Photographers MIA after the wedding

Alipaps · November 2012

Hi! I'm purposely not posting in my local forum because it would be very easy to figure out who I'm talking about, but I need advice.

It's been almost 10 weeks since my wedding and I have not seen a single picture from my photographers. (They said the photos would be ready between 6-8 weeks.) Before that, they were late to the engagement shoot, and then they disappeared in the month before my wedding. They blamed a server issue, but I couldn't get a hold of them until 2 days before the wedding.

On the wedding day, they showed up... which is the best I can say. I have emailed and called, and nothing. They continue to post on their FB page and it pains me each time I see them get another client.

I feel like I can't post bad reviews, because they have my money and my pictures, but at this point, I need to do something.

Has anyone dealt with this before? Any advice before I look into filing a small claims suit?

LesPaul · November 2012

Do they have a physical location, such as a studio, where you could show up and talk to them face-to-face?

What does your contract say regarding penalties for not meeting deadlines?

Since you have emailed and called repeatedly, I would send them a letter via snail mail, certified and return receipt requested. I would state in the letter the date of the wedding, the dates during which you were promised pictures, and a deadline (maybe 2 weeks out?) for them to get the pictures to you, or you will engage the services of a lawyer.

I understand that things happen to cause delays, but their lack of communication is unacceptable. Good luck.

cwaggoner07 · November 2012

Yeah, we got our picutures one month late, but we had received a sneak peek on facebook of 200 the week after the wedding.
She was also in constant communication concerning her lateness, and kept us updated. I really wasn't worried, but the fact that she kept me in the loop helped a LOT and it seems you aren't getting that.

I agree with pp to write a letter if they will communicate with you no other way.

maggieandrey · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_photographers-mia-after-the-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:b631af11-6e14-438b-ac92-52026b1b19c6Post:90989781-934f-47c7-9380-019b652bd155">Re: Photographers MIA after the wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]Do they have a physical location, such as a studio, where you could show up and talk to them face-to-face? What does your contract say regarding penalties for not meeting deadlines? Since you have emailed and called repeatedly, I would send them a letter via snail mail, certified and return receipt requested. I would state in the letter the date of the wedding, the dates during which you were promised pictures, and a deadline (maybe 2 weeks out?) for them to get the pictures to you, or you will engage the services of a lawyer. I understand that things happen to cause delays, but their lack of communication is unacceptable. Good luck.
Posted by LesPaul[/QUOTE]

This, mostly. If you can, in that letter, list the dates/times you have called and emailed them with no response. I would also consider small claims over a lawyer. the cap for small claims vary from state to state but it's usally around $5K, and is much more economical than a lawyer.

It's so frustrating, and I'm sorry you're going through this. But stay on top of them. It took one of my sisters THREE YEARS to get her wedding photos. 18 months for proofs, and another 18 months for the albums, because she let the photographers walk all over her. I personally hate having to be a biotch just to get what I want, but I feel like with some people it's necessary since customer service has generally gone down the crapper in the last couple decades...

kay136 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_photographers-mia-after-the-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:b631af11-6e14-438b-ac92-52026b1b19c6Post:a98ebd8c-fdc3-49cc-98bd-0d9bc4247706">Re: Photographers MIA after the wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Photographers MIA after the wedding : This, mostly. If you can, in that letter, list the dates/times you have called and emailed them with no response. I would also consider small claims over a lawyer. the cap for small claims vary from state to state but it's usally around $5K, and is much more economical than a lawyer. It's so frustrating, and I'm sorry you're going through this. But stay on top of them. It took one of my sisters THREE YEARS to get her wedding photos. 18 months for proofs, and another 18 months for the albums, because she let the photographers walk all over her. I personally hate having to be a biotch just to get what I want, but I feel like with some people it's necessary since customer service has generally gone down the crapper in the last couple decades...
Posted by maggieandrey[/QUOTE]

OMG- I would have LOST IT. That is crazy!!!

RailWayWife · November 2012

I am so sorry this is happening to you. I have to agree with the PP, keep on top of them!

MoonlightSilver · November 2012

Also, I assume you've posted on their facebook page? Asking politely in a public forum might get a response since they don't want new clients to think badly of them.

amandanicole1828 · November 2012

As a photographer one of the most crippling thing to a business is reviews. If they are posting on their FB but not getting back to you that smells very fishy. I would in a polite way say the following>

"Greetings ___

I hope you are doing well. Since every other attempt to contact you has gone without response I have to unfortunatley ask in a Public nature. We have been very unhappy with your lack of communication and have no clue where our wedding photos are now 10 weeks past. I would appreciate it if you would call us back as you hold very precious memories of ours that we'd like to have in a timely manner. Please at the very least email, call or PM us back from one of the many messages we've already left you. We are beginning to get worried and frustrated at the lack of care and customer service.

We at the very least should have open lines of communications. We understand things happen and delays may occure but this has not in the slightest be communicated to us. So all we're left with is worrying. "

Keep a copy of whatever you write. If they take it down post it back up and take a screen shot. If they take the time to take it down it says they don't want other clients seeing it. It isn't considered harassment if you are merely asking for the product you paid for.

i'm very sorry at their lack of communication. I have had delays in the past but I have always been up front with clients and kept in constant communication. With wedding photos you can't be anything but reassuring and letting your clients know where things are at every step of the way. You hold the remaining memory of what is their day. That is not something to play with and does anger me when these ignore tactics are used by some photographers.

When you do get your photos please please please report this photographer, please write a review wherever you can so that this does not happen to another couple.

shoreshotz1 · December 2012

Im sending you a PM

Photographers MIA after the wedding

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