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Dedicated June 2018

Photographer cancelled!! My wedding is 3 and a half weeks away. Thoughts on unprofessional photographer?

Ally, on May 7, 2018 at 9:32 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 25
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So wow let me start off by saying I knew something like this was gonna happen but I didn't think it would be something this major. So I was completely lucky to find this photographer, or so I thought. She had posted an add stating she has been doing weddings since 2009 and wanted to redo her website so in turn for being able to use your wedding pictures she was advertising free photography to the first couple who responded. I didn't think I'd be the first one but I guess I was. She sent me her website and looked like a totally awesome photographer and had lots of good reviews. She agreed to do my wedding after getting to know my FW and I a little more, emailed a contract and had us mail it back signed. We were so excited and so happy as we have a small budget and decided to push our wedding up a year so only had 3 months to find vendors that were open on our date. This was a month and a half ago. Okay so flash to yesterday and she TEXTS me and says that she can't find a baby sitter for a wedding she's known about for awhile now. I know what you're gonna say, "but you signed a contract" unfortunately she's only liable for the retainer if she fails to perform but since it was free there was no retainer. It would be totally different if I was seeking her out and asked her to do it for free, but she ADVERTISED it in turn for new pictures on her website. I am completely peeved off. My wedding is 3 and a half weeks away and since it was free we were not putting away any money to pay a photographer which leaves us absolutely screwed. My coworker offered to do it as he has done a few weddings himself on the side but is not a professional, it is so nice of him to be so kind to us and help us find a solution. I am so thankful for it but I wanted to hear y'alls thoughts/experiences with unprofessional photographers?

25 Comments

Latest activity by MrsD, on May 8, 2018 at 2:15 PM
  • M
    Just Said Yes October 2018
    Magdaly ·
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    Where is your wedding
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  • A
    Dedicated June 2018
    Ally ·
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    Whitmore Lake, Michigan!
    • Reply
  • M
    Just Said Yes October 2018
    Magdaly ·
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    Awww so far ugh sorry I'm from Jersey my sister in law does pictures
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  • A
    Dedicated June 2018
    Ally ·
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    Awh thank you anyways that's such a nice gesture!
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  • Madison
    Devoted March 2019
    Madison ·
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    I would say maybe give yourself one week to see if you can find anyone else that is low cost, but still a professional. If it doesn't work out, I would definitely take up your coworker on their offer. Non-professional photos are better than no photos at all. Maybe ask this photographer, since she backed out, if she has someone she can recommend? Also double check your contract for an "unable to perform" clause. My contract states that in the event my photographer cannot shoot my wedding (for reason of death in the family, illness, natural disaster, etc) she is responsible for providing a replacement.

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  • Michelle
    VIP September 2018
    Michelle ·
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    Slam that photographer all over the internet. Write reviews, make a Facebook post. It’s terrible for their business but so if cancelling on someone three weeks before their wedding. Comment on the advertisement you originally saw and let people know what happened. I truly would want to know that if I was looking into hiring her
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  • ISaidHallYes
    VIP November 2018
    ISaidHallYes ·
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    Personally I would start sending requests to every photographer that fits your budget or close to it. Then depending on if you can find someone within the week get your coworker. Have you offered to find a babysitter for the photographer?
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  • Lola
    Devoted June 2019
    Lola ·
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    I would have to look into it more but I am pretty sure legally when a business promises something via an advertisement they have to follow through or provide something equal to what is promised. I don't know if that is voided once a contract is involved, but a business can't just offer something like that and not follow through.

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  • B
    Expert September 2018
    Brittany ·
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    I would find her a babysitter Smiley winking and like said above be sure to put reviews!!
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  • StephanieLuna
    Devoted December 2018
    StephanieLuna ·
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    Join your local Facebook wedding groups. Post an ad looking for a photographer on *this* date for $____ budget.
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  • Nicole
    Super November 2019
    Nicole ·
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    I'm really sorry this happened to you but it kind of sounded sketchy. She can't find a babysitter 3 and a half weeks out from the wedding? That's not right, I'm sure someone would watch the kid.
    Good luck.
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  • DC Wife 10.27.18
    Master October 2018
    DC Wife 10.27.18 ·
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    This is a great idea!
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  • Heather
    Super June 2018
    Heather ·
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    I would put that photographer on BLAST. That is horrible to do, and completely unacceptable. I agree with PP's, and try to find someone who is a professional but affordable. Maybe to only shoot the ceremony and do a few family pictures.

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  • AD2AP
    VIP June 2018
    AD2AP ·
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    Call Specs Howard, see if any graduating students are looking for work, I bet you can find a student to do it.

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  • SB
    VIP March 2019
    SB ·
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    Oh no, what a nightmare. I am so sorry! I couldn't even imagine. As someone who is using friends or friends of friends for a lot of our wedding services, I would trust him. Especially if he's been trusted to do other weddings. The pictures might not be the same as a professional, but at least you would have some of your big day. If possible, give it a week or so and try to keep looking for someone in your budget, but if not, your coworker might surprise you with the picture quality!


    Honestly, I would leave review after review about this other photographer. Can't find a babysitter? Really? That is the worst excuse ever as if push came to shove, I'm sure you wouldn't mind having that child there just to get some professional photos of your wedding. So sorry this is happening to you!

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  • A
    Dedicated June 2018
    Ally ·
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    Thank you so much for your great advice! In the unable to perform section it says she is only liable for the amount of the retainer. Which was 0 since it was free :/
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  • A
    Dedicated June 2018
    Ally ·
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    That's what I was thinking! That it had to be illegal for her to do this
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  • A
    Dedicated June 2018
    Ally ·
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    This is such a good idea oh my goodness! Thank you I didn't even think about specs
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  • AD2AP
    VIP June 2018
    AD2AP ·
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    Let me know how it goes!! If you need any other help let me know! I am a fellow Michigan bride too!

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  • MrsV1027
    Master October 2018
    MrsV1027 ·
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    They don't need to be "professional" to be good. Check his photos out. It will be better than nothing.

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