Talk to my photog.. I need help!

Re: Talk to my photog.. I need help!

• Muffin'sMom

  

  August 2010 edited December 2011

  Did you look through her photos before you hired her?  Most photographers have a "style" that is pretty evident from their books.  If her style is artisitic or journalistic, it's going to be hard for her to do something traditional that she is not comfortable with...and the pictures may not be as good because they are not her style. 
  
  That being said, you can ask her to take more traditional straight on shots for the wedding.

  My baby girl is a married woman...and now my baby girl HAS a baby girl. Time unfolds in such an amazing way. I've been blessed!

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• Lisa8888

  

  August 2010 edited December 2011

  You have to be honest and up front with your photographer. The type of photos you are describing is considered to be trendy right now. Trendy or not, if its not your style you must inform her of this. Just tell the photogapher straight out that you don't personally like those kind of shots and you want her to do traditional shots. Give her examples of what you like.
  
  I'm sure the photographer will not be personally insulted. Its important for you to communicate to the photographer exactly what you want.
  

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• [Deleted User]

  

  August 2010 edited December 2011

  We have not yet had our engagement photos taken, but our photographer definitely has a "style" which is why I hired him.  He's a very acclaimed photographer and has won awards, and therefore demands a high price, which I'm willing to pay because I LOVE his style.  I'm hiring him for his style but he's already told me (and shown me) that he also does the traditional pics that "mom will like." 
  
  I'm an amateur photographer as well, so I'm a little pickier than most would be.  From what you're describing (of course I haven't seen the pics), your photographer is following the rules of composition.  You should never put someone dead center in a picture unless it's a traditional setup like at the wedding.  Ok never is a strong word- but there should be a very good reason for having the subject in the center.  Otherwise the picture just isn't as interesting.
  
  I think that you don't have much to worry about for the wedding/reception because you'll likely still get all of those traditional pics you want.  Most photographers, regardless of style will include those.  Talk to your photographer nicely and tell them that you think they did well at a, b, c but you'd like x, y, z as well.  It's important to give them feedback- and also you need to be comfortable with them.  If you're worried on  your wedding day that they're not getting the shots you want, it will show in your demeanor. 
  
  I don't think all is lost, I think you can definitely get the traditional pics you want.  Most photographers will "flex their creative muscle" a little more in engagement and one on one sessions.

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• Nina9

  

  August 2010 edited December 2011

  When you talk to your photographer, remember that you're paying them to provide a service for you.  The way they approach your photos should reflect that--i.e. they should be taking the kind of photos that you want to have, not the kind of photos they want you to have.

  
  

  
  

  If you politely explain to them what you didn't like about your engagement photos, any professional should be able to give you photos more along the lines of what you're looking for.  (And actually, if you are unhappy with them, they should offer to reshoot the engagement session, too.)  Be sure to use words like "traditional" and "classic" when you're describing the kind of shots you want and maybe come into the conversation with a few photos from other photographers which illustrate what you like best.

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• elellingson member

  

  August 2010 edited December 2011

  One thing you could do would be to find some photos that you love online, in magazines etc. and forward them to your photographer to give them an idea of what you're going of...sometimes its easier to see what you want rather than try to explain it.
  
  I also think that you do need to clearly tell your photographer what you all really don't want to see in your wedding photos, even if its hard and awkward. This is your one shot at photos of your wedding! Its really important and if you don't do everything possible to make sure that you and your photographer are on the same page, you'll probably regret it.
  
  Hope it goes well!

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• woodfrogs member

  

  August 2010 edited December 2011

  Can you ask for a re-do on your engagement pics? Doing more traditional posing?
  They aill probably not have a problem with that, and if it would make you feel more comfortable, you should def. do it.
  Good luck!

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• LeahCK member

  

  August 2010 edited December 2011

  Style has A LOT to do with your entire event. I just hired my wedding photographer in NY (emma dodge hanson) Look at her website www.emmadodgehanson.com. She knows people all over the world and could either travel or recommend someone. I would not move any farther. This is a business transaction and she works for YOU, this is YOUR day that you only get ONCE!!! If she gets fired then she'll move on. It's a business. Do NOT fret over huring her feelings. FIND the photographer with YOUR style. YOU ARE PAYING for it!! Let me know how it turns out.
  
  Sincerely,
  Leah

  

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• amykakes member

  

  August 2010 edited December 2011

  If that is her style, and it's consistent with her portfolio, you can't really ask her to redo anything.  She did what she was contracted to do. 
  
  If you want a more traditional photographer, I would give her the option of shooting your wedding with a more traditional bent, but would probably hire someone else more in keeping with my style.
  

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• mmw8780

  

  September 2010 edited December 2011

  You are paying for these photos so you better tell them what you like and what you don't like! It won't be the first time (and certainly not the last!) they have heard criticism, it comes with the occupation. Use the engagment photos to show them styles that you did like and ones you were not so fond of (provide image or reference #s if you are doing this over the phone). Then, when the wedding comes around, ask them to focus more on the styles you do like. Tell them while the artsy ones are nice, you prefer a simplier, centered shot that focuses more on the people than the enviroment (if that is your wish). Just be honest. If you don't say anything, then you won't be happy and that's not good! It is hard to criticise, but your opinion is important! Say it sooner, rather than later because they will probably pre-plan certain shots they want to take and this will give them more time to adjust. You are the customer and it is important that the photographer make you happy because then you will buy more prints :-)

  

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