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

No shit, Suzy, but that's besdies the point. The question was "is it normal to do this" and the answer is no, in any "client-facing" sales position directly regarding an individual person, you generally do not ever ask for a personal reference.

Do you ask for client's names at your hairstylist?

Do you ask for client's names and info at the car dealership before you buy a car?

Amateurs, I swear.

Real world business experience would lead me to NOT release my clients personal information.

@Suzy - I'm spending THOUSANDS on photo and video. I didn't feel the need (nor did my FH who is a VP of CLIENT Services) to ask these professionals for references. We read online reviews and Googled their names. The reviews on their site coupled with their work spoke for itself. We also used sites like WW, The Knot, WeddingBee, local wedding boards and Yelp to check reviews and I created posts on my local wedding boards to ask past clients about their experiences. I also used Instagram and Facebook and looked at the COMMENTS from the actual bride/groom on their photos and video. If that isn't enough for you nothing will ever be.

Its pretty normal not to give out phone numbers Some vendors have a policy in which they do not give out the personal information of their clients, while others have an amendment in their contract in which clients can "opt in" and allow people to call them for references. As a vendor I will never give out personal information for potential clients to call. There's no way I would want my vendors clients calling me 6-12 months after my wedding asking for references.

Edited for clarity

I wouldn't give out my client's information without a signed release, which most would more than likely refuse due to the fact that they don't want random people calling them or having their phone number. That's the whole point behind asking for website reviews. Could you message a client that is tagged in one of my business Facebook posts and ask them questions? Certainly. You may get an answer or you may not. If his online reviews are good and his portfolio holds up, then you should be fine. You could always ask to see a few complete weddings if you have any extra doubts.

I don't think it's that weird to ask... I mean they should have multiple reviews on WW, The Knot, their facebook, etc which should give you an indicator. I was a reference for my photographer, esp because they were just starting out when they did our wedding. I left reviews, but she also contacted me twice asking if it was ok for a Bride to give me a call. It was fine but she never gave it out without asking each time.

Ok thanks for the feedback and time, everyone.

I think it's weird, but also get where you're coming from. I think we're extra cautious these days and want as much information as we can get. That said though, FH and I relied solely on online reviews and email conversations. The only vendors I ever spoke to were DJ and officiant. I also did what GymRat suggested with a caterer. I looked up their reviews on Facebook and then sent a private message to one of their recent clients. Funnily enough, they said good things but I didn't end up booking them because their customer service was terrible in my initial interactions with them.

I wouldn't be hesitant if you're only seeing great reviews. We booked our photographer who lives on Kauai while we are in Canada and again, only based on online reviews which are all stellar and email conversations, which have always been professional, prompt and very personable. I think you'll be fine

I'd be really annoyed if a vendor gave out my contact information without my permission.

I never heard of asking for referrals. That's what reviews are for...

I didn't read all the comments, so apologies in advance if I am repeating others...

I agree with O&S 100%!! It is weird to expect this of the photographer. You don't need to call his other customers. That's what reviews are for. Check yelp, WW vendor reviews, The knot reviews, etc. Thats what they are there for.

I mean... not everyone writes reviews ,but I personally wrote a very detailed one because I was thrilled with my photographer. If you called me (which I would definitely not be happy about), I would still have nice things to say. Read the reviews. No one wants their personal information being given out.. thats ridiculous to expect.

Also.... IF the photographer did give you a number to call.... don't you think they are smart enough to give you the phone number of someone that they are absolutely sure was more than happy with their work?!?! Honestly... they're not going to have you call someone that wasn't happy with their photos.

Getting references from the photographer is honestly pushy, not helpful, and a waste of someone else's good time. If I may be completely honest..

Dena, you are confusing a customer with a client. Two different things that represent different aspects of business.

Back when I first started planning, I read several articles online which say you should ask vendors for references.

When I actually diligently researched them I realized that no one could tell me anything I hadn't found out already, just through my own research, so I never asked any of my vendors.

When I read those articles, I assumed that vendors would ASK couples to be a reference for them (kinda like with job references), and since I really had no frame of reference that seemed to make sense to me. But yeah, if I don't give someone approval to give out my information I would be pissed if it was given out, especially to complete strangers.

I would be pissed if any of my vendors gave out ANY my information!

With that said best ways to look for unbiast reviews are....

1. Facebook. You can look up any pictures and reviews. Not just on their facebook page but any that people have tagged them in or mentioned them. My venue has a fb page that has a lot of pictures by my photographer and a lot of people commented on how awesome she was.

2. Google. Google the name and state and you probably find blogs and more information on them.

3. Pinterest. Same thing Name and State.

I'd be pretty pissed if any of my vendors gave people my contact info. Thats what I wrote all those reviews for.

Part of the decision for hiring a pro should be accountability and discretion. Suppose you were that photographer, would you give out your clients' personal information? I would hope not. Knowing their work and being familiar with their process and approach, and their reviews are all you need.

It seems that people think I'm indicating that I want all of his clients' information without their consent. It's normal in many businesses to ask clients ahead of time if they can use them as a referral in the future. I love his photos, but there are a few questions I'd love to ask the bride. For example, "Was he easy to work with? Did he make you feel comfortable?" None of these answers are in the reviews, and I certainly can't find them in his portfolio. They're important qualities in a photographer for me. Thanks for all the feedback. Now I know it's apparently not the norm.

My FH is a photographer and has done many weddings but has never had anyone request this, but would never give out people's information. For a photographer, Their portfolio will tell more than reviews

That's totally normal. That's what public reviews are for. Job candidates don't have public reviews so they have references for their employers to call. Wedding vendors have public reviews, and those act as their references. I certainly wouldn't want random couples calling me for a reference for one of my vendors.

I told you the best way to talk to a bride. But if someone is giving a 5 star review then I'd think he was easy to work with.......