Photographer regret

I don't know how to be professionally photographed I guess and would have liked her to give some direction. Her photos were average with editing, I would say. We put down a $500 deposit so it would be a small bummer to lose that but I don't even know if I could find another photographer in our budget in 6 months. Am I overreacting?

Can we see some of the engagement photos?

I would talk to her about it. Ask for more direction while she's taking your pictures. Ask if you can go to the wedding venue with her ahead of time to make a gameplan.

ETA: her response will hopefully let you know whether she's open to working to make sure you're happy or if you're better off finding someone else.

Personally, I did the same thing. After the engagement shoot I had a knot in my stomach that the wedding photos wouldn't turn out how I wanted. I ended up switching photographers to someone we clicked a lot better with and had a better portfolio. Read through your contract though! We had about 400 deposit with the first one and that was nonrefundable. That was OK with us because she did do the work of the engagement shoot. We booked a second photographer after shopping around and being more direct with expressing what we were looking for. I can say I am much happier that I switched as the pictures turned out great and exactly what we wanted. Even H said to me after we got the photos back "Yeah I don't think the 1st photographer would've been able to do this" - but definitely read over your contract to make sure you don't owe the whole amount and definitely don't cancel until you have another contract completely signed with another photographer. There is no harm in shopping around and seeing the work of more photographers but don't cancel until you have your new one completely secure.

I'm headed home now so I will post some ASAP. And yes @MrsLMac I think that is her style

I am SOOOOO Sorry you feel that way! I can not imagine. I was so excited to see my photos, if they were not want I expected I would be so disappointed. With that said, I have about 30 favorites of my 150 photos. You wont love them all.

FIRST THING: Are you able to look at any of her past work? I think that would be a good indicator IF you want to continue using her.

MY ADVICE: think about what you want out of your wedding photos. If you want the more traditional photos you obviously will not be open mouthed talking but if you want some more intimate ones you need to tell her what you want. BOTTOM LINE: regardless of whether you choose to stay with her or not, you really need to tell her what you liked and did not like about your engagement session and the resulting photos. I would think any good business person would be open-minded and interested in working with you to achieve your wants/vision/goals, especially since you are paying them

$500 is pretty on par with what an engagement shoot would cost al la carte so I don't think your out too much money unless you planed on doing engagements with the new person too. I didn't like many of our engagement photos either, maybe like 10 but we only got 50 back. In the end I decided to stick with her.

This is one of the photos I did like.

This was one of the ones she posed us for...so awk

You definitely need to talk to your photographer about their style and your expectations for the wedding. I'm so sorry you're going through this but you're going to keep these pictures forever and you don't want to hate them...

The quality isn't great on here because I'm posting the ones designed for print. Whoops.

Another awkward one I think

@Alyssachu do you think it's just me then? Am I just awkward haha. I just emailed the photographer to ask if she would come visit the venue with us so that advice was helpful, thanks @Bookcase and others

Another awkward one I think

I had this happen. Except I only had one photo that was good. It's heartbreaking to have bad pics out so I feel for you.

First, ask your friends opinions on the pic. Do they think they look bad too or are you being too critical?

If they are just bad, find a different photographer imo. Talk to her to get your deposit back if you can but honestly I'd rather lose my deposit then have terrible pics

You guys are so cute and I love the picture with him behind you embracing you. But I agree you both look tense/nervous. Talk with your photographer and share your concerns. Her reaction will help you decide if you can continue to work with her.

I did like this one! I mean, should we do another engagement shoot? I don't really want to pay for that but I don't want us to be super awk on our wedding day!!

Edit: Oh I like your coffee idea, @Alyssachu Thx girl

Thanks all. In reviewing the photos I think maybe I am being too critical. Of myself and of her. Thanks for all your input. In going to set up a time to have coffee with her and then we will hopefully go visit our venue closer to the date. Thank you for all your kind words. I'm definitely my own worst critic.

The pictures you posted are adorable! I think she will do a great job for your wedding

If you didn't already say you were uncomfortable, I wouldn't know it from looking at these pictures. Y'all are adorable, and your pictures look great! It seems that you have a quality photographer. I'm sure that with a little communication, she'll be willing to work with you to help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera for the wedding.