Weddingbee boards

What would you do in my shoes ladies?

I emailed my photographer regarding the issue I had with only having 1 formal picture with my MOH's and he tried to look for more..but..of course there were none. The only other pictures he had were two pictures of them helping me with my dress but you can't even see their faces clearly.

Honestly - I'm really disappointed. I've lost a lot more sleep over this than I probably should. But I'm mostly upset b/c our $1,000+ wedding album will now look completely lop sided with the 25+ images of the groom with his groomsmen and the pitiful 1 picture of me with my 2 MOH's.

What would you do in my situation? He's apologized and asked me to let him know if there's anything he can do. But honestly, what can he do now?

I'd consider a re-shoot, but that would mean I'd have to spend another $200+ on getting my H&MU done, and it'd also mean that my 2 MOH's would also have to do their H&MU all over again.

I honestly feel sick over this. And while my photographer was really good - the more I think about it the more upset I get and am getting. I felt like his "assistant" didn't even do her job since 70% of the time she was just standing around. I also found out last night through some of our guests that she actually made some really rude comments TO my guests!

Thanks for your advice mishelleez - but I'm not sure he'd be willing to pay $300-$400 out of his pocket for this :(

*bump* for any other opinions/advice.

I would check with the place you got your hair and makeup done.  Explain to them the situation and that you're proposing a reshoot with the photographer.  Ask them how much it would be -- chances are what they normally charge brides on their wedding day is higher than if you were to walk in needing make up for a fancy event.  They may be willing to work with you for a good deal.

Otherwise, I'd think about going to a makeup counter at the mall (macy's, etc) and explain to them the situation and see if they would do it for a small price or maybe a purchase of a product or two (it's probably cheaper that way and in the end you'll get something like lipstick out of it at least).  Take along some photos on your wedding day so that they know what you're looking to recreate.  You could even get your hair done at the hair dresser and then go to the mall (I've done this).  If you mention this to your salon, they may be willing to make the makeup cheaper knowing that you'd go elsewhere.

While I do believe that the photographer should have got the shots and it's his responsibility, I would check your contract to see if there is any stipulation that states that his photography is of a photojournalist-style and not posed, etc and he doesn't use a contrived shot list.  Many photographers I looked at had this in their contract.  So he could claim that his photography was as such and then turn it (the predicament) back on you.  I would try to approach this situation that you want to make it a win-win situation for the both of you (you get the photos you want, and he gets back in good graces as someone trying to remedy a situation because a lot of the industy is word-of-mouth...and you can review him as such on Wedding Wire).

Perhaps you should approach him and say "I want this to work out for the both of us...that we both walk away satisfied.  What can we do so this works out."  Have him talk first (he may have an even better idea than what you would propose...and after he speaks if it's not exactly what you want, tell him what you're looking for.

It sounds like he is trying to do something (by asking you if there is anything he can do). I take this as a good faith effort to try and remedy the situation.

Example of wording in contract: "The studio and client further agree that the studio cannot be held responsible for any specific image that may not be delivered.  Client acknowledges and understands that photographer uses a highly stylized and photojournalistic approach to the assignment, with few prearranged or posed shots.  Any failure by the studio to deliver any specific image shall not be a breach of this agreement, shall not result in a refund of any money paid by client to the studio, and studio shall not provide any other remedy to client."

Thanks for your input ladies! I didn't hear back from my photographer for a week so DH and I called him last night.

He did apologize again and said he should have taken more formal pictures of us (since he took over 20 formal pictures of my husband and his groomsmen. Some of his groomsmen even got pictures by themselves!).

He agreed to do a re-shoot for us, and he said that he may go through his insurance to cover the cost of our H&MU. I really hope he follows through..this has been a bit of a roller coaster. I'm just relieved now to have gotten my concerns out there.

Thanks again for your advice :D