Breaking a contract

Talk to them about the editing first. It could just be their style of editing. That's an easy fix. I wouldn't lose a deposit if I could prevent it.

Not a bad idea at all! You should be happy with your wedding pictures and shouldn't settle. Make sure you don't have to pay anything extra to break the contract and also see if the new photographer is available for your wedding day. Good luck!

I have cancelled wedding contracts because of my health issues. Like Marissa B. stated find out if the other photographer is available and then go from there. Remeber when it is all said and done all you will have left are your memories and photographs.

That's what I keep telling myself. I am just not used to breaking contracts. Partly because I'm loyal in like every aspect of my life. Yeah... I'm werid. And partly because I'm afraid of repercussions. Like will I get sued? Will I hurt this family?

If I had any hesitation, I personally would rather lose the $200 deposit than end up paying thousands for photos I wasn't happy with. But FutureMrs suggestion is good if you want to start there and then decide

Well I already did. The other photographer is free that day. She is matching their package. And we are meeting up next Sunday. I want to meet her before I break my contract and she is fully aware of it. :-)

I think it's better to switch now then regret your wedding photos. I would just call them and discuss your options and if you possible owe money based on your contract

Yeah. I think the more I talk about it, the more I am OK with it. Thanks everyone!

I would consider switching if you don't like their work. Also, remember they put up their best work on their website so when I picked mine, I loved seeing a full album on one wedding so I could tell what the overall style was.

Yes $200 is a lot, but I'd rather lose $200 and ensure I love my wedding photos. If you weren't impressed with your engagement shoot, why would you be any more impressed with the wedding photos?

I sort of did this - by some miracle, the photographer I already booked wanted a check mailed instead of an online payment, and as soon as we entered into the informal contract, I had a big lump in my stomach about the cost. I kept looking and found someone FH and I liked MUCH better, for nearly half the cost, and after several panicked "hi can you get back to me today" calls and emails, I spent an hour on the phone with him and loved him and booked him. Meanwhile I was waiting on responding to a couple emails from photographer #1 about "remember you need to mail me the money by Monday please confirm you're going to." I feel SO much better with my choice and, even better, I saved enough money to justify an open bar, which, LBR, is gonna lead to better use of my DJ investment and hopefully some livelier pictures!

Do what makes you the most comfortable, we fired our original photographer because they disappeared. We were able to establish contact but it was through another photo company and was a whole hot mess. We cancelled the contract but we were still out the $300 deposit. Bonus is that our new photographer is less than they were and I'm so excited and comfortable to be working with them!

Your pictures are forever! I would make sure that you get what you want. If that means breaking your contract so be it. If your willing to lose your deposit then tell the old photog bye Felicia!

That's a suspiciously low retainer....I'd make sure contract terms don't require more to terminate the contract. If you aren't feeling it, you don't want to be stuck with work you aren't passionate about.

Agree with Jay, double check the contract terms. Of course, the low retainer might be an indication that the photographer is inexperienced and/or not particularly skilled.

I think that's the whole point of e-pics! But make sure the other photographer is available for your date first.

Read the contract, see what the real damage will be, financially. That deposit is weirdly low; I can bet that he's used to having people walk away from it when they find his style diverges from what they thought he could do. You are certainly not the first.

I'm going to tell you a story. I had someone book me, years ago. My marketing materials are vey clear about what we do and how we do it. We send out several samples that make it evident that in most cases we do nonreligious or very slightly religious ceremonies built around personal stories of each couple accented with readings, ritual elements (if appropriate) and basically whatever the couple wants within reason and the bounds of decency .

I sent the first draft to a couple and the bride went berzerk on me; she hated the ceremony, she wanted something very traditional and religious. Of course, being a writer, I can write that too, but she was so upset that when she asked for her retainer back, I happily sent it. I never want to go into a situation with anyone who doubts that the result is going to be exactly what they want.

I would have a conversation with them. But I admire your attitude. A lot.

Talking to them about it is the safest and best bet and losing 200 is much cheaper than thousands you would have spent. You need to follow what your gut is telling you so you are comfortable on your big day with the choice you made

If you only lose $200, that's pretty good. The deposit is to secure the date and is often non-refundable because you have prevented him from booking other clients for that date. You have also had an e-shoot, which is worth at least another $200. So you may end up owing more.