Buyer Beware
There is a tremendous amount of unprofessionalism and downright fraud in the wedding market. Finding vendors who have an established track record and references to back it up is your best defense against getting ripped off by a wedding vendor.
TIPS:
The definite do’s and dont’s of the wedding market.
1. Contracts
Always get it in writing and never assume your date is booked without having a signed contract and confirmation of a deposit with the vendor. We’ve heard stories about vendors who do not do contracts and do not lock in prices. i.e., you end up paying whatever the current rate is. When in fact, the advantage of booking early is to ensure you get the discounted rate. Make sure you have your photographer’s counter signature on the contract as well.
1A. Contracts with small deposits.
You may think that a small deposit is advantageous. In some cases it might be. However be aware that small deposits can make it easier for a vendor to BACK OUT on you if they get a higher paying job for your day. i.e., it would be quite easy for me to send you back a $200 with a letter of apology that I could no longer shoot your wedding. On the other hand, my deposit is typical of high end shooters in that i take one half deposit. The last thing I want to do is send you $1500. But monetary reasons aside, I will not back out on you for any reason.
2. Destination Photographers & Videographers:
Much can happen while traveling. Travel and flight delays due to weather or other events can leave you without a photographer. If you hire a photographer who travels a lot for destination weddings, ensure that he will be back at least a week or two before your wedding. Moreover, many destination photographers suffer from jet-lag due to flight travel and are often burned out and indifferent upon return from an abroad shoot. Also keep in mind that some photographers may ‘promote’ themselves as a destination shooter to make themselves look more attractive when in fact they are doing very little travel at all. Asking specific questions about equipment they take, airlines and hotels can easily flush out the fakers.
3. Videography:
If your photographer offers videography, check them out first. But make sure the videography is up to par with the photography. There are only a few studios out there (including ME) that do photography and videography extremely well. Many photographers offer video, but at a sub-standard level. Make sure both vendors have worked together before and have the same work ethic of letting one take precedent (typically the photography is more important to the bride and will direct and take the lead on everything) so they don’t step on one another’s toes. i.e., photographers need to pose and direct the couple, if you get a videographer that also likes to pose and direct, this can cause a conflict. If you hire me for both, I will take the lead but also set up shots that are good for the videographer as well, so that both can benefit. However, my videographer will not direct or interface with you which minimizes loss time due to chatter and also ensures that I can work unhindered and not stifle my creative freedom.
4. Meals:
Be wary of photographers that contractually obligate you to include them as guests (which includes eating the same meal and sitting at a guest table). Often this is a sign of arrogance and unprofessionalism. It goes against etiquette to have vendors in the reception area during dinner. A photographer eating with the guests can be disruptive as they will be getting up and down and eating really fast (conversely, if they sit down and enjoy a nice long meal that time should not be considered on the clock), this is rude for your guests. True professionals (including myself) will follow these simple rules….feed us a warm meal at a time that is convenient for the caterer. Feed us in a ‘vendor’ specified area away from guests or at a separate ‘vendor’ table. If these arrangements cannot be made, let us know ahead of time and we will make other food arrangements that do not interfere with the wedding coverage.
5. WHO’S ACTUALLY SHOOTING YOUR WEDDING?
Many larger studios have multiple shooters which can lead to confusion about who is actually shooting your wedding. One advantage of working with someone like me is that I shoot all of my own photography with exception being that I have second associate photographers that also shoot along side me at weddings. The other exception is that I often do not shoot my own videos as I am too busy handling photographer duties. However, this is all explained during the pre-booking stage and clearly noted in all of the contracts and paperwork.
We’ll, that’s it for now! But remember that this is only the beginning of our Buyer Beware page! Check back often as situations arise, we will post what we learned here and update this page often!