Post # 1
Member
367 posts
Helper bee
I know it’s long, but please read and help!
I’m having communication problems with my photographer. I emailed her in November and it took nearly two weeks (!) for her to respond. She told me that she was on vacation and forgot to put her away message up so I kind of let that one slide. Then, I emailed her again on Dec. 6th and she still hadn’t responded by the 15th so I sent another e-mail that day. Guess who still hasn’t responded to my Dec. 6th e-mail? I’m getting nervous about not being able to rely in her for great wedding pictures. I love our engagement pics from her. I’ve googled her and she received 3 negative reviews on the BBB website over the summer so that doesn’t sit we’ll with me either. We signed a contract for 7 hrs and an engagement session for $2000. We paid $500 so far. I’ve started looking at different photographers. I found a great photographer that is $2600 and we’d have her for the rehearsal dinner and unlimited hrs on the wedding day. I’m not sure what to do at this point. Fiance is hesitant to switch to the new photographer because, in total, we’d be spending $3100 on photos when our budget was $1800-$2000. I have the money in the bank, he’d just rather we save it. I kind of want to take the $1500 we still owe and run. Photography is the most important vendor to me which is why I spent about 3 months researching and booked it 2.5 years ahead (we’ll be engaged for nearly 4 yrs by the time we marry). Not having great wedding pics is probably my biggest wedding fear/nightmare. I need some advice. What would you do?
P.S. I sent another email tonight stating that, in a polite way, we expect her to be able to respond to ails in a timely fashion. I also told her that if she was having personal issues or now was a bad time, to just let me know.
Post # 3
Hostess
3367 posts
Sugar bee
@mrsjordan53014: Well, it IS the holiday season, but she should at least email you saying that she will get back to you right after the new year or something. Being the owner of an online business, I send all clients an email stating at least “Thank you for your inquiry! I will respond within 48 hours with a more detailed message. Talk soon!” within about 4 hours (during the day, obviously). Just something so they know they have been aknowledged.
If you aren’t comfortable with what you are seeing now, I would look for another photogrpaher. Communication is the key to any business owner’s relationship with their client, and will make or break things over and over again.
Look for another photographer, and find someone who you can trust. That’s too much money to spend on someone you aren’t sure about!
Post # 4
Member
57 posts
Worker bee
@mrsjordan53014:
I agree with
@PacificMrs: for sure! Communication is key.. I get pretty frustrated if it is more than two business days so I don’t blame you. Long periods of time on more than one occasion is a little scary. If she doesn’t offer an explanation that makes you feel better (SOON), I would invest elsewhere. It sucks to lose money, but this is too important, and it is better to be safe than sorry!
Post # 5
Member
1105 posts
Bumble bee
My only recommendation is to not wait that long to follow-up. If she hasnt responded by 3 days, email her. Or call her! I have a difficult time getting in touch with one of my venues so I always email them and then call a few days later to follow up.
Post # 6
Member
367 posts
Helper bee
@Excited To Bee:
@CzechBride14:
@PacificMrs:
Thanks y’all. That’s what I was thinking too. Do you think it’s okay to separate from her even though we signed a contract? Fiance said that the worst she can do is find a lawyer and sue us for the remaining $1500, but that after the lawyer’a fees it probably wouldn’t be worth her time or effort.
Post # 7
Hostess
3367 posts
Sugar bee
@mrsjordan53014: I would call her and leave a message saying that you no longer wish to continue your contract with her. Send an official email as well. Say that “Due to communication issues, we no longer wish to use your services for our wedding and want to pursue other options. Thank you”
She has not done any work for you yet, therefore even if she did try and take you to court, they would turn it down and she’d lose. It’d be a waste of money on her part.
Post # 8
Member
4810 posts
Honey bee
@mrsjordan53014: Do you have a phone # for her? What does your contract say about firing her at this point?
Post # 9
Member
321 posts
Helper bee
@mrsjordan53014: Honestly…definitely think twice before going with her. I really liked our photographer, but it was always very difficult to get her to respond to us (email, facebook) before the wedding and now it is 7 months later and we don’t have wedding photos because she forgot about mailing our disc to us. Supposedly it is in the mail now. She is a pro, but her attention to detail and just general business sense suuuucks.
What is in your contract – does it say anything about terminating the contract and penalties? You will probably lose your deposit and any money you have paid if you cancel.
Post # 10
Member
367 posts
Helper bee
@starlitgirl:
@Astra:
It just says that any money paid will not be refunded and that if the couple breaks the contract they owe $500.
Post # 11
Hostess
3367 posts
Sugar bee
@mrsjordan53014: $500 is so worth that peace of mind knowing you won’t have to worry about a photographer who doesn’t communicate, though. Believe me, after the wedding you will be heartbroken if this gal doesn’t follow through. At this point, she doesn’t sound trustworthy.
Post # 12
Member
4810 posts
Honey bee
@mrsjordan53014: Is the $500 you would owe if you broke the contract the deposit you already paid? Or would you owe an additional $500?
In either case, at this point I’d fire her – and go with the other photographer. Good luck. 🙂
Post # 13
Member
2608 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: May 2014 - Madison, WI
I would be worried. My photographer has her own business, another day job, and a three year old. She always responds to me within 1-2 business days if not sooner.
The negative reviews also raise more red flags. I wouldn’t want to risk it if I felt uncomfortable with how she’s handling things now. I’d give her notice that due to how things have been going communication wise you’re increasingly thinking about reconsidering your contract with her. Unless she has a very valid reason, I’d look elsewhere.
It is the holidays and I would cut some people some slack for that but even then I agree a quick email explaining someone is out of the office, busy with the holdidays etc could suffice. At least something to let you know they’re not just ignoring you.
Post # 14
Member
3344 posts
Sugar bee
@mrsjordan53014: i guess it also depends on why you are needing to chat. Your wedding is 5 months away. There is no need to finalize details or anything for 4 months at least.
Post # 15
Member
621 posts
Busy bee
@mrsjordan53014: you said you booked your photographer 2.5 years ahead of time? So your photographer has been booked for two years and your wedding is coming up in May, or is that May date wrong? If you’re not comfortable with it just drop her – that way you paid $500 for the engagement photos so it’s not a total loss.
Post # 16
Member
1876 posts
Buzzing bee
I would email and say that you’re concerned about communication issues and it is making you rethink working together. If she isn’t holding up her end of the bargain than you are within your right to end the contract.