paul_trujillo

<p>No you're probably right but when they did first meet with me they mentioned how all the other photographers were charging almost double or triple what I offered and that they went with me because of the price. I ended up charging $1990 for my time and services (not including the print prices) for 9 hours work.</p>

<p>Hi everyone. First of all my background: I've shot about 3 weddings on my own and assisted in about 5 different weddings, both video and stills. I wouldn't say I'm new to weddings and I also wouldn't say I'm a veteran but I know what makes a great photo. I also work in school photography doing class group photos and portraits so I work with people quite a bit.<br /><br />Anyways, I did a wedding recently and the whole process until proofing was a dream. Bride and Groom were nice and the day went pretty smooth for a wedding day. The bride listed to me maybe 2-5 shots she wanted that I got and delivered.<br /><br />Now she calls me after sending her the proof gallery saying that she's not happy with the photos and that in some photos she doesn't like the way she looks or is smiling. <br />There was a complaint by the husband saying that the motorcycle shot isn't too great because the bikes weren't straight??<br>

(by the way I only had about 15 minutes to shoot that prior to them leaving the event, not to mention me having to go back to the brides place to get shots of her getting into her hire car. I told the groom that he needed to wait for my call before leaving so I can go ahead of him to get shots of him arriving on the motorbikes, and surprise he left without my call and I was lucky to catch them just as they arrived at the ceremony getting off their bikes, so I asked them to quickly get back on for the shot which I got) <br>

She also complained telling me that the shots of her first dance are too dark and "can barely see them". But I looked at the images and even though it is dark due to the mood lighting, it's not like you can't see their faces. There's even a shot I took of them looking at the camera smiling during the dance in which she replied saying "Oh I don't like how I look there"<br /><br />I'm going to have a meeting with them today to discuss what they want to do about the photos they disliked and how I can improve on them.<br /><br />I've got it specified in my contract that I am in no way liable to guarantee certain shots will be taken or liable for the finished product or incomplete coverage due to tardiness or time restrictions placed on the photographer during the day.<br /><br />I don't know if I just wanted to vent on here or if anyone can give me some advice on how to deal with brides like this. I really don't want to refund them if they request it and even if they do, what options do I have? Can I then refuse to give them the photos unless they pay for my time?<br /><br />The way I see it, I did not fail as a photographer. I turned up on time, did my hours, shots the photos with correct lighting and focus and delivered the images requested. Their opinions on what makes a great photo or how they look is purely subjective to me. In the end of the day, they booked me for my certain style or look as shown on my website, so it's not like they are getting compeltly different styled photos.<br />