How to Fire a Vendor

Yes. Definitely send a certified letter. I would perhaps talk to her first about how her style has changed and see what's going on.

If thats what your contract says, thats what you have to do. Just write and so you'll no longer be needing their services. You don't have to explain yourself if you don't want to but maybe if you express your concerns she'll change the way she takes your pictures.

I'd talk to her first about it

She was charging you $1,000? or that was the deposit?

The deposit was $1,000, she was around $5,000

Oh yeea thats pretty pricey for her to be taking shitty photos! lol -- talk to her about it for sure!! you have some time

I would definitely talk to her first. Does it seem like she's rebranding her style and website?

I would talk to her first. Have you found another photographer that's open on your date? When we booked ours a year ago, we spoke to 3 others who were already booked for our date. We're a little over 4 months out. If you want top notch photography, I'm going to guess that most are already booked.

ETA: I don't know why I read my date as yours. I also just knocked a cup of sweet teas ALL over my desk. Today is awesome.

Like the other women said talk to her first. Maybe that's what the other brides wanted. Just make sure she does the kind of photos you want

I'll definitely talk to her first. It does seem like she's rebranding and from her facebook posts she doesn't want anyone who isn't having a "cool" wedding anymore. Example: Her last wedding had fire dancers. She's kind of knocking on everyone lately. We did find another photographer who is amazing and is recommended by other brides and vendors.

You're going to lose that $1K deposit. She's entitled to it (most likely) as per her contract because she's probably already turned away other couples inquiring about that date.

A little advice -- talk to her. Sometimes a vendor is compelled to deliver a product they don't personally like, but the client loves. It's just part of business. She still has the same talent she did when you chose her. Tell her that you don't like the newest images she's posted, and you want her guarantee that she will capture your wedding in the style that caught your eye. I think she'll give you what you want.

A discussion is necessary. Put your cards on the table and don't hold anything back.

ETA: Just because her personal taste leans toward fire dancers and "cool" weddings, that doesn't mean that she won't do a great job with your wedding. Most weddings don't have fire dancers. Most weddings are pretty conventional. She has to shoot conventional weddings to pay the rent. In time, she may morph into the most desired "cool" photographer in your area, but for now, she has to satisfy her more conventional customers. I just don't want you to lose the $1K when the truth is that she is a good photographer.

I'd also talk to her; voice your concern and see what happens. 1000.00 is a lot of money to eat.

What Centerpiece said, why on Earth would talking to her not be the first thought? Always try that first.

Speak to her and I am sorry this happened to you.

Better luck on your next pick.

Definitely talk to her and let her know you booked her based on her work at the time. If she's completely unreasonable, find someone else before you cancel just to make sure you're not stuck.

Yeah, Its already been said but at least talk to her. The photos she posted may not represent the whole album. Also if you tell her you dont like that particular style im sure she can accommodate. Just firing her really doesn't seem right.

Jumping on the "talk to her first" bandwagon... If you liked her previous work, she's still capable of doing that, she just needs to know that's your preference. There are any number of reasons that the style of the photos she posts might have changed... maybe she's responding to what she sees a trend in the market, or maybe more of her brides are requesting that style. But if she was taking photos in a style you liked before, she's still totally capbable of replicating that style for you now, even if it's no longer the main style she's working in.

Agreeing with talking to her about it. It could just be a different style she is trying. Make sure you discuss with her the style you like and want for your day. If you liked what she did before, she can certainly do it again.

Why would you not talk to her?

I don't understand why you would just fire her first. 1K is a sizeable chunk to just toss away because you don't want to have a conversation with her.

I know I hired my photographer for her as an artist- not for her documentary skills- although she is more than capable of doing both- so her pictures for me will be "weird" that's specifically why I'm paying her.

Go talk to her- obviously she has an eye you liked at some point- it's not just gone LOL

I'm with @Centerpiece. Most of these types of vendors (photog, videog, etc) want to give the client what they want and are able to adjust and tweak what they deliver to each client. Talk to her before you cancel her services.