Photographer won't give references to call--sketchy or normal?

Umm I think that's normal. I sure wouldn't want people calling me asking about my vendors.

That's why we post reviews on wedding websites such as this. Google his reviews.

I agree. I think that would be a privacy issue. Research him on every website you can think of. Yelp, WW, the Knot, Google.

That's odd - everyone we asked for references from was able to provide. One or two wanted to check with the people they would have us call first to ensure they were comfortable being contacted but we were never just given a website.

I know I wouldn't want my photographer giving out my information for future clients to check with. Reviews are a good bet.

Yeah, I wouldn't be too thrilled if my old vendor gave out my information. Do you know of any venues he works with frequently that you could contact?

Yeah, I would be bullshit if my photographer gave my email and/or phone number to anyone.

I guess I think it's weird because I'm a sales representative, and I precheck with clients if I can use them as a reference. References help me seal the deal all the time. I just think his reviews are SO stellar I worry about people faking them, I've checked all review sites I can think of. I really love his work, I'm just being cautious l suppose.

No @O&S. It's actually a good idea to specifically ask. I'm suprised anyone would spend a significant amount of money without actually speaking to someone who's used their service before.

If you think it's easy to fake reviews you're not super familiar with the social media/IP relationship.

Suzy, no, you're wrong. I hope all your vendors give out your information so dozens of brides can call you in the next month asking how your caterer, florist, DJ, etc. were.

It's scary when people have no business sense.

@m, if a vendor calls me and asks to do that as mine did I'm perfectly happy talking to people about my experience.

It's scary when people have no real-world business experience!

I'd just check on wedding websites and yelp to see what his reviews are. I would NOT feel comfortable if one of my vendors gave my information out to a potential other consumer.

Yeaaaa...you're being too cautious and I'd be annoyed as well if a vendor just gave out my info.

What you can do though is use Instagram. When I was considering a photographer I browsed his page and came across a bride he had tagged. I sent her a private message telling her I was considering using him and I asked her about her experience with him. It took several days for her to get back to me though so be prepared for that. You can also do this with Yelp. I think that's the only way you're going to get around that.

Congratulations, you're totally good with it.

And I'm sure it doesn't violate ANY privacy or information laws. None whatsoever.

But you know, because you're OK with it that makes it totally normal and standard and right.

Or... or not.

My point is references should be clients who have okayed the vendor for reference calls. I'm not suggesting he gives out information of clients who are not expecting a call.

I won't give out references for wedding work. My clients take the time to leave reviews, they don't want to nor should they be bothered after their wedding by a stranger reaching out to them. For my corporate clients, I give the client the potential clients information and ask if they would mind reaching out. Two different worlds.

Dena - THOUSANDS of brides get married every year. Would you really want to get inundated with calls and emails from all those brides asking you for your opinion on your experience? I'm busy and do not have time for that and I'm pretty sure you are as well. Time is precious. That's what reviews are for. One and done!

It's ok Dena, some people who have never worked in client-facing sales where references are useful will never understand that if someone GIVES you permission to provide their information you can

You can find a photographer that will give you references. My sister did the same thing and I will get shit for this but so did I but I wanted to make sure that she was a good photographer.

@Suzy realistically if I chose to leave a review on a website like WW or TK why do you need to call? No vendor is going to give you the info of a client who hated their services.