… And that is How the Cookie Crumbled
July 22nd, 2008 @ 4:01 pm by Mrs. Cookie
I, like Miss Cream Puff and Mrs. Penguin before me, relieved my photographer from his contractual obligation — meaning I fired him. So, here is how the cookie crumbled… we booked our photographer way back in December. My mother had worked with the photographer on several weddings and had seen his portfolio. With a stellar reference about his professionalism, further conversations with the photographer, seeing his portfolio online and affordable pricing, I felt very confident that we had done our due diligence to book him. So, we signed a contract and sent in a deposit.
As a part of our package, an engagement session was included. We set-up a time with our photographer and did the shoot. For a week, I anxiously awaited the online proofs. As soon as the email hit my inbox, I zipped open the link. But as I opened the online gallery, my giddiness was replaced with utter disappointment. I didn’t like the photos, AT ALL!
Before I continue, I must explain my own photographic background. A professional photographer, I am not; however, I do have extensive old-school dark room experience, and in a former career life as a theatre marketer, I’ve been on a ton of photo shoots. Plus, I am a total wedding photography blog stalker. Photography is a very, very high on our wedding priority list. All these elements have solidified what overall style we want in our wedding photography — candid but not totally photojournalist, with both traditional and unconventional composition. I thought we had found a photographer that gelled with that style.
My first thought was not to fire him, but to sit down and have a conversation about why we didn’t like the photos and what we would like to see differently on the day. However, through subsequent conversations with several friends and family, especially my MOH who had been through a very similar situation with her photographer and ending up hating her wedding photographs despite spending a considerable amount of money, I decided sitting down and talking was not going to guarantee us the shots that we wanted.
At this point, I felt very uneasy and not confident in the photographer’s ability to capture our wedding. Our styles just did not gel! With photography being such a high priority, a queasy feeing about the photography would have been in the back of my mind all day. We had to let him go!
The call to the photographer and losing the deposit sucked! In all fairness, I think his style is right for some brides, but not for us.
Like Mrs. Flamingo, I suggest you trust your gut! If you have any doubts about your photographer, or any vendor for that matter, take the steps necessary to relieve those doubts for you — and if that means firing your photographer, do it!
I’ve been searching for a new photographer for the past few weeks, and I am elated to have found a dynamic duo to shoot our wedding…but you’ll just have to wait for the big reveal!
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16 Responses to “… And that is How the Cookie Crumbled”
Is it some weird coincidence that many Bees have gotten new photographers? I went through a similar thing, and talked myself from the edge. I think the main issue that contributes to this type of vendor change with brides is that they plan far in advance, and then have time to continually second guess themselves.
i can’t wait to see your pictures!
Your story really scares me! Photography is also something that is very important to our wedding being complete, but yet I have no idea where to start! I have looked on the knot for local vendors, I have used preferred vendors lists from all the venues we looked at — but I have no idea how to choose. We also have a few recommendations from friends, but are afraid to move forward on the recommendations in case we end up not liking them and have some hurt feelings. I can’t seem to make a decision even after all my photoblog stalking. I, like you, would like to have an engagement session with about 10 different photographers just to make sure I choose the right one! I know that is not possible, but I guess I’m looking for any and all suggestions on how to find the right one! Thanks for sharing.
You are going to be so happy that you are changing vendors! I had a (truly) awful makeup trial with a friend of a friend. Honestly, I could have done makeup better myself and I am NOT good at it.
Anyway, I ended up finding a professional makeup artist (who had done work for magazines and is a model herself) and after perusing her website, I knew it was the right decision.
I didn’t even book another trial because it was so close to the wedding (Thank goodness she was available!)
It was the best decision I made - I’m not very photogenic and she just helped me to look amazing!
becky
@HumarockBride: Although this is going to sound incredibly cheesy, you have to listen to your heart and be true to what style you are looking for.
I suggest picking three photographers that you like, sit down and talk with them face-to-face, and give yourself a few days to decide. Sitting down face-to-face was the one thing I did not do on the first photographer (I spoke with him on the phone), and I wish I would have! Good Luck!
Definitely go with your gut… the one vendor I had reservations about (our DOC) turned out to be a train wreck. Ugh. Should have listened to my gut but I was too distracted by other things. Congrats on finding a new photographer to be excited about!
I agree with Miss Cookie. Photography is a top priority for us. I chose my top 3 for all vendors and promised myself to meet each one so I don’t end up with Buyer’s Remorse. I fell in LOVE with Photog #2 and even thought about cancelling my appt with photog #3. Thank GOD I didn’t. Who knew I could love another photog even more. Sure enough…after letting everything marinate for a day or two…I booked photog #3. I probably would have wonderful photos from either one, but at least I know I made the best “gut” decision for myself!
I think I had picked my photographer before my venue… she cost more than the venue and the catering combined, but I have FULL faith in her, and can’t wait to see what she comes up with for us!
I’m not sad about all the cash we’re spending for her.
Being a Denver gal myself, I will be excited to see who you chose.
@HumarockBride - as a starting point, there are a couple of directory sites you might find useful. My current 2 favorites are http://www.photographik.org/wedding_photographers.html and http://wedding-party.com
I fired my reception hall and caterer two days ago. It was hard, because it was the perfect place, but there are too many rumors of them going out of business and being unable to even pay their workers. I had a great fear they wouldn’t be open on our wedding day, so I dropped out. I was going to lose my HUGE deposit, but I didn’t. I found a break in their contract, got my lawyer outfit on and got my money back. Sometimes, you just have to follow your gut!
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i’m hoping the photographer you fired is not the one i just hired!
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Mrs. Cookie, Denver
Age and Occupation: 25, Nonprofit Fundraiser/Theatre Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Financial Analyst
Engagement Date: September 2007
Wedding Date: September 2008
Blogging Since: May 8, 2008
Venue: Ten Mile Station
About Me: With a degree in Theatre I never realized that planning a wedding was a lot like Theatre Management, until I started planning my own. I am a coffee addict, especially Starbucks' Grande Mochas, yummy! I love to cook (especially chocolate chip cookies for my honey), travel to exotic places, and be creative. As a couple, Mr. Cookie and I are extremely practical, down to earth, and children at heart. We live in a cozy abode with our adorable Pomeranian, and love to play board games and watch movies into the evening.
At least you found a new photographer! That is pretty speedy! Hopefully the new photographers you chose will capture your special day in a unique way!