We booked our photographer because he was the co-owner of our wedding venue and came pretty cheap (engagements, bridals and wedding day for $1,000-- CD with all images and copyright included). Almost as soon as I booked it, I was very weary because I am so quick to jump on something because it sounds like a good deal and didn't really take a look at any of his work beforehand-- I know, pretty stupid. Now that I have done some of my research on him and his work, I'm very worried.
On top of that, he is the most difficult vendor to get in contact with. He NEVER answers his cell phone and I always have to leave a voicemail on his home phone because his wife responds to e-mails by saying, "let me talk to D and get back to you" and then never really does.
When I was first discussing a date to take engagement photos, I e-mailed him and told him that because we work 12 hour days, Friday through Sunday worked best for us. He responded by saying that Tuesdays and Wednesdays worked best for him. WTF? I was finally able to lock down this upcoming Sunday (we had to schedule for like a month out because he was so unwilling to accommodate our schedule) and as of last night, that's off. He left me a voicemail telling me that his mother in law had passed away and that he needed to reschedule. I then check my e-mail this morning and open an e-mail stating that his wife's grandfather had passed away.
I am very skeptical of this photographer and have spent all day today researching other photographers. I found an absolutely amazing photographer for only a couple hundred of dollars more and now I'm wanting to call my photographer to tell him to credit our $200 photography deposit towards our all around cost for the venue.
Am I being ridiculous and jumping to conclusions? I understand that there very well may have been a death in the family, however this guy has been unreliable and difficult to work with from the get go. Please give me your opinion/advice!