Steps when hiring photographer

[About2beMrsMartin]

I have finally made my choice of photographer I'd like to hire for our wedding.

 

Does anyone have advise as to how to proceed. I obviously know that we will sign a contract, but I am a little apprehensive contracting with someone across the US. I've had pessimistic images of the photographer not showing up or not sending me my photos.

Can you give me any insight into what you did to ensure they would show up and how you structured the deal with payment and proof of travel?

 

Thanks in advance!

[DreaW]

sorry can't help but let me know too

[TammyB]

Well is the photographer you hired come recommended by someone? We have several brides getting married in RM so I wouldn't worry if you hire a popular photographer.

[leigh miller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by About2beMrsMartin I have finally made my choice of photographer I'd like to hire for our wedding. Does anyone have advise as to how to proceed. I obviously know that we will sign a contract, but I am a little apprehensive contracting with someone across the US. I've had pessimistic images of the photographer not showing up or not sending me my photos. Can you give me any insight into what you did to ensure they would show up and how you structured the deal with payment and proof of travel? Thanks in advance!

hi michelle - i understand your apprehension. i felt the same way about three years ago when i was looking for a photographer and hired matt kim from northern california. but it all worked out well!

as a photographer here are a few thoughts i have. yes you should have a contract. it seems you havent seen it though? have you asked your photographer about the payment plan? it should be spelled out in the contract - what the retainer is and when the balance is due. i require a 50% retainer to book the date the other 50% due 3 months before the wedding date for destination weddings. this is not unusual for destination weddings.

as for guarantees that your photographer will show up....is this a photographer others you know have used? do they have a good reputation? honestly my reputation and word are so important to me that i would never blow it by not showing up for a wedding. if they have ANY business sense at all they would never do that either. there has to be a certain amount of trust between you and your photographer.

so i would first ask for the contract and move forward from there. unfortunately there are no guarantees about anything but any photographer who didnt show up for a wedding would be shooting themselves in the foot and risk ruining their business.

so i understand your fears but the likelihood that they wouldnt show up is very small!!! so i hope that makes you feel a little better if you want to pm me their name i can let you know if they are someone i know, have heard of, or know something about. of maybe some of the gals here know something about your photographer.

anyway - hope that helps. congrats!!!

[Mrs.Morley]

I have also posted some questions you should ask prospective photographers. Once you have received the answers, see how comfortable you feel with the photographer. Definitely go with your gut instinct.

[About2beMrsMartin]

The photographer I am leaning towards I found off the WPJA website. He is highly praised in the association, is very responsive to my emails and questions, and most importantly, I love is work. But now as I enter into the contract phase, I am nervous about if I retain him what assurances do I have that he will come through for me?

I heed Leigh's advice that this is a business relationship and that he should not want to mess that situation up which could result in bad reviews or worse. And he has not done anything to leave the impression he would not be the upmost professional, but because he is located across the country (Washington state), so not being able to visit is studio, meet face to face and get a more personal connection leaves me fearful of what assurances he could truly provide me.

 

I am having a tinge of Bridezilla huh?

[leigh miller]

oh and i forgot to mention michelle - i only meet with about 60% of the people that hire me prior to the wedding day or engagement session. so thats not unusual either its all good!

[LCBride2007]

really, what assurances do we have that any of this destination wedding stuff will work out? i won't have met anyone i am working with (ironically, outside of my photographer, Leigh Miller, but that was just by chance - I signed the contract before meeting her), I won't have seen the hotel where i will be staying or where my WD is, i have never seen my wedding location, heard the band, etc. I am just trusting that it is all going to work out!

 

But as the other girls have mentioned, there should be something in teh contract in case the photof doesn't or can't show up (a suitable replacement, reimbursement, etc.). Hopefully that doesn't happen!

[About2beMrsMartin]

Thank you everyone for your input!!