i hate my pictures

I would do anything to avoid losing that chunk of change. That's a ton of money! But for that quality, that's an issue.

First, see if there's any wiggle room in your contract for photo quality. If you can get out of it at all, I'd focus on that first.

Second, If you think you could deal with the poses, but the lighting/editing were really the bigger issue, make sure you get the raws. That way, you can always take them to another photographer later down the line for editing.

This is very tough! You don’t want to lose your money, but you also don’t want to hate your wedding photos. Did you review her portfolio before you hired her? If so, did you like what you saw then? I would maybe have a sit down conversation with your photographer, let her know you’re very unhappy with your engagement photos and explain to her exactly what you do and don’t like. Maybe ask if you can do a “mini makeup session” to see if the outcome is any better. Maybe she just needs some constructive criticism?

I’m frugal so I would just take the risk and pray that you have at least a few pics you like.
i absolutely hate pics of myself so I’m glad that I’m not having photography at all.

I would also do everything in my power to avoid losing that deposit. But then again, it’s a big chunk of my budget. Talk to your photographer about your concerns. Tell her specifically what you don’t like about the editing and what you would like instead. Before the wedding consider looking online for posing tips and plan on directing yourself. As Nikita said, get the raw images and consider taking those somewhere else for editing.

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I think this is your best plan of action. Most vendors want you to be satisfied, and I'd hope she would be willing to accommodate to some degree, be it a retake of photos, or letting you out of the contract with a much smaller penalty (especially if the date is out and she can get rebooked). That is a hefty deposit, so I'd imagine that the remainder owed is no small amount either, and for that kind of money, you should be very excited with the work.

I also agree that you should research poses, and give her ideas of what you are looking for. I have several photos (taken at my venue no less) that I will be providing my photographer with so that it's not all up in the air day of. I want them to use their creative license, however, there are a few shots that I love and want to make sure that we get.

Good Luck!

Photography is the one thing I won't budge on, I'd see about getting the raw photos first to see if those came out better and if it's her editing skills. If you still hate them I'd run. I don't see why you'd pay anymore than you have to for a product you hate.

When you booked her did you see her work before? If so and you liked them, I would show her which photos you liked of hers and explain that that is what you expect from her as a hired vendor. I would be polite but direct. When you're paying someone that amount of money you have every right to expect good work.

Take it from someone who didn’t take engagement pictures as a warning.

I have maybe 10 pictures from my wedding that I love. Ten.

She even hired a second shooter and missed many important moments. I thought it was just a bad location and I was bad at moving for the pictures.

Photography is important. If you can I would hire a higher rated and better photographer for a shorter amount of time (2-3 hours) if you do lose out on a lot of money with your current photographer

This is a tricky situation.... Before you decide to go another route, I would exhaust your options with your current photographer and see what she is willing to do - whether that be giving you the unedited images, retaking your engagements, or letting you out of the contract.

If money isn't a huge issue, I would make sure that you are happy and confident in the photographer you have on your wedding day. I was recently a bridesmaid in a wedding and the photographer was HORRIBLE and it definitely took away from the bride's enjoyment of her day. All in all she did get a few pictures she likes, but she has told me that she wishes she would have gone another route.

Good Luck!

Photography was one thing FH and I refused to be cheap on, its sucks that you already made such a big deposit but like others mentioned see if she’ll do a retake of your engagement shoot. If not, I’d take the loss and find a different photography that has the skills to give you great wedding photos. Most important thing to remember is that you can’t redo your wedding day, but you can make that money back. Although it’ll suck to just let that $1000 go to waste, it would be worth it for peace of mind and confidence in my wedding day photographer.

View Quoted Comment I completely agree with Meghan. See if you can schedule some time to sit down with your photographer and let her know your concerns. Tell her more about what you like and what you don’t like. If there are photos from her public portfolio that you admire, point them out to her and see if she will do a make-up session with you. Also, how long has she been doing photography and has she taken any photography courses?

This happened with with me. The photographer was so nice and sweet but was horrible and positioning us. The lighting was bad and it never looked like she edited anything. The only pictures I really loved was the ones I had sent her inspiration ideas of from pinterest. I had already paid her a big chunk which was non refundable. I decided to keep her. I'm going to send her lots of inspiration photos and then I booked another photographer that gave me a big discount. So hopefully between the two of them we get some good pictures.

This is a tough one. Photography is very important to me. I did extensive research to find a photographer whose style matches mine, and at the same time, won't break the bank. If money is not an issue, I would consider finding another one whose style matches yours. I would rather waste that deposit than forever hate my photos.

What are your top three priorities for the wedding? If photographer/pictures are in there - find a different photographer. Look at reviews, portfolio and have a meeting with them.