Unhappy with Wedding Photographer

ladybugruby2

We booked one of the more expensive photographers in the area. They had a very good reputation having done even our wedding venue co-ordinator's wedding and we spent a lot of time with them, not just looking at their show albums but asked for a lot more examples of their work.

The package was supposed to be two photographers who would be present during both bridal and groom preparations, photos at the hotel where we got ready and taking pictures from different angles all day. We even ordered meals for two as it was confirmed just days before the wedding there would be two people to be fed...

On the day only one photographer turned up. He totally missed me getting ready other than having my veil pinned in... none of hair or makeup. None of groom's preparations or groom's family at the hotel. There was one rule that we stated for the day and within minutes he broke this rule.

They have now told me three times that they have sent me a link to my album to view online but they haven't. When I go to the client area of their website (was going to try to work out my login) it says my account is suspended (odd as I have never logged in and not sure how they know my IP address to do that?). They know we are unhappy but claim to not know what we are unhappy about. Meeting with them tonight.

Really concerned as two girls have got in touch with me via facebook who used them recently who had the same problems and found their photographs were poor quality. I am not sure what to do / ask / say to make sure we are adequately compensated for this.

I feel that nothing more than a free cherish the dress shoot, free CD free album, free photographs and free photo frames will compensate but think that's probably a bit much to ask. If they don't behave I am tempted to name and shame all over the web... Any advice would be most welcome please?

Thanks x

vax2002

Link to website ?

ladybugruby2

I could post it but will that get me into trouble for posting negative feedback about them before I even see my photographs?

floss2

Speak to your Trading Standards team (under Council in the phone book) BEFORE you meet with them tonight and get some advice, and also ask if anyone else has reported problems with them.

ladymarmalade

That's really bad. We have put a lot of time and effort into choosing our photographer and should be getting the same kind of deal as you with the two photographers; I would be very annoyed if that did not happen. Hope its not the same person :S

Maybe you need to pay them a visit and tell them exactly why you are unhappy and why they didn't provide the service they should have!

aarchk

was the two photographer thing written into your contract?? I had two and this was included in the contract as well as start times so they didnt miss the getting ready shots.

Does it say whether the togs are members of a photography society or association on their website? It may be worth checking and getting in contact with them if so - most societies provide a mediation service. Also start looking at citizen advice stuff.

My togs also didnt manage to send through the login for my online album, it was a pure misunderstanding in the end so hopefully yours will sort itself out.

ladybugruby2

I am not sure. Usually I am not so girly about things but was really busy with work before the wedding so my husband dealt with the payments and contracts. He has them put away safely somewhere so I can't check right now. We asked them at the pre wedding meeting how many people we would need to feed? They said two so we paid for two meals... also a waste of one meal (only soup / sandwich but still).

I just spoke to trading standards but am concerned because although my hubby said he would pay by credit card, I am not certain if he did.

Apparently they have abolished the client area on the website and now just send a link. They've not responded to my third request over an hour ago.

Thanks. x

ladybugruby2

He paid by cheque so that's a no go. He forgot the credit card payment protection. We will have to fish out the contract. The admin guy has replied to my email but declined to send us a link.

vax2002

Our neighbours had quotes ranging from £800 to £3000 from wedding photographers many who looked like part time hobby chancers , they got a quote from a local news agency of £360+ vat for a day rate and they sent a 58 year old press photographer with 40 years experience, got a cd and did their own prints, I have never seen such stunning quality photographs in all my life, they really are breath taking. The guy brought lots of gear and set up fantastic poses. No substitute for experience.

Sambucus_Nigra

Get that contract out and go through it with a fine toothcomb.

katerinasol

Can I ask what the rule was?