Community› Local Wedding Boards› New Jersey
New Jersey
New Discussion

UPDATE- Semenick Photography

Danes983Danes983 member
Combo Breaker First Comment
in New Jersey
Hi ladies, I wanted to update you all on what I just found out.  Peter has been located.  He is broke and apparently working at Stop & Shop.  Anyone that had given him $ to get albums done will most likely never get them. However, anyone who has not gotten their discs he will be contacting them to pick them up.  This story is very sad, and I am heartbroken for anyone who gave him money for albums. But the good news is that everyone will atleast get their pictures, which to me is more than any album.  If I have learned one thing from this it is to do your background checks.  He was reccomended to me by many other people who had used him, but when they gave me the rec they hadnt gotten to the point of concern yet.
Photobucket
save the date
Report Reply to Post
«13

Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography

  • GolfChick78GolfChick78 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    At least you're getting your images; that's the most important thing.
    Report Reply
  • cutiepie12702cutiepie12702
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I'm glad you found out what's going on, even though the news is not great. It's good you at least have your pictures and can take them somewhere else or make your own album!
    BabyFetus Ticker
    Report Reply
  • akmackayakmackay
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    glad to hear you're getting your pictures!!
    *~allie~*

    Report Reply
  • USER876USER876
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    http://www.weddingbee.com/reviews/semenick-photography-llc

    Yeah I saw this and thought....another one bites the dust.

    That is what happens to a lot of newbies entering the market.  They don't base their prices on what it takes to successfully run a business, and hope to make up the difference on volume.  Eventually they burn out....or in this case, run out of working capitol.

    Pretty sad for all parties involved.  I will say it again, use a seasoned professional


    1st Groom

    View our FOR SALE items
    http://tinyurl.com/3jjv7vy
    image
    Report Reply
  • jcg98jcg98 member
    5 Love Its First Anniversary Name Dropper First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Danes, I'm so sorry you had to go through this.  :-(  I am relieved that at least you will get the pictures!
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic 
      
    Report Reply
  • reese511reese511
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    what a relief you're getting your pics! 
    Wedding Countdown Ticker Photobucket

    t+sBio

    Report Reply
  • KristinathebrideKristinathebride member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011

    Happy you are getting your pics :) Sorry about all you went through!

    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • uppereastgirluppereastgirl member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I'm glad to hear it worked out!
    image
    Report Reply
  • Danes983Danes983 member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thank you ladies for all talking me off the ledge last week.
    UpperEast, Thank you for helping believe there was going to be a good outcome.
    Photobucket
    save the date
    Report Reply
  • TaraK22TaraK22 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thaks for updating us - I was worried about you and sending good vibes all week. I am sorry for the brides who will never get an album they paid for, but I am very happy that you'll at least get your disc. You can have someone else make an album or do one yourself.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • bereasonablebereasonable member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_update-semenick-photography?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:d8182528-92b6-4da0-bcd5-dd56d54cd63ePost:78454940-28b3-4ca8-b261-86a11d2cd840">Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography</a>:
    [QUOTE]<a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/reviews/semenick-photography-llc" rel='nofollow'>http://www.weddingbee.com/reviews/semenick-photography-llc</a> Yeah I saw this and thought....another one bites the dust. That is what happens to a lot of newbies entering the market.  They don't base their prices on what it takes to successfully run a business, and hope to make up the difference on volume.  Eventually they burn out....or in this case, run out of working capitol. Pretty sad for all parties involved.  I will say it again, use a seasoned professional
    Posted by USER876[/QUOTE]

    Funny you say that because places like The Knot are part of the problem.  Everyone looking for the best deal and trying to drive down prices.  I guaranty that people like Jason Rhee or whoever else people mention here as being a "good bargain" are either going to jack up their rates or go out of business, too.
    Report Reply
  • uppereastgirluppereastgirl member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_update-semenick-photography?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:d8182528-92b6-4da0-bcd5-dd56d54cd63ePost:6886c9c3-09c8-4772-b57b-2c06eb71a843">Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography : Funny you say that because places like The Knot are part of the problem.  Everyone looking for the best deal and trying to drive down prices.  I guaranty that people like Jason Rhee or whoever else people mention here as being a "good bargain" are either going to jack up their rates or go out of business, too.
    Posted by bereasonable[/QUOTE]

    ... or both.  I'm sure it is very easy for people to get in over their heads.  It is probably hard to pace yourself with new business when there's so much work to do before/after weddings (haven't people said that JR is way backed up on albums?)  If you jack up your rates too much, you put yourself in the position that you're competing with a whole new crowd that maybe you can't compete with talent-wise.  It is probably very hard to get the supply and demand balance right.

    And even well-established businesses go bankrupt.  Celebrations Studios had a lot of happy customers for 20+ years before they went under.  Of course it is easy to play Monday quarterback and talk about all the bad signs that maybe weren't so apparent along the way, and of course it is important to do diligence on potential vendors, but really it is hard to know who is going to have trouble when.
    image
    Report Reply
  • bereasonablebereasonable member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_update-semenick-photography?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:d8182528-92b6-4da0-bcd5-dd56d54cd63ePost:31a4f4d9-ca71-49d5-a64f-93c3fe8a14bd">Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography : ... or both.  I'm sure it is very easy for people to get in over their heads.  It is probably hard to pace yourself with new business when there's so much work to do before/after weddings (haven't people said that JR is way backed up on albums?)  If you jack up your rates too much, you put yourself in the position that you're competing with a whole new crowd that maybe you can't compete with talent-wise.  It is probably very hard to get the supply and demand balance right. And even well-established businesses go bankrupt.  Celebrations Studios had a lot of happy customers for 20+ years before they went under.  Of course it is easy to play Monday quarterback and talk about all the bad signs that maybe weren't so apparently along the way, and of course it is important to do diligence on potential vendors, but really it is hard to know who is going to have trouble when.
    Posted by uppereastgirl[/QUOTE]

    Totally agree with you.  It's not as easy as some people think it is to be a professional photographer and be profitable.  I don't envy them at all.
    Report Reply
  • smw42smw42 member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_update-semenick-photography?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:d8182528-92b6-4da0-bcd5-dd56d54cd63ePost:6886c9c3-09c8-4772-b57b-2c06eb71a843">Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography : Funny you say that because places like The Knot are part of the problem.  Everyone looking for the best deal and trying to drive down prices.  I guaranty that people like Jason Rhee or whoever else people mention here as being a "good bargain" are either going to jack up their rates or go out of business, too.
    Posted by bereasonable[/QUOTE]


    Do you mind introducing yourself? It seems that you are a vendor based on your 2015 wedding date.

    Please view The Knot terms of use here:
    <a rel="nofollow" href="http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-tools-help-center/the-knot-about-us/articles/the-knot-terms-of-use.aspx">http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-tools-help-center/the-knot-about-us/articles/the-knot-terms-of-use.aspx</a>
    Anniversary Photobucket
    Report Reply
  • bereasonablebereasonable member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_update-semenick-photography?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:d8182528-92b6-4da0-bcd5-dd56d54cd63ePost:45172b83-fb75-4f36-998c-bca083e36645">Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography : Do you mind introducing yourself? It seems that you are a vendor based on your 2015 wedding date. Please view The Knot terms of use here: <a href="http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-tools-help-center/the-knot-about-us/articles/the-knot-terms-of-use.aspx" rel='nofollow'>http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-tools-help-center/the-knot-about-us/articles/the-knot-terms-of-use.aspx</a>
    Posted by smw42[/QUOTE]

    Perhaps I just put 2015 because I want to remain anonymous on these boards.  Is that against forum rules?  I love how everyone is accused of being a vendor because they wish not to share their personal stories.  I'm not a vendor and you won't see me plugging any vendor's services here.  I'm here to read and learn and plan, just like everyone else - albeit without sharing intimate personal knowledge of who I am.

    Sorry if anyone finds that offensive.
    Report Reply
  • goaliegirlgoaliegirl member
    First Comment Combo Breaker First Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    Glad to hear he was located, but I would be cautious to get too excited until you have those pictures in hand.  I will keep my fingers crossed for you that he will follow through and get them to you.
    Report Reply
  • agallucioagallucio member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    bereasonable- Don't worry, she did the same thing to me. I had my wedding year typed wrong. I agree that you shouldn't have to share every detail and you weren't plugging a vendor so I am not quite sure why she said that to you.
    Report Reply
  • hcer0708hcer0708 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Glad to hear is was located and you will be getting your pictures..
    Report Reply
  • bereasonablebereasonable member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_update-semenick-photography?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:d8182528-92b6-4da0-bcd5-dd56d54cd63ePost:0b7f1b5f-db36-4c00-ae5a-eecb2e6d1998">Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography</a>:
    [QUOTE]bereasonable- Don't worry, she did the same thing to me. I had my wedding year typed wrong. I agree that you shouldn't have to share every detail and you weren't plugging a vendor so I am not quite sure why she said that to you.
    Posted by agallucio[/QUOTE]

    Glad to hear I'm not the only one!  LOL!  I do understand her concern, but sometimes it just seems like a witchunt on this forum.
    Report Reply
  • badkittyctbadkittyct
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Glad you tracked him down. I feel sorry for the married couples but for him as well. If he is bagging groceries he clearly is hurting as well. Some people bite off more than they can chew and it comes back to get them. I hope it all works out. I was thinking about this the other day.
    BabyFruit Ticker
    Report Reply
  • bereasonablebereasonable member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Anyone that used them care to share how much your package was and what was included?
    Report Reply
  • felicia220felicia220 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    So glad that this is going to work out.  

    As for the vendor thing, Sherri is just doing her job.  We have had vendors come on in the past and pose as brides, recommend themselves, until they got caught.  Its annoying and pretty shady IMO.  She is just making sure the board is Vendor free, and questioning those with vendor-like-behavior (such as a far out date, or not sharing)  Not to say that you have to share anything.  Just thought I would explain that.  


    Report Reply
  • goaliegirlgoaliegirl member
    First Comment Combo Breaker First Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_update-semenick-photography?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:d8182528-92b6-4da0-bcd5-dd56d54cd63ePost:99377bb0-172a-4d60-bf21-e6adf34e5b6e">Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography</a>:
    [QUOTE]So glad that this is going to work out.   As for the vendor thing, Sherri is just doing her job.  We have had vendors come on in the past and pose as brides, recommend themselves, until they got caught.  Its annoying and pretty shady IMO.  She is just making sure the board is Vendor free, and questioning those with vendor-like-behavior (such as a far out date, or not sharing)  Not to say that you have to share anything.  Just thought I would explain that.  
    Posted by felicia220[/QUOTE]

    I agree that she is just doing her job as moderator, but I also feel like in this situation there wasn't really anything vendorish about the post.    I have been around here for quite awhile now and seen my fair share of vendors trying to post and I have to say I didn't think that this time. Personally, I don't think people should HAVE to post their wedding date and any information if they don't want to.  I wouldn't do that but some people don't want all their business on the internet for any number of reasons.    Is there a rule somewhere that says you have to put your exact wedding date?   Heck, who is to say that you have to introduce yourself...I mean that is a bit odd that you would want to come post and not intro yourself but to each his own.
    Report Reply
  • felicia220felicia220 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Laurie, I haven't see anything else bereasonable has posted, but I am assuming Sherri has, so I don't know if her need to question her was based on some other things she has posted on other threads.  That was my thinking at least.  
    Report Reply
  • goaliegirlgoaliegirl member
    First Comment Combo Breaker First Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_update-semenick-photography?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:d8182528-92b6-4da0-bcd5-dd56d54cd63ePost:1c5025d8-7183-4219-a9e0-73795012e21b">Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography</a>:
    [QUOTE]Laurie, I haven't see anything else bereasonable has posted, but I am assuming Sherri has, so I don't know if her need to question her was based on some other things she has posted on other threads.  That was my thinking at least.  
    Posted by felicia220[/QUOTE]

    I hear you, I only saw the ones from yesterday...for once I just didn't think the person's post was really vendorish and there have been ones that have been much worse where nothing was said.    I was just trying to look at it from both sides.
    Report Reply
  • felicia220felicia220 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Haha I hear ya too.  Sherri is one of the nicest and most reasonable people on here, so I just didn't think she would say or do anything without her reasons.  

    I think we can agree, again, that she is an awesome mod!  
    Report Reply
  • goaliegirlgoaliegirl member
    First Comment Combo Breaker First Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    She def. does do a great job!
    Report Reply
  • smw42smw42 member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Aw you guys just made a rainy day great! You guys are the best.
    Anniversary Photobucket
    Report Reply
  • USER876USER876
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_update-semenick-photography?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:d8182528-92b6-4da0-bcd5-dd56d54cd63ePost:1b0df589-e89c-47a6-889f-5b200b71fdc4">Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography : Perhaps I just put 2015 because I want to remain anonymous on these boards.  Is that against forum rules?  I love how everyone is accused of being a vendor because they wish not to share their personal stories.  I'm not a vendor and you won't see me plugging any vendor's services here.  I'm here to read and learn and plan, just like everyone else - albeit without sharing intimate personal knowledge of who I am. Sorry if anyone finds that offensive.
    Posted by bereasonable[/QUOTE]

    Nothing against the mods, but others have done worse with no action.  I remember a few weeks ago the plugs about THE GROVE, and nothing was done there.....couldn't get more obvious.
    1st Groom

    View our FOR SALE items
    http://tinyurl.com/3jjv7vy
    image
    Report Reply
  • USER876USER876
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_update-semenick-photography?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:d8182528-92b6-4da0-bcd5-dd56d54cd63ePost:31a4f4d9-ca71-49d5-a64f-93c3fe8a14bd">Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: UPDATE- Semenick Photography : ... or both.  I'm sure it is very easy for people to get in over their heads.  It is probably hard to pace yourself with new business when there's so much work to do before/after weddings (haven't people said that JR is way backed up on albums?)  If you jack up your rates too much, you put yourself in the position that you're competing with a whole new crowd that maybe you can't compete with talent-wise.  It is probably very hard to get the supply and demand balance right. And even well-established businesses go bankrupt.  Celebrations Studios had a lot of happy customers for 20+ years before they went under.  Of course it is easy to play Monday quarterback and talk about all the bad signs that maybe weren't so apparent along the way, and of course it is important to do diligence on potential vendors, but really it is hard to know who is going to have trouble when.
    Posted by uppereastgirl[/QUOTE]

    The issue is (and a very common mistake) once you raise your prices to market, now you seem expensive and not the bargain photographer you once were.
    1st Groom

    View our FOR SALE items
    http://tinyurl.com/3jjv7vy
    image
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards