I had SUCH a difficult time deciding on a photographer, primarily because this was THE most important decision for me and if ANYTHING was to be perfect it should be photos. We finally booked a few months ago, but we weren't able to book with the owner of the small studio we chose, as he booked a family friend's wedding the same day. We were booked with his associate. Initially, I was okay with it, but as time went on and I compared the photos they had each taken, I wasn't as sure.
Then, I lost out on the engagement pictures I really wanted, because I wanted a fall foliage shoot, and he had NO free weekend time (I couldn't get a day off during the week). We settled on this Saturday, 12/1, for photos in an NYC location, since the colorful leaves wouldn't have been an option at this point anyway. Again, I was trying to convince myself that it was all okay, but it wasn't what I really wanted. I was at least relieved to learn that it was supposed to be 50 degrees on Saturday, because I have a circulatory issue that makes the cold very painful for me and I was afraid that would/will read in photos. HOWEVER, we just got an e-mail that the photographer now can't make it on Saturday, so now I'm stressed all over again.
Part of me just wants to delay photos until the spring, but we really wanted to use them for our STDs, which need to go out SOON for an August wedding...
I feel like I'm second guessing everything related to our photography now, which is so difficult because it's so important to me. Then I start getting panicky about everything else. I just don't know what to do. Any thoughts/insight/similar situations? TIA
crisy211
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Photo Stress
i feel your pain- i agonized over picking a photographer for months. i wouldn't worry too much about using the associate photographer- the main photographer hired them for a reason and their work is likely similar. pick out pics you really like that the person you wanted took and show them to the associate photog. i was originally dead set on using the main photographer of the company i went with but looking back, the associate photographer's work is just as beautiful and could have saved me a few hundred dollars.
i also wanted fall e-pics!! but my fh being in iraq kind of ruined that! lol we did spring time before he left but my second choice after fall would have been winter. i've seen some AMAZING e-pics in the snow on pinterest. maybe since your photographer canceled on you, ask him if he can be flexible and do pics on the first good snowy day? best of luck. know that everything will work out!!!
Soon2beMrsCap
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i know exactly how you feel- wanted e pics for save the date - first time got cancelled due to rain- the next week we decided old wesbury gardens to capture the fall element - then hurricane happend and got cancelled 2 more times.. at this point i dont even care im using what was supposed to be the 'e shoot' a future 'trash the dress session' for after we get married- our std's need to go out and im jusr going to print magnets with our names and the date... everything happens for a reason dont stress it too much!
saxtrevNmeg
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We're now scheduled for NEXT Saturday. Keep your fingers crossed that the weather is sunny and relatively warm for us. (I felt better about today being cancelled after seeing that the weather was NOT what was forecasted...)
saxtrevNmeg
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Well, he did it AGAIN!!! The photographer cancelled on us again this weekend, with 24 hours notice! This time he's sick. We're getting REALLY nervous about his reliability for the wedding. Not to mention getting very nervous about getting our STDs out. It's getting late...
Any ideas would be much appreciated
db276952
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Photo Stress
Did you put a deposit down already? Maybe you can go with someone else, or book another photog for your engagement session and ask him to give you a credit, album, or TTD shoot... Sorry you have to deal with this, I freakin hate flakey vendors lol. Good luck, hope it all works out I'm sure it will :)
saxtrevNmeg
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Thank you. We have paid a deposit already. Our contract already included the engagement session and album. Wasn't really into the TTD session, but I suppose it's a possibility.
It just sucks because photography was/is SO important to me and now I'm SO nervous about it...
Kristin31613
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You are ok for your std, but I would be nervous too. He has cancelled on you a lot. If you aren't able to trust that he'll come through, I'd do something about it now, rather than later.
MarryTheNight24
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Photo Stress
Is there anyone else who can take the pictures? You said the owner wasn't available for your wedding day, but can he do your engagement shoot? Are there any other associates who you may be able to use instead? At this point I'd be calling the owner demanding something to be done. Look over your contract and see if there's anyway you may be able to get out of it. Unfortunately, the contracts usually are more for covering their *** and not us the clients.
lauren1802
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have you asked about getting your deposit back?
angelicd77
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Im having a similar issue. It kills me because my photog is SO talented. We decided to give him till after the new year and see if we can reschedule one more time. If not its powow time in his office. Hopefully it all works out for you! Ill keep my fingers crossed!
saxtrevNmeg
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Re: Photo Stress
Posted by MarryTheNight24
Is there anyone else who can take the pictures? You said the owner wasn't available for your wedding day, but can he do your engagement shoot? Are there any other associates who you may be able to use instead? At this point I'd be calling the owner demanding something to be done. Look over your contract and see if there's anyway you may be able to get out of it. Unfortunately, the contracts usually are more for covering their *** and not us the clients.
We asked the owner if HE could keep our scheduled appointment. He was booked. It's a small studio, so it's basically just the two of them. He might be able to do it on another date, but part of the point of the engagement shoot was to get to know OUR photographer, especially since I'm not terribly comfortable with cameras. Now, building that rapport is even MORE important, since there's been quite an erosion of trust... Finding another date that works is going to be very difficult with our schedules, no matter who takes the pictures.
There's nothing in the contract saying the deposit is non-refundable, so we're looking into it, but we had such a hard time finding somebody we liked the first time around. I'm really nervous about what our options would be only eight months out...
I have no idea what other accommodation to ask for if we stay with them. Any ideas?
Bride2013
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I Understand you completely! We booked with our photographer cause we fell in love with his personality and his artistic photographs. We had our engagement shoot and i walked away unhappy. He told us it was going to take a while to receive them and it sure did which was expected. However,he gave me a due date and never met it nor did he shoot me an email to let me know. Well two weeks passed and i contacted him only for him to tell me he was working on it . That same night i received them and i was not impressed. all the editing he said he as going to do were not done.This happened mid october and its now december and i havent heard from him. Oh and we had the shoot in August.You would think as a professional you follow up with your client to make sure that they like the pictures. Talk about freaking out...I have knots in my stomach! I havent contacted him yet due to the chaos of Sandy and all. But this definitely has put me on edge and i can understand how you feel! I feel like i dont have the energy to search for another vendor and lose out on the deposit!
bridejackson22
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Photo Stress
who are you using? I would definitely be leary that is a bit flaky.
KroertGS
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Re: Photo Stress
Is this a vendor in Suffolk? If so, Suffolk County law says that you have up until six months until the date of the event to cancel a contract and get back your deposit, eveything besides $100. You may want to act on it.
saxtrevNmeg
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Re: Photo Stress
Posted by KroertGS
Is this a vendor in Suffolk? If so, Suffolk County law says that you have up until six months until the date of the event to cancel a contract and get back your deposit, eveything besides $100. You may want to act on it.
This is GREAT to know, thank you!! It IS a Suffolk County vendor.
