last year for about a half hour and we decided to book her to be our photographer. Ever since, I haven't been able to talk to her or get ahold of her. The owner took our engagement pictures and when we went into the studio to select our pics, I asked for our photographers phone number or email address so I could ask her some questions. The owner told me, "We don't give out their information and I can answer any questions you have, if not more than she could answer. Is there a reason why you want to get ahold of her?" I just thought it would be normal to stay in touch or be able to ask my photographer questions, but I guess that was an unusual request. He told me that she would be at the checklist consultation, which is where we discuss the pics we want taken on the day of the wedding. Today, I finally scheduled an appointment where my fiance and I could come in (in the evening since he works far away) and then I verified with the owner that our photographer would be there. He said, "Well, I told you that we can arrange for her to be there, but the photographers usually don't work that late in the evening."
It just seems like he is being so complicated. It surprises me that he wouldn't just have his employees meet with their clients. Who wants a stranger spending the day with them? Don't you think that it seems normal to meet with the person (right before the wedding) who is photographing the most important pictures and day of your life?? Along with liking the work they do, isn't a part of choosing a photographer finding someone who you like and get along with? It seems to me like he is just a micro manager.  Any perspectives on this? Sorry this is so long.
It just seems like he is being so complicated. It surprises me that he wouldn't just have his employees meet with their clients. Who wants a stranger spending the day with them? Don't you think that it seems normal to meet with the person (right before the wedding) who is photographing the most important pictures and day of your life?? Along with liking the work they do, isn't a part of choosing a photographer finding someone who you like and get along with? It seems like he is a micromanager. Any perspectives on this? Sorry this is so long.

econner42

It doesn't make sense why he wouldn't let you meet with or contact the actual photographer that would be taking your pics. I would be really nervous that this person no longer works for him and the owner is just not telling you - and he doesn't know how to tell you that the photographer you chose won't be showing up on your big day. Can you cancel your contract b/c he's not being upfront with you and not letting you contact your photographer? I personally would be really upset.

Sorry that you are going through this!

skippylouwho

I think econner42  may be correct. If you know this person's name, can you find her via an online whitepages search,  Facebook or Googling her?  Does this photography studio have a website and if so, do they list their employes - is she still on the list?  Do you have names of anyone else that has used this person, if you can contact them, they may know how to get a hold of her.

Does your contact state specifically that this particular photographer will take your pictures or is the contract with the studio itself? Even if it states that this particular person will take your pictures it probably also has a clause for a backup photographer in case something happens (sickness, etc) and it sounds like they will execute that clause.

sandmamm

Hi! I am pretty sure you are using the same company I am. If not then totally disregard this message. I totally understand where you are coming from and I think it is normal to want to meet your actual photographer. I think I am just weird because I didn't really think it was that big of a deal so i didn't think about it till now. I think I put a lot of faith in the company and the owner because the company is so well known and is highly reputable. If it weren't... I would have been concerned. I don't think you have anything to worry about but I am sure the owner would be willing to schedule a special meeting for you if necessary. What I have seen... the photographers arn't at the studio much and probably just work days and weekends. I think that the owner and the office managers usually take care of all questions and meetings to free time for the photographers. Any questions that I have had always get answered within a day by one of the office managers or they respond saying they will ask the photographer and reply to me. With all that being said... if it is important to you to meet your photographer more than a few weeks b4 the wedding...l would just say that! It is your right.... you are paying a lot of money to them. They have always been accomodating to me. Hope this helps. By the way the company I am talking about has initials.. MB.

jbifro

Thanks for your quick responses. I'm sorry that I haven't replied in awhile. I've been really busy this week with appointments and moving into our new house in which we don't have internet yet. Anyway, I know I said this in my original post, but it seemed like he was being complicated about everything I was asking about, but like sandmamm said, I guess that is how the owner runs his business. Sandmamm, what you said makes perfect sense. I guess I just didn't realize that it would be this way when I interviewed with the company. We aren't using the same photographer but I believe I know who you are using because we interviewed with the same company (if I am guessing the initials correctly). Econner42 and skippylouwho- thank you for your advice. I tried googling her name and the website doesn't list their photographers names. The only thing I found was a bride posting a comment saying our photographer did a great job at her wedding and that she was happy with the pictures. Just to update you guys, the owner called and said that our photographer will be at the next meeting so I am glad I will get to meet with her before the wedding.The appointment just happens to be at an inconvenient time since my fiance won't be able to be there, but I would rather meet with her than not at all.
The moral of the story is when you meet your photgrapher, get their phone number and email address (not just the owners info) and you shouldn't run into the same issues as me! haha.