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arf3420
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My photographer is seriously stressing me out - what should I do?!
I posted on here a couple of months ago because I was concerned that my photographer had vanished. Long story short - she gave us a complimentary engagement session in the middle of July and promised the pictures to us by the end of July. By middle of Aug I still didn't have them, so I emailed her with no response. Sent a few more emails, still no response. Finally got a hold of her at the end of September. She said she'd had pneumonia and was very far behind in editing, and my emails had gone to her spam folder. Promised the photos to me by the end of that week. Now, it's about 6 weeks later and I still have nothing. I hadn't been too pushy with the pictures at first because the engagement shoot had not been part of our package originally, she added it on as a bonus for us. So I can understand us being at the bottom of her list if she got sick and fell behind. BUT I feel that now it's gone past the point of reasonable and has just become unprofessional.
I am so stressed out that she's either not going to show up for the wedding, or she's going to show up but it will take us a year to get our pictures. I've looked into other photographers, but most of the better, more affordable ones are booked now. I found one that is still available, but she is about twice the cost of our current photographer. Plus, I'm sure we won't get our deposit back. But then again, the wedding pictures are really important to me... I don't want to be stuck without a photographer in the end. Any advice?? I emailed our photographer today and told her if she doesn't get back to me asap and assure me that she will be caught up by the wedding date, then I'm going to book someone else. I'm hoping that might spur her into action. I'm also thinking about having her put a clause into our contract stating a guaranteed return time on the pictures. Then I also thought about hiring an amateur photographer for about $500-700 to have on hand as a backup in case she doesn't show on the day of the wedding? I hate to spend extra money though because our budget is really tight, and we've already gone over budget on the videographer and DJ. And I don't really want to have only amateur photos if she doesn't show... it's better than nothing, but I still really want nice pictures!
Sorry this post is so long... I just needed to vent!!
I am so stressed out that she's either not going to show up for the wedding, or she's going to show up but it will take us a year to get our pictures. I've looked into other photographers, but most of the better, more affordable ones are booked now. I found one that is still available, but she is about twice the cost of our current photographer. Plus, I'm sure we won't get our deposit back. But then again, the wedding pictures are really important to me... I don't want to be stuck without a photographer in the end. Any advice?? I emailed our photographer today and told her if she doesn't get back to me asap and assure me that she will be caught up by the wedding date, then I'm going to book someone else. I'm hoping that might spur her into action. I'm also thinking about having her put a clause into our contract stating a guaranteed return time on the pictures. Then I also thought about hiring an amateur photographer for about $500-700 to have on hand as a backup in case she doesn't show on the day of the wedding? I hate to spend extra money though because our budget is really tight, and we've already gone over budget on the videographer and DJ. And I don't really want to have only amateur photos if she doesn't show... it's better than nothing, but I still really want nice pictures!
Sorry this post is so long... I just needed to vent!!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: My photographer is seriously stressing me out - what should I do?!
I would look closely at your contract with her and see if there are any specifications about when you can get your deposit back. Her current unprofessional behavior I think should be enough to warrant getting it back. You may have to hound like a crazy woman but it should work eventually. (You may actually have to call from a different number, sad - but I've learned that.)
You said MOST affordable photogs are booked, not ALL. Shop, give us your budget and let us recommend, and then book. This is your wedding and you should feel good about pictures. I wouldn't hire an ammateur because then you pay for not so great photos AND definitely lose your deposit for current photog, plus most photogs require the remaining balance before the wedding. Unfortunately it may cost more and you may have to play aroudn with your budgets in other areas, but IMHO this is what I think you should do.
HTH.
We were only paying $1200 for her (that included 2 photographers for the day), but I know I won't find anyone else for that price. Catch-light was about the same, but they're booked now. On a sad side note, I actually had an appt set up to meet CatchLight and pay them a deposit, but then that morning Ashley emailed me and I went with her instead. Talk about a bad twist of fate. Haha.
I'd like to try to keep the price around $2000 if possible, maybe $2500. We def want 2 photographers for the day, and all pictures on a CD. I don't care as much about professional albums or anything like that. I'm looking for a very artistic style.
Any suggestions would be great! I've already tried Steph Strasburg, Matt Blassey, LimeLight, and Lizzy at Sewickly Photography, but they're all booked for our date.
Also a lot of individual photogs can add on a second photog for the day of as an a la carte item.
Amanda Wilson is booked already, still waiting to hear back from Caitlin Thomas.
Has anyone ever heard of Palermo Photography or FineLine Weddings? Both are available for our date (June 23) and have 5 star reviews on WeddingWire, but I don't think I've ever seen their names posted on here.
Palermo did sound really nice and professional. Matt Blassey's wife is due to have a baby right around the time of our wedding so he's not taking any bookings then. The only thing with Palermo is that I don't think she includes a second photographer in her package, but it might be an additional option so I'll still meet with her and check it out! I'm also still crossing my fingers for Cailtlin Thomas... her pictures look awesome!
I know Caitlin is very booked for 2012 and has already started booking into 2013. Do not be discouraged if she is booked... I still think it is in your best interest to keep looking for a new photographer. You really will be so happy that you did!
I hope you at least hear back from the original photographer to get your deposit back.
Can we possibly add this photographer to the 'vendor beware' list?
My photographer is Matthew Blassey, and so far he has been wonderful. Our e pics took out great, he had them back to us in a week, and his digital package is only $1300. I would consider checking him out as well as the photographers mentioned by prior posters.
Sorry you have to deal with all of this, but hopefully you will find a better photographer soon. Let us know what happens!
So far most people have been booked, but I'm still waiting to hear from Cailtin Thomas, Caroline Moore, Amber Marie, Carson Grey and R Fritz.
I did find one that's available, and her work looks really good, but I've never heard of her before so I'm a little leary. Does anyone know of anyone who used Lauren Zurchin? Her prices seem really reasonable, but now I'm afraid of going with another lower cost photographer after what happened last time.
Just found out that Stephanie Strasburg still has our date open! I think I might go with her :-)
Good luck!
[QUOTE]Just found out that Stephanie Strasburg still has our date open! I think I might go with her :-)
Posted by arf3420[/QUOTE]
Flowerstar1023 is using her as well :) I'm glad you found someone!
since they did have a paid photog there. Extremely nice and the photo quality was aamzing! I don't know his pricing or availibility but it's worth a shot!
We're Married!! And I couldn't be happier!