O.K., so I'm a bride on an extremely tight budget and just don't have the $$ to spend 3 to 6 thousand bucks on a photographer. I did a goolge search on 'affordable photography' and found a bunch of listings on Craigslist. Long story short I hooked up with a photographer whose work I liked, who I really clicked with and was willing to give me a nice package at a reduced price. I've been in regular contact with her, her last correspondence to me was last week to ask I we wanted to try and get some Epics in while she was on LI shooting another wedding (she's from way upstate).
This evening, when I went to look at her website again I found it was down. I did a google search and found a few disgruntled people from whom she supposedly took down payments from and never delivered (her claim is they did not follow through with their end of the bargain as far as the payment schedule). All this occurred in October - February in TN.
Now I don't know if it was just one person who was disgruntled and may have been partly to blame but are now posting bad stuff about her on various websites (found some other posts including one from her supposed ex-assistant who was also 'scammed').
I just mailed my deposit to her this past Monday! Do I (a) send her an email and explain what I found and how/why and wait for her explaination of the events or (b) send her an email explaining the above, adding that I will be cancelling the check and then go to the bank first thing tomorrow to cancel it?
*sigh* why me?
Edited for spelling
WinterBride10
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
I would cancel that check immediately!! You don't want to take your chances by being nice and explaining first. Sounds sketchy to me.
PegaLega
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
Posted by Sharron70
O.K., so I'm a bride on an extremely tight budget and just don't have the $$ to spend 3 to 6 thousand bucks on a photographer. I did a goolge search on 'affordable photography' and found a bunch of listings on Craigslist. Long story short I hooked up with a photographer whose work I liked, who I really clicked with and was willing to give me a nice package at a reduced price. I've been in regular contact with her, her last correspondence to me was last week to ask I we wanted to try and get some Epics in while she was on LI shooting another wedding (she's from way upstate).
This evening, when I went to look at her website again I found it was down. I did a google search and found a few disgruntled people from whom she supposedly took down payments from and never delivered (her claim is they did not follow through with their end of the bargain as far as the payment schedule). All this occurred in October - February in TN.
Now I don't know if it was just one person who was disgruntled and may have been partly to blame but are now posting bad stuff about her on various websites (found some other posts including one from her supposed ex-assistant who was also 'scammed').
I just mailed my deposit to her this past Monday! Do I (a) send her an email and explain what I found and how/why and wait for her explaination of the events or (b) send her an email explaining the above, adding that I will be cancelling the check and then go to the bank first thing tomorrow to cancel it?
*sigh* why me?
Edited for spelling
I would call if you have the number...and tell her your thoughts. I would cancelthe check regardless. Tell her when she does your epics you willgive her the deposit-until then I wouldnt pay her if you are worried
Sharron70
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
I just stopped payment on the check. The more I think about it the more I realize how fishy it was.
Thanks ladies
tcotier
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
Posted by Sharron70
I just stopped payment on the check. The more I think about it the more I realize how fishy it was.
Thanks ladies
Good call, I'd just cut all ties and go somewhere else. That's wayy too suspicious. There are some good ones on here that are way below the 5-6k range, I'd go by referral.
Sorry you had to go through this, and I'm glad you got out of it before she cashed that check!!
escobooker
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
Cancel that check immediately!!
FutureMrsLV
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
i would look at 12th night or george from right angle studios they are both very nice and have great reputations and are also affordable...im not sure what you want to spend exactly but w/ 12th night you dont have to buy the album right away which will save with costs before the wedding
Sharron70
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
Sadly, when I say 'tight budget', I'm talking tighter than a frog's butt.
She was going to give me her 1200.00 package for 750.00. hmm, maybe that should have been my first clue.
I'm not usually this gullible/naive.
FutureMrsLV
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
i would talk to 12th night...i know they allow you to make you own packages.. i think they might still be a little more then you want to spend but i wold check about making your own packge thing
Sharron70
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
Thanks!
I'll start looking again tomorrow. I'm just so bummed right now.
Sharron70
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
Well, to her credit, she wrote me back and explained everything. I feel bad that she's going through what's happening to her but let her know I'd feel better moving on.
so_in_love630
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
good thing you realized this when u did....
GiantsBride
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
I'd still try some of the less expensive photographers - since your wedding is a bit closer, they may give you a deal if they are not booked for that day. Some business is better than no business, even if they aren't getting their usual rate.
mrsdraskin2009
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
Definitely cancel it! Nothing she could say would make me feel comfortable.
Lisa218
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
You should check them out on better business bureau!
Sharron70
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
Posted by Lisa218
You should check them out on better business bureau!
Yup - but there's nothing there.
Thank you though!
jaep129
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
Cancel the check right now!!!!!
Sharron70
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
Posted by jaep129
Cancel the check right now!!!!!
I actually cancelled it last night via the web. I'm just sitting here now, with fingers crossed, waiting for it to show up on my account.
Try Nicks photography...he is a freelancer and a really nice guy....almost booked with him until I got a deal elsewhere. If you want his info let me know!
JulyBride728
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Re: Need Advice - Photographer Scam
I say cancel the check asap and get info on other photographers from brides on this website...at least you know it's coming from a good source.
I don't have confidence in Craigslist, and I dont think I will ever resort to using a vendor I found on craigslist...especially when it comes to my wedding planning. I'm sure there are some good apples out there, but there are wayyy too many bad ones that outweighs the good ones.
There are lots of great freelance photogs with great prices..ask around on this website, and cancel ur pmt. NOW.
