We used Steve from Patken Photographers when we got married at the Watermill on April 20th. We just picked up our proofs Thursday night. We're not too happy. We looked at about 6 or 7 photograhers before we chose Patken. And we chose Patken because we wanted 'different' pictures. We didn't want your 'typical' wedding poses. We ended up getting the 'typical' wedding poses. Don't get me wrong, the pictures look very nice, but they are not what we wanted. We spent a lot more money than we wanted to, and now I want to kick myself in the butt! Some of my friends got really good shots of us, and they tell me that if I give Patken the negatives, that they will put them in my album. Do you think this is possible? Thanks for letting me vent. Lisa
DianaL
Posted:
Member since
Re: I picked up my proofs......(long sorry)
I don't know if it is possible because I haven't gone through it yet. I think if it were me, I would speak to them and ask. It can't hurt.
Did you tell them you were disappointed? Did they respond to your comments?
LisaD
Posted:
Member since
DianaL.......
No, we haven't told them yet, but we will. We didn't look at the proofs until we got them home Thursday night. I'll let you know what happens. Lisa
Sonicstef
Posted:
Member since
So sorry...
Im sooo sorry to hear that!
There isn't much you can do about changing your photos but here are some suggestions:
If you really don't like your photos, perhaps Patken will refund some of your $$$. Especially if you stressed what you wanted and were delivered something else.
If not, then you could ask to forgo the album altogether and get a refund for that portion.
He should ABSOLUTELY put your friend's photos in your album if you prefer those over his.
michele31
Posted:
Member since
Re: So sorry...
I agree with Stefanie. You need to discuss this with Patken. If you are not happy consider not doing a album with him and doing one yourself. You can talk to some of the high-end camera places. I am sure that they can do the 8x10 mounted photos for a self-made album. And if you want your friends photos he should put them in. Let us know how he handles this. I am curious to see. Sorry that you are not very happy. That totally stinks.
debbus
Posted:
Member since
Lisa D...
Hi it's me again! I am so sorry you were unhappy with your photos. We booked Patkin too and I was wondering how the pictures were compared to the books you see in the studio? Did you ask for something other than what they show you, or were they nothing like the books in the office (we went to lindenhurst)? Did Doug choose Steve for you or did you ask for him? Please let me know how they deal with your problem, Good luck!
LisaD
Posted:
Member since
Re: Debbus.....
We met with Steve in Mineola and really liked him, that's why we booked him. We also really liked the ablums that he had done. Like I said, they were the only place that had 'different' pictures. I'll let you guys know what he says when we talk to him. By the way, it was the little stuff that bothered me......my dress turned up in some pictures, us not centered, him making my husband bend over to touch cheek to cheek and my husband looks hunched over, and not asking people to move out of the way when we took our silhouette in front of the church doors. Stupid stuff that could have been avoided. Lisa
02bride
Posted:
Member since
Recommendations?
I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. At least your friends have some really good pictures. I'm sure Patken can incorporate them in your album- they better! I booked Steve for my wedding. Is there anything you would recommend to the brides who have already booked with them? Thanks for your feedback, Shannon
LisaD
Posted:
Member since
02bride
Shannon, I don't know what to say. We were very specific with Steve and there were certain things we wanted. We didn't get them. I wanted table pictures and he only got some of the tables. And he got NONE of my family tables. I have no pictures of my husband and I partying on the dance floor. Steve stood by the DJ with his arms folded. I had to find him to say 'Hey, take a picture of us.' It's heart breaking. Lisa
Sonicstef
Posted:
Member since
Re: 02bride
I just wanted to commend you on coming forward and telling everyone. You are doing a service to all those bride who will consider using him in the future.
DeniseMang
Posted:
Member since
Re: 02bride
I am using him in 12 days and I am ready to cry! I have only heard such wonderful things about Steve. What's going on. I am on the brink of tears and have picked up the phone and put it back down now 10 times. Should I call him and find out what is going on???? what do I do????
02bride
Posted:
Member since
DeniseMang
I'm nervous too. I would definitely mention it to Steve. I already printed these comments and I'm going to mention it to him before my wedding. I think if he knows you're concerned before he starts, maybe he'll make more of a point to meet your requests. I would write down a list of your 'must have' pictures. If you're really into having dancing pictures, let him know. I told my Dad about this situation because he's handling the tips that night. He said he's going to give Steve my list of pictures I want taken, show him the envelope with his tip, and then let him know he won't get the envelope unless he has met my requests. I look forward to hearing your response. I wouldn't be too concerned. Many brides have had many good reviews and a vendor is bound to not please everyone- especially on something we all feel differently about. I'm just glad everyone is honest about their experiences. It's so helpful.
Paiz
Posted:
Member since
How Horrible!
You definitely have reason to confront Steve about it. If you made specific requests, and he did not meet them, I'd say you're due something for it. If not a refund, then definitely the incorporation of your friends pics.
I'm so sorry you had to go through this. Every bride has a vision of what they want their pictures to be.
susanlynn
Posted:
Member since
Re: I picked up my proofs......(long sorry)
I am going through trying to pick a photographer and I too want 'different' photos. I am getting married at Chateau Briand, also a Scotto Brothers establishment and do not know who to go with. They recomended Pro Line, or Cassonova. Did you have any feedback on these companies??
michele31
Posted:
Member since
Re: I picked up my proofs......(long sorry)
If you want 'different' photos try Mark Kauffman Studios. His photographers take some amazing and different photos. And he is not doing it only this year because it is a trend either. He is on the expensive side but worth the money (IMO).
BRIDE-TO-BE
Posted:
Member since
Re: I picked up my proofs......(long sorry)
I am so sorry to hear you were not happy with Steve's work. I just picked up my proofs 2 weeks ago and are very happy with them. They turned out beautiful. I do think each bride has a vision of what they exspect and as I wasn't happy with my florist others have been. Some goes for your photographers. I know Steve asked us multiple times throughout the day if there were any specific photos we wanted and we told him to just do his thing, we didn't have a list or anything. And everytime there was an opportunity he was there with the camera to catch the moments. I would definitly speak to Steve and Doug about this and see what they can do for you. Maybe changing some up with black and white or adding the special effects will make a big difference. Please let us know how it turns out and good luck!
KGB
Posted:
Member since
Re: I picked up my proofs......(long sorry)
Sorry to hear you're unhappy with your pics.
I know you said some are missing, which you can't do anything about. Maybe some of your friends pics can be included in your album. But Look at your pics again. If things are out of center, extraneous people are in the background (but not directly behind you), etc. they will be cropped out. Those things are fixable. As for not getting pictures, that's awful. You most certainly should get some sort of discount, or get a bigger album. Something. Word of mouth is how these companies get a lot of business. Make sure you let them know that you've posted on this site (and any other).
