The Wrong One

It happened AGAIN yesterday, our least favorite thing as wedding photographers. Actually we get the call at least twice a month-- sometimes more in the peak of wedding season, and it breaks our hearts. Brides or grooms call the studio and tell the same sad story; their wedding is a couple of weeks away and they discover that despite their careful planning they do not have a photographer to capture their very special day. It could be for a lot of reasons but the bottom line is that they are left standing in the lurch and in high panic mode. Sometimes we can help them as we are available on their day, but more often than not we have been booked for some time as are all of the reputable photographers we know. It is a horrible situation to be in!

What can be done to minimize the likelihood of this happening to your wedding? A few steps can increase the odds in your favor:

When you initially choose your photographer know her/his reputation. How long have they been in business? Are they brick and mortar or just a 'click' studio? Do you know who will be doing your photography if you are with a large multi-photographer company? What happens if the photographer on your contract is not available? Read your contract and understand it thoroughly (it always amazes us that people don't have an idea what it says). When you choose a photographer consider more than price! Frequently when a bride comes back to us we hear one thing------- "You were out of my price range when I looked at photographers". The saddest of all things to hear believe me because this bride who is now without a wedding photographer and is coming back to us found that we might have stretched her budget at first thought. No matter that they loved our style or professionalism, our reputation or personality. Now, in the clear light of day facing a tragedy the old adage 'you get what you pay for' couldn't be more true. Be cautious, don't choose entirely with your pocketbook, and select wisely.

Wow--------- that goes for a lot of things now doesn't it?