Last Question about Photographers (I promise)

tommynkristen

So we are about to hire Louis Schroeder for our wedding photos.   He came over yesterday, I loved his sample album and am ready to book him....But did anyone else worry about the possibility of them not showing up?  I want to ask for references before signing a contract but don't want to sound like a btch.

akmackay

I was recommended to my photog- so I knew he was reliable. However, I did still ask what would happen if someone died/he broke his arm etc. I think that is something you should ask and should be in the contract. If they are a reputable photog then you shouldn't have to worry about them not showing. If you want to ask for references, go ahead. You are entitled to for how much you will be spending and are not being a bridezilla by doing so!

kpeteley

From what I saw on his website  -he only posts samples of his work - "best of's".  I would ask him to send you a link to one of his complete weddings and sure -ask for recommendations.  However - he is going to give you good ones   I only saw 3 reviews for him on Wedding wire.  It's your money - so make sure you get what you want.  When is your wedding?  How many photogs have you looked into?

dmoney79

we used louis for our 10/10 wedding he showed up....and he was great...i hardly knew he was there at all the whole night and he got some really great shots too.... he had our online proofs ready in about a month after the wedding....and we're right now waiting for the printed proofs to come so we can make our albums.... the link to our pro pics is in my siggy, when you click it there will be some samples, but at the bottom of the page will be the link to see them all.... you can email me at dmoney79 at optonline dot net if you have questions about him

justkris10

I agree with KPete all the way... fwiw - I loved my photog's samples, etc. and he was an great dude personality wise but in the end, his work sucked and I was pissssed Dmoney's pictures turned out nice, imo, so I would talk to her but like pp don't just rely on the sample albums they're always their "best of" and a replacement, if necessary, should definitely be in the contract!!!! That's not bitcchy or weird to ask

cher1980

i agree w/ all PP  and now I prob sound like a broken record...def ask for pics to a full album - and also ask what his back up plans are - all photogs should have someone they rely and trust with to do your pics for you day should an emergency occur - and they do - and just b/c he made it to your friends wedding, doesnt mean nothing will happen for yours - just playing devils advocate

mbcdefg

Yes, ask who will take his place if he can't make it to your wedding (get it in writing like PPs said). And yes, ask for references. It's not at all "biitchy" - this is a business transaction, and if he's a good buisnessman he'll be more than happy to tell you about his backup person and give you references. Asking questions to protect your money is not "biitchy." As long as you're polite about it, there's absolutely nothing wrong with asking for clarification or peace of mind. I would be VERY wary of any vendor who doesn't have a backup plan and/or is not willing to give you references, or acts annoyed that you asked for these things. Any good vendor should be willing to bend over backwards to get these things for you.

I <3 Seabass

It's not bitchy at all. They should expect that you would want to see some references. We asked all the photographers we met with for references. And I agree with everyone about seeing a full set of shots from a recent wedding. I actually didn't do this before I booked our photographer and started stressing out that we were only going to have 10 good shots. So I after the I looked at a full set of proofs and was very happy with the results and it really helped put my mind at ease. So I def recommend asking to see a full set.Last think if you plan on getting an album from him ask to see a couple of example of a full album. Just to make sure you really like his design aesthetic.

dmoney79

i didn't even think to ask about what if he couldn't make it...and i think there is something in the contract about it?  i guess i'm too trusting a person....so i didn't think about it....ohwell....the contract is at my parents house, but, if you want i can get it and let you know what it says.... i found him really easy to talk to and he was really great with emailing back when i had a question...i did find though, that he does most of his emails at night....but there should be no problem if you asked for specificson things....this is their business, so if photogs don't comply with your requests, they're not going to do much business.....again, feel free to email with q's regarding louis....

tommynkristen

Great, thanks everyone.  KPetely-He was the 3rd photographer we had met with, and I liked him the very best out of each of them.  Our wedding is Sept 10, 2010.   We want a guy who dosn't do your standard "say cheese!" pics...we wanted something more creative.... we feel Louis covers that angle.DMoney, your pics came out great!  I LOVE your dress.  Thank you so much for sharing.  All, after reading these posts, I sent him an email 1.) asking for references and 2) is there a "back up plan" incase some unforeseen circumstance occurs.  Kris10 I'm sorry to hear your pics were terrible.  I can only imagine.  What a nightmare.Thanks guys,Kristen

dmoney79

he's def not a "say cheese" kind of guy....definately photojournalistic... although, he did say "ok now kiss" a lot...hence, a lot of kissing pictures..... also, don't be afraid to speak up that day with pictures that you want...i totally blanked on telling him i wanted pics of our toasting glasses or more detail of our rings and our ring bearer bowl....when i spoke with him the night before, i mentioned the escort cards, but, he called right before rehearsal started, and i was so scatterbrained....ohwell...i still think we got some great shots, and he def did capture some great moments.... good luck!