Post # 1
Member
596 posts
Busy bee
I saw this topic posted a few days ago, but I can’t seem to find it so I hope you will forgive me for posting it again.
My wedding was in August and the contract we signed with our photographer stated that we would receive our pictures within 2-4 weeks. In October, he finally posted some pictures on his website (but we can’t rightclick to download them since the website is flash)and promised to send us the DVD and the prints as stated in our contract within a week. Well, now it’s 2 months later and we still haven’t received anything. During this time, he has been chock full of excuses (a number of out of the ordinary events, a website redesign, going on tour last minute, etc.), but always ends the email with the promise of having everything in the mail by the end of the week.
This past week, we left him two voicemails and another email and we have heard nothing. I’m starting to get extremely worried…I don’t want to be difficult or mean, I just want my pictures! He is a part of the WPJA (that’s how I found him in the first place) but I don’t want to escalate unless I absolutely have. Does anyone have any suggestions or tips?
Post # 3
Member
2765 posts
Sugar bee
Where is he located? If he’s not too far away, you could always go over there and ask politely but firmly in person?
Post # 4
Member
596 posts
Busy bee
Thanks for the tip, Mr. Bee! Unfortunately, he moved in August so I only have his old address and not his new one. I’m not having any luck tracking it down with facebook, google, whitepages, linkedin, etc. 🙁
Post # 5
Member
2765 posts
Sugar bee
If both you and your spouse haven’t had luck hearing back from him, maybe have one of your parents leave an even-handed message on his voicemail asking for an update?
Post # 6
Member
78 posts
Worker bee
These are the business ethics and integrity required by the WPJA:
6. Business Ethics and Communication:
The WPJA insists upon good business ethics and integrity. Members must not:
• Fail to uphold wedding contract obligations with clients.
• Ignore communication from clients.
• Fail to respond to specific communications from WPJA personnel concerning issues important to the integrity and reputation of the organization (this excludes responses to mass emails to all members).
• Communicate publicly through words (written or spoken) in a negative manner against other members or the organization as a whole.
• Establish a web-based wedding photography business that directly competes with the WPJA; a person or entity “directly competes” with the WPJA if they are engaged in the promotion of wedding photographers.
The WPJA reserves the right to terminate or revoke membership at any time if it deems that a member contravened the terms set forth by the WPJA membership requirements, standards, codes and/or guidelines.
He has already violated two of the conditions, so why not contact them? He has not done what is stated in the contract and has not communicated with you.
Post # 7
Member
350 posts
Helper bee
I think I responded to your earlier thread, but I’ll respond to this one too! I would give him one more chance to get in contact with you (there is a chance, however small, that he might be out of town this week and genuinely hasn’t listened to your messages). Leave another message, and tell him that if you do not hear from him within a week you will contact the WPJA — maybe say something like, "I don’t want to be difficult, but my photos are now 3 months overdue and I’m very concerned that you haven’t been returning my calls. If I don’t hear back from you in a week, my next step will be to contact the WPJA and ask their advice on what to do about this situation."
If he doesn’t call back, I think you’re justified in escalating. 3 months overdue is absolutely unacceptable; the photographer has already violated the terms of your contract, and you have every right to complain to the professional organization that recommended him to you. Also, I think you said in your last thread that you’ve talked to other people who had similar problems with this photographer — I’m sure the WPJA would want to know if they are giving their seal of approval to someone who has repeatedly broken their business ethics policy.
Also, have you tried asking any of the WeddingbeePRO photographers? They might have some insight into how you can get your photographer to respond to your concerns without doing anything nasty like hiring a lawyer!
Post # 8
Member
81 posts
Worker bee
Read Anne Ruthman’s WeddingbeePro post on "Why do wedding photos take so long?", and then maybe contact her about your situation. I am sure she will agree that your photographer is unprofessional, and as a photographer herself, she may be able to offer insight and advise the best way to deal with your photographer so you can get your photos!
Post # 9
Member
1718 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: June 2008 - Winery in the Gold Country
Perhaps ask other local brides on your local board here if they’ve used your photographer and are having similar issues? You may not be alone and as a group perhaps there is strength in numbers for getting your pictures. Good Luck!
Post # 10
Member
2 posts
Wannabee
I got married in April and all I have gotten so far is the proof album. I am getting very impatient. She makes excuse after excuse. She is busy with other weddings, she is going thru a divorce, etc. I understand life gets in the way sometimes but seriously…. 7 months!! And she emailed me in June that she was sending the proof album come a month later I still didn’t have it. Got in contact with her and she said she forgot. I love the pictures and she was great but I’m starting to think that I made a mistake! This month will be 8 months since the wedding!! And she never mailed me the contract like she said she would. I keep trying to get answers and all I get is the run-around!!
Member