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

@gymrat. I know, great advice..actually searching for people who have used him now!

If he has good reviews and you like his work you're definitely being too cautious. No client wants their information given out.

ETA: When you met with him did you feel comfortable around him? That meeting should help tell you if he's a good fit for you and your FH or not.

Dena, you don't seem to be getting what others are telling you. Both brides and pro vendors. I understand that the info wouldn't be given without consent, but it's still weird and unnecessary to ask. Did you meet with him? Do you love his work and personality? Did he show you enough work so you understand his process and methods of storytelling and capture? Did he answer your questions and care about your needs? Did he have good reviews? Were you comfortable when meeting with him?

If the answers are all yes, then why would staging a call with a private client of his make you feel any differently? What is making you question him being easy to work with or making you uncomfortable? If you still have apprehension if you have done all those things, you either need to rethink your approach based on what people here are telling you, or you haven't found your photographer match. You're creating a problem, IMO.

Giving out personal contact details is a no no for me. So I can understand his reluctance.

I agree with above I wouldn't want people calling me that's what review websites are for. And it's a photographer shouldn't he be able to show you samples of his work?

@Jay, we could only do a phone interview. He seemed pretty nervous on the phone, but I don't want to judge his personality based on that alone. However, that is one of the reasons my gut told me to ask for references. I wanted to sign the contract that day but have hesitations bc of his jumpiness. His work seems really good for the price. He did answer all of my questions, he just seemed like he had never done an interview over the phone before (even though he advertises it in his autorepsonse email). I just thought I was doing my due diligence.

If my photographer gives out my info to some random person I'll be livid. I've never heard of anyone doing that in my life. Read reviews and look at their work. People give honest reviews

@Dena, I think that bit of information would have helped people understand why you are asking (at least it would have helped me), but I still wouldn't give out the info (and frankly I don't ask my clients if they will be references).

Can you Skype with him to see if you get a better vibe? Personally, if you only connected via phone and the vibe was off, I probably wouldn't book him (price isn't everything and he should be able to interview well in the ways he chooses to communicate).

@Brandy yeah I realized it may have helped in hindsight, but I didn't think it was that weird to ask for a reference in the first place (but that's why I came here for advice--I wasn't sure what the norm was). I think at this point I'd prefer to fly to Florida to meet him in person. I know I hate Skype. If he's nervous over the phone, I doubt Skype is his thing, either.

Ok, now we're getting somewhere....and including that information would change many responses here. I think you are doing your due diligence, but asking for contact info is an odd way to go about it. That is weird that he seemed nervous, I couldn't imagine why, unless he's inexperienced or just socially awkward. Why don't you meet face to face? Or keep looking. If something doesn't feel right, something probably isn't...and given that, price really isn't everything.

@Jay, I will go to Florida. I'm planning my wedding from Texas. I know my FH hates talking on the phone, but is fine in person. Like I said, his works amazing but we don't want to feel awkward with our photographer. He is a very nice guy. Thanks for everything everyone!

Google is your best friend I'd say Goggle until all the i.formation you find on them is repetitive

How about asking a few more photographers in your area, and seeing what their reaction is.

I didn't ask for references because my photographer is highly rated on WW and has 50+ reviews!

I can understand not wanting to give our numbers without a client's consent but he/she could always ask for time, ask clients and then give the info. Although, that can be faked as well. They could give your their sister's, cousin's, aunt's number, etc.

Here is a good article:

http://allebachphotography.com/helpful-info/wedding-tips/avoid-fauxtographers

That seems normal to be, I'd be mad if my photographer gave my phone number out

Honestly any references they give will be the best ones - and are honestly easily faked

Ask to see a whole shoot - not just the beat 10 photos of 50 weddings that will give you the beat idea of their work

For me, it's a privacy issue. Some of my couples elope and don't want anyone to know. Some people think couples are already married because they've been together so long, but I just married them. I've had couples get their marriage licenses in counties other than where they live, so nosy people wouldn't find out.

I mean think about if for years to come you still had people calling you asking about your wedding vendors. They get new prospective clients every week and if they gave your info to all of them and they all called you and wanted to talk you'd never get anything else done! It's best to just leave a review for each vendor and that way you can help them out without being pestered indefinitely.

I think if you really like his portfolio, book him.

He could be very good at getting the perfect shot or at editing. He may be a bit shy without a camera to 'hide' behind. I've met pro photographers who don't like talking or don't like having their own pic taken!

Would you not want the best surgeon just because his bedside manner leaves something to be desired?

If good references are a priority for you, you could always ask your friends/family that you trust who they used as a photographer and if they were happy with the experience.