Engagement photo woes

Did you have a contract?

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Not that I am aware of

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You would know if you signed a contract. Going forward, I wouldn't use photographers or any vendors without signing a contract. Right now, it would be really hard to prove she legally owes you anything since a contract wasn't signed specifying.

An oral contract is a contract. If you had an oral agreement for her to take photos, she took those photos and you gave her something in exchange (money typcially), you have a contract. Therefore, she should give you the photos. However, it's been just about eight weeks, and some photographers have a normal turn-around time of eight weeks. Because you're wedding is very far away (so you don't need to rush to use them for a STD), I would personally give her one more week, and then call her.

View Quoted Comment Okay! Thank you for a reference turn around time! I have seen so many examples it got confusing! I will give it another week, thank you!

I would give her another week or two then give her a call. Also please try and get a written contract to protect yourselves

I would ask her for the photos asap. 8 weeks for engagement photos is plenty. She should be able to send you untouched photos within 1-2 weeks (this requires very little work on photographer’s side). Then photos that need retouching could take bit more time.

Hi Shela!

I understand that you want to see the photos and are excited to get them back!

I think that you're making the right decision, waiting another week before contacting her. Perhaps she may get back to you in the meantime

Let us know when you get them!

Will you be using the same photographer for your wedding?

You should have written contracts in the future.
That being said I've known photographers and 8-10 weeks is average, depending on how many photos you took and what they do to edit it's well within average timeline.
I would ask about their average lead time and ask for a date to expect them by. Ask if you can see untouched or a few samples of what she's done currently. I know photographers do often send 2-5 examples of what's done before the whole series is ready to keep customers calm.

Just shoot her another email. If it's been a week, I'd say you're fine to re message. If you never signed a contract, am I safe to assume she's a newer professional? Photographers can be a bit flighty, I wouldn't worry about it. It sounds like you've had a pleasant experience otherwise, if you like her work, make sure you get a contract with dates for getting photos in it for your wedding, I'd bet she'll honor it.

I'd give her another week, then contact her.
I've done a few dozen photo sessions in my life. And while I've never intentionally lied to anyone, I have definitely been behind what I told them, and where I wanted to be.

As the PP said, photographers can be flighty.

I dont have a contract with my photographer. We have an email conversation and agreement. I wasnt going to try to tie her down with a contract since shes established and well known.

Speaking from experience, giving her an extra week before contacting her is going to feel like a blessing to her.

I hope you get them soon and love them.

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Hi Shela, did you talk to your photographer? Did you get your pictures back yet? Will you stick with the same photographer for your wedding pictures?