Sick photographer.... Advice

It's tough because of all the planning involved but i would rather have good pics from a photog who is well rather than someone who slogged through while they were sick.

Hope she's not sick on your wedding day!!!

Hi Donte, Don't stress are your epics for you STDS?

Since your wedding is Sept 2014, you have enough time to reschedule. Why don't do Holiday shots or wait until the early Spring 2014. You will still be within a nice time period for STDS, etc.

Just let the photog know clearly and kindly how hard it is for you guys. That way if they can possibly make it, they will try. Or at least they may give you a print credit or something extra to make up for the inconvenience.

Are you kidding me right now? I've shot events, and even weddings either feverish or while having severe back pain....as a true pro, you stay hydrated and do some Advil or Day Quil, and get through the job. Engagement sessions last maybe 90 minutes. Lame that she would back out for that, if it's just a common cold or flu etc. knowing the situation especially. As you say in 6 weeks the benefits of Fall will be gone.

Can you reschedule for a weekday?

@Tina i agree..

@Shirlden, my thoughts exactly! ugh

@Robin, i hate the spring! lol my allergies always really bad, I cant imagine taking pics with watery, red, itchy eyes!

@Miss DB, I just emailed her saying that...waiting for a response.

@jay IKR! I wanted the effect of the leaves changing and everything that wy i waited untill the fall!

@ Barbara, i tried but FH has hectic work week ahead for some big project, and he will not get home till after dark!

im so frustrated right now!

Last year a mom called me and asked about her daughter's engagement photos, liked my work, etc. Asked how much for outdoor Fall location, as time was short....had to be that week because the week after I had a wedding. I told her $250.00 for the session and approx 2 dozen of the best retouched. Plenty for STD, decorations, sign in book.

She said her daughter had a friend who's in school for photography doing it for $100.00 and she was going to do it that week but backed out when she had company coming in. And balked at my price. Wait, but she's not doing it! So her price is irrelevant! If you like my work and see the diference....and I don't care who flies in, I am hired, I will show up, even if my own mother has to assist me on that job. No deal. She already hired a wannabe, not sure why she'd want another one. The standard of doing business and level of customer care has plummeted. Unfortunate, really unfortunate. I hope you are able to salvage.

You have plenty of time.. I know it's frustrating but at least they're not bailing on your wedding day! My first e-shoot was canceled due to rainy weather. I'm just glad he canceled before I went to the hair salon!

Megan, her Fall concept won't be available....bottom line this is a case of the customer not getting what they want and being inconvenienced. Wedding vendors are human, but part of what we are paid for is accountability. A cold doesn't equate a car accident with injuries.

I'd have to be dead (or completely without a voice) not to work. You have plenty of time, but if the STD's are really important to you, get her on the horn and tell her how upset you are. I'm sorry, that's unprofessional.

All that being said, I'd be more worried about the overall professionalism than the STD's; people have been getting married without them for years.

She emiled back and basically said there is nothing she can do.... Her back up person is out of town!

It is quite frustrating, but she could be genuinely really sick -- as a client I would rather you not come if you have the flu, my household just got over it and it is very contagious and not a pleasant experience, not to mention if they have all the lovely symptoms -- do you really want your photog to show up and spend most of their time in the bathroom.

I understand people get sick, i totally get it. However, i feel there should be something extra for my inconvience. Nothing has been mentioned...yet.

You might want to seriously consider another photographer. When you're sick do you just not go to work, school, or stop being a parent? being sick is not an excuse. I mean unless they are hospitalized. If they are doing this now who knows what they will come up with on your wedding day. My advice would be to find another photographer and have an engagement session with them for the weekend you wanted. A lot of photographers offer free engagement sessions when you book with them

You don't get the flu overnight.

Wait a minute... You can't knock someone for being sick when you don't know the issues! She may be throwing up, would you like to her to follow you around with a camera while violently vomiting into a pail to snap a few pics that will hopefully turn out right? As a person that has stomach issues I can say there's day where it feels someone is dragging a knife down my intestines, I cannot walk, I can barely lay down without being in tears... You want me to follow you around with a camera and hopefully snap some pictures that are good in the midst of being hunched over in pain. Meds can only do so much, and anyone who has EVER used a sick day cannot knock this photographer for saying hey I'm too sick, that takes a lot of courage.

It could be food poisoning, I guess...

This situation is frustrating, but at least you can use it to enjoy the day off with your fiance.

I really haven't had much interaction with her besides the initial meeting and the meeting where we put our deposit down. Although, she is prompt with returning emails (which I like).

Just so it's known, I am not knocking her for being sick, as I stated before, I get it. I've put so much time and money into this day and I'm just totally bummed about it!