I am running into an issue with our photographer and I don't know what to do.
We hired a photographer for $2200. The package comes with 5 hours of photography and 3 hours of videography with the option for a second shooter when not filming. Over the past few months, I've become extremely concerned with her professionalism AND the quality of her work. Initially, her style was more in line with what I like, but the photos she's been posting on Instagram the past few months are different stylistically than what I originally saw from her. I reached out to her several times over the past few months to discuss the shot list and style--and she didn't respond. We finally sent her an email today asking to terminate the contract and return the deposit. Within 30 minutes she called. What infuriated me was that she attempted to answer the questions I raised in emails over the past few months instead of acknowledging her unprofessionalism. She totally glossed over the fact that I had to ask to terminate the contract before she responded to me. She didn't apologize until I told her I wasn't interested in discussing the shot list or the style until she acknowledged the communication issues. She eventually apologized and sent us additional photographs to review to address my concerns about the quality of her photographs. But I didn't walk away from the conversation feeling confident that she would improve her communication and I really just don't feel good about her. I also didn't like the examples she sent to me and I don't know if that can be fixed.
I found a photographer who costs $2,500 for 6 hours of photography. No videography and no second shooter. His photographs are BEAUTIFUL. We talked for 45 minutes. He actually shot my venue the day before our call and we both said we felt like the universe was aligning. I feel like we clicked and he was appalled by my photographer's behavior. But with no guarantee we will get the deposit back, he is out of our price range.
I have heard so many couples say that the one thing they regret about their wedding is their photographs. Either they went cheap, or the photographer wasn't good, or didn't show up. But most people agree that photographs are important. I'm not sure if we should proceed with the current photographer despite all of her problems or if I should I bite the bullet and come up with an extra $1,400. FH supports me in terminating the contract. I am okay with giving up videography to get stunning photographs, but I'm nervous about coming up with an extra $1,400 four months out. To be fair, there are two photos in the gallery she sent me that I think represent the style I like. But I am unsure about her consistency now.
Not sure what to do and would appreciate an outside perspective.
