Frustrated with my photographer

After my venue told me he double booked me, he was like this about giving me any answers. He kept saying he'd get back and then he would never do it, over and over.

You're not overreacting just because she gave you a solid timeline and she isn't following it. That is bad business to me. Have you tried calling her? Ask for a firm date.

"Hi again, photographer! Thanks for your prompt responses. We are sure to mention that to our friends and family who have asked about your services.

We would also like to share with them examples of your work as well as being very, very excited to see our wedding photo preview.

A few sneak peeks would surely put our excitement in its proper place along with being able to forward/post our photos to those who ask about booking you.

Thanks again, looking forward to hearing from you (and seeing your wonderful work)!

Best regards, AAK"

I don't think you're over reacting, but part of the issue is photographer making unrealistic promises, especially in high season. Two weeks is, by no means, a long time, but it feels like an eternity when you're waiting for something important! Unless she is literally doing one wedding a week and nothing else I can't imagine getting a wedding edited and posted in a week. Not if they have to eat, sleep and run a business....

When I got married, back in the days of pinhole cameras, you'd be thrilled to see anything in two months.

I'd give her another week and then ask her for a realistic time frame in which to see at least SOME edited photos.

@miranda FH said he's going to call her directly tomorrow morning if nothing is up by this evening. I just don't get it. It's a preview of 15-30 photos. I'm not asking for the entire album just a few which is promised in her contract and verbally the night of my wedding. All other weddings she's shot she has their preview up within 3-7 days. I'm starting to think she like lost all the photos or something (I know I'm crazy.. lol)

@celia I agree I wish she should have just said "your preview will be up within the month" Then I wouldn't be waiting by the hour to see them. She is very busy and I do know that. She is a wedding photographer and she runs a venue (which is where we got married) so I know she is very busy during the weekend with weddings Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I'll give it a week like you said and then let FH call her. I hate always being the bad guy so I gotta let him do it sometimes

Does your contract say anything about deadlines? Or is it because she told you?

I dont think you are over reacting. Esp because you were told something.

Soooo, this is a sucky situation and only demonstrates your photographer's poor communication and lack of customer service. However, was a "preview"/sneak peek mentioned in your contract? If it's not in the contract, then you really can't argue about it or bug her too much asking for a preview. She should not have make the promise of showing you a preview if she's not capable of following through in a timely manner though.

What is your overall timeframe for delivery of wedding photos? Two weeks isn't long. Many photographers' turnaround times range from 4-12 weeks. I hope she gets you a sneak peek soon, but if not, just keep looking forward to beautiful photos of your entire day when you receive those.

ETA: Just saw you say that a preview is in fact in your contract. What is the timeframe for that preview? Or does it just say that services include a "preview" (because that, too, is poor communication and service to not give specifics). I'd reach out and say "Hi X! Husband and I are sooo excited to see our wedding photos, we can't wait to re-live our day! We know you're probably busy, but I'm wondering if you can give me a more accurate timeframe for when we'll see our preview photos. You've already said we'd receive them by X, then by X, then by X, and those dates have come and gone. There is no specific timeframe in the contract for the preview, so could you please let me know when we will actually receive a preview by, so we can adjust our expectations accordingly? Thank you, looking forward to seeing your beautiful work! :-)"

Ugh no real advice, but this drives me nuts when people fail to meet self-imposed deadlines. Sending positivity your way, I wouldn't worry about something happening to the photos just yet. I'm sure it's just the busy season. Good luck! Let us know how you make out.

I got the preview! She was very sweet about it and apologized. I guess i'm not the only one waiting on a preview but i'll be posting my Pro BAM soon

Oh gosh. good luck! you might have to take legal action. Hopefully, it doesnt come to that!