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No signed contract, no need to go with that photographer.
Just tell him that in the end you both were not a match.
I agree, if you didn't sign a contract or pay him a deposit, I would tell him that you chose to go another way.
I agree, with no signed contract, and his lack of communication I would let him know you decided to go with a different photographer.
Ok... I guess I'm just nervous because he knows when and where our wedding is... not like he'll show up and do something crazy, but that kind of stuff makes me feel uneasy. Thanks guys!
balls.jpg (84.3 KB, 33 downloads) 1 year old garland.jpg (44.3 KB, 30 downloads) 1 year old
Lindsey, I wouldn't worry, he'll may end up booking another bride for that date anyways. It'll be much less stress for you to have a photog that you're happy with.
Legally, he could put up a stink about this. A verbal contract is binding and he does have some emails to "back it up". Although, with his unprofessionalism, I doubt he would go down that road.
Talk to your officiant and see what he/she says about firing him. Also, if you do choose to do this, go about it in a professional and nice way. Also, give him some reasons (real or fake). That way he will have no reason to "show up and do something crazy" (and that would scare me a bit too!)
Oh, and I think you should fire him and go with a better photog!!
@LittleBear... Do you think its an issue even though we don't have an email that even says the date? We only verbally agreed to it over the phone. I'm sure he's a great photographer and a wonderful person, but to me, even if you're super super busy, you can atleast let your clients know that you're working as hard as you can to get back to them. I know I'm not his only client so I'm sympathetic, but I still think he could be handling it better :)
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I know exactly how you feel...the same thing happened with our first officiant AND my first makeup artist. I dont care much for confrontation, so I dreaded having to call them and say, "thanks, but no thanks..."
You can just write him a short email saying that your plans have changed and you've decided to go with another photographer. Thank him for speaking to you earlier in the process and hope him the best. Thats more than enough. Without a contract or much communication, its probably more than he would expect anyway!
I don't think you need to worry about any kinda harsh confrontation. If anything it would be more on the lines of either I am sorry to see you go or is there anything I can do to be your photographer.
If you're worried about it, I would just send a quick email to let him know that you will no longer require his services, it's up to you how far you go into detail. But, at least then, you have a paper trail to prove you weren't lying to him. But if there was no deposit, no contract you don't owe him anything monetary-wise. If he asks, just tell the truth. I don't think you have anything to worry about.
eb-bows_1.jpg (64.2 KB, 26 downloads) 1 year old
And I doubt a verbal agreement would stand in this situation...it doesnt sound like you had extensive communication. He seemed pretty unofficial from the start, which is what bugged you in the first place, right? I'd be really surprised if he tried to hold you to the service...there is probably a reason he has been so unavailable.
Fist off with the fact he didn't want to give you a contract nor take a deposit is a HUGE red flag. This guy doesn't value her client relationships and I would be more nervous about her not showing up or showing up but you never receiving your photos. Verbal or not she has no legal grounds to come after you and it would not hold up in court even if she tried. I would go with someone who will sign a contact and you will know follow through with their obligations.
Hope this helps and good luck!!
Ashley (almost PizzutiPizzuti)
A verbal agreement can be upheld in court, but just like he could potentially make a claim that you are liable financially, you could possibly make a claim that he breached whatever verbal contract you had....all depending on the details of your situation, of course.
If you're worried about it, you have the option of just telling him that you no longer need his services and seeing how he reacts before you book someone else. If he puts up a fight, at least you won't be saddled with two photographers expecting you to pay.
Yeah, I really don't think that you would be in any kind of hot water to back out of this "contract". Nothing was signed, and as far as a verbal contract, his lack of communication and slowness on essential documents would signify an abandoment of his verbal agreement.
Plus, I'm sure he will not put up a stink...his actions did not make it seem like this was a vital commitment to him...
Yeah... he honestly seems like a good person, just not very experienced or professional. I just don't know if I can trust my wedding photos to someone like that! He is young and I just don't think he's super comfortable with his business yet. Plus, my wedding isn't for a year, so he'd have plenty of time to rebook the date!
So just rebook!
The first thing photographers should do if they decide to do weddings is write their contract.
I think you are ok. No written contract or deposit is very odd in the wedding industry...I would talk to him first and just be very polite about it. Let us know how it goes!
We always let our potential clients know that the date is not officially reserved until a contract is signed and deposit is paid. Since there's no contract here (which some of the bees aboved metioned, is a huge red flag), you really don't have to worry about it.
Just email the original photographer, thank him for his time but you no longer need his service and that should be it.
As a professional photographer, I would have to say that having NO CONTRACT means that you can certainly "unhire" him... I disagree with the verbal contract statement, and am pretty positive that he wouldnt take you to court, nor would it stand up in court if he did!
Politely tell him that since he has failed to send you a contract, you will have to find another photographer!
Good luck!
ruby_rox2.jpg (60.9 KB, 38 downloads) 1 year old front.jpg (29.5 KB, 34 downloads) 1 year old 
Is this guy a full-time photographer? It almost sounds like it is something he does on the side from his "real job" you know? I only say that because he said he'll get back to when he can, like the photography isn't his first priority.
I wouldn't feel obligated to keep him.
I spent some time looking up the legality of verabl contracts. This varies by state, BUT it also sounds like it is only a problem if the service was performed. For example, if you agreed to pay him $500 for him to photograph the wedding, he came and took pictures, and then you tried to "unhire" him-- THAT would be illegal. But since no service has yet been provided, nor payments made, it shouldn't be a problem.
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We aren't budgeting much for wedding photography (saving it all for the videography!), so when our officiant gave us the name of a cheap photographer in our area... we jumped at the chance to book him. His work is very nice and the first time I talked to him, I got a great vibe. So we decided to book him. But- he didnt want a deposit and didn't have a contract. I asked him to make up a contract for us so that we know he'll show up on our day and he said that he would. That was about a month ago.
I emailed him for some references and to check in on the contract and he wrote me back a very short email- no apology or anything, just said he was busy and would get it to me when he can.
Meanwhile, our videographer gave us the name of an amazing new photographer who's rates are pretty good and her work is beautiful! So my question is, am I allowed to tell the original guy that we no longer need his services? We have only verbally agreed to the date and so far, I've been super unimpressed by his professionalism.
Advice?