Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Beginner May 2022

Cancelling a photographer

Alexis, on May 31, 2021 at 11:49 AM Posted in Planning 0 9

Saved

Flag
Hide content

Has anyone cancelled a contract with a photographer to hire someone else? My fiance and I had our engagement shoot with our current contracted photographer, however it was not a positive experience. There was absolutely no chemistry between us and her, and she seemed uninterested in us. She gave us really no direction during the shoot (we've never had photos done before), and never showed us any pictures before leaving. We now have to wait 3weeks to see anything. After looking at her portfolios online, I feel like our shoot definitely fell short. We were told it would be a 60-90minute session, and it lasted 40minutes at the most. We felt very rushed, and uncomfortable because of the lack of direction or communication. She seemed personable when we first met, but after I told her that both of us work in a correctional facility, the mood seemed to change dramatically. I know people can have strong opinions about something controversial like the field of corrections, and I truly feel like she didn't like us because of this. I don't hold anyone's opinions against them, but if that's hers then I feel like this is not a good fit. 90% of our guests will be friends from work as well. I now have a very bad feeling about this photographer, and am nervous to have her shoot our wedding (no do-overs!). I need some advice!

Flag
Hide content

9 Comments

Latest activity by Sexypoodle, on June 1, 2021 at 9:57 AM

Legend July 2022
Lisa · on May 31, 2021 at 11:57 AM
Flag

Hide content
If you find another photographer that you are more comfortable with, and if you can afford to lose your deposit with the current photographer, I would recommend switching! Once you sign a new contract, contact your current photographer to say that you have decided to go in a different direction for photography for your wedding, and that you would like to cancel your current contract. Thank her for her work on your engagement photos, and request that if there is anything else you need to do to formally cancel, that she immediately let you know. You don't really owe her an explanation beyond that.
- Reply
Beginner May 2022
Alexis · on May 31, 2021 at 11:59 AM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment

Thank you for your opinion! I feel horrible calling her to complain, because her work online is really beautiful! I just feel like our shoot did not measure up, and we walked away so disappointed. I'm going to call her tomorrow.
- Reply
Super May 2019
KYLIE · on May 31, 2021 at 1:05 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
I would not contact her until you have a new photographer in hand that you like and can afford. And I would do all communications in writing, not over the phone. What does your contact say about cancellations?
- Reply
Devoted March 2021
whirlwind · on May 31, 2021 at 1:08 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
I would first find a new photographer before you cancel. And read your contract carefully. Maybe also wait until you see the pictures... though it sounds like even if the photos turn our beautiful you don't feel comfortable having her at your wedding.
- Reply
Beginner May 2022
Alexis · on May 31, 2021 at 1:30 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment

I would lose my deposit, which sucks but I am so anxious about the wedding photos being poorly done too.
- Reply
Super May 2019
KYLIE · on May 31, 2021 at 5:55 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
That’s totally fine then; sucks but not worth being uncomfortable and anxious about the final product.

However, I reiterate my suggestion that I would not cancel until I had a new photographer and I would 100% do it via email so you have a record in writing. A phone call may seem more courteous, but I promise an email is the wiser play should things turn sour.
- Reply
Master May 2020
Kari · on May 31, 2021 at 6:17 PM
Flag

Hide content
Agreed with the others. It's totally okay to find a new photographer if this one is a bad fit. I would definitely line up someone else and get your engagement photos back before finalizing your cancelation though.
- Reply
Master July 2018
Mcskipper · on June 1, 2021 at 9:15 AM
Flag

Hide content
1. Do it in writing
2. You don’t need to over explain, and you never need a reason to cancel. Just say you found someone who was a better fit and would like to terminate your contract. Remember, this is just business, it’s not personal. While honest feedback can be helpful, when canceling, simpler can be better , otherwise there are things they may say they can try to solve , and if you’ve made up your mind that you just don’t want them, you may just end up in a back and forth. Don’t need to draw it out, just say you’ve gone another way.
3. Know and cite the terms of your contract (“I understand we are forfeiting our contract”)4. WAIT until you get your engagement pictures back, unless you don’t care about ever receiving them. While she should still send them automatically, there may be feelings or she may not prioritize you if you cancel right away, and the last thing I personally would want to do would be to have to fight with someone I had already “fired” to get my photos. So, I’d definitely wait until they come in before proceeding. I’d still be kind (the photos are lovely , but —)
- Reply

Master October 2021
Sexypoodle · on June 1, 2021 at 9:57 AM
Flag

Hide content
We canceled our photographer (and other vendors). But for different reasons. FH and I were originally getting married in Las Vegas. But a month ago, decided to remain local and get married here in San Diego. She had a very low deposit so that’s all we lost.

I’m the type of person who feels that an explanation for everything is unnecessary (especially when it comes to how I spend my money). You can either call or email and inform her that, unfortunately, you’ll need to cancel her services and realize that the deposit be lost (or whatever your contract says). Then write a line thanking her for the engagement pics. It can be short and sweet.
- Reply