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Should i ask for my "lost" wedding footage?

Colleen, on August 22, 2021 at 5:22 PM Posted in Community Conversations 0 13
Hi everyone, I wanted some options on this! Not sure what section this fits in, so please move if this isn't the right place!


I got married almost 3 years ago and I used my photographer's video services. We only got the raw clips to do whatever with, and this year I want to surprise my husband with a finished edit of our wedding video as an anniversary gift. However, there is some footage/angles from the ceremony I'm missing. Most importantly: me walking down the aisle. She gave me a reason why and I can't exactly remember it. Something to do with not getting the best angle of it, but the footage did exist in some form. Is it worth asking her again, 3 years later, to see this footage and ask if she even still has it? I realize it may be wishful thinking after this long BUT the only reason I think it may be worth asking is because my wedding gallery is still active and available to view online from her. I'm still upset I never got footage of me walking down the aisle with my dad, and I'd love to have whatever they shot if they still have it, even if it's just 3 seconds. I will offer to pay her whatever she asks for it. Any opinions? Anyone been in a similar situation? Thank you!

13 Comments

Latest activity by Colleen, on October 6, 2021 at 7:51 PM
  • Merline
    Super February 2020
    Merline ·
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    It doesn't hurt to ask. My photographer told us she keeps everything for 5 years.
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  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    You paid for the service and product so they need to give you what they filmed. Get a small claims lawyer involved if you need to.
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  • Lisa
    Rockstar July 2022
    Lisa Online ·
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    It certainly couldn't hurt to ask! Definitely reach out to ask if she still has the raw footage that you're looking for, and if you could acquire it from her.
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  • Cece
    Rockstar October 2023
    Cece ·
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    I would definitely ask for the footage! I know photographers/videographers vary significantly on how long they keep images/footage, so I would prepare yourself for her no longer having it. But, it never hurts to ask! I don’t feel you should owe her any kind of monetary compensation for it however, as you really should have gotten that footage in the first place.
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  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
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    Doesn’t hurt to ask! Our photographer/videographer keeps our footage for only a year so hopefully they still have it!
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  • C
    Colleen ·
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    Thank you everyone for your opinions! Any ideas on how to ask? Should I explain to her why I want it, or just keep it short and simple and ask if she has it still?
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  • Lisa
    Rockstar July 2022
    Lisa Online ·
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    I don't think you need to go into extreme detail on why you want it! You could even just give a short explanation, such as: "I've been thinking a lot about the footage of me walking down the aisle lately. You had mentioned that it wasn't perfect footage, but that it did exist. It would mean a lot for me to see this part of my wedding day, as I never got to re-live the walk down the aisle with my dad. Do you still have this footage? If so, can you please send it to me?"
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  • CountryBride
    VIP April 2022
    CountryBride ·
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    Doesn’t hurt to ask sweet gift idea
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  • Meghan
    Master October 2019
    Meghan ·
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    It doesn't hurt to ask. But I would suspect after 3 years they will no longer have that footage.

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  • Heather
    Super November 2021
    Heather ·
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    I'm not sure how long photographers keep their work for. Therefore, you should definitely ask Smiley smile

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  • C
    Colleen ·
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    Thank you all! I asked and am waiting on a response. I am definitely prepared for them not to have it. I realize it's been a while. I am kicking myself for not fighting harder to ask for it at the time but what is done is done.
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  • Shadia
    Savvy October 2033
    Shadia ·
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    You could ask but 5 years to have someone's photos is a long time. The next time you get married ask for all of your photos because even the bad one are worth it. They are yours you paid for them.
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  • C
    Colleen ·
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    UPDATE: She DID end up having files from my wedding. She no longer has the program (adobe premiere pro) to open the files so she said she didnt know exactly what was on the files, but she sent me the files and I had to convert them myself. Low and behold, there was nothing usable on the files. There is a clip that is about an hour long and there seems to be nothing on it. Not sure if I converted them wrong or not. Obviously it's disappointing but expected too. I should have fought to obtain the footage at the time, not 3 years later. Partly my fault. *sigh*
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