Question for you photographers / site managers out there.

[hokiehunter07]

To start, I am the groom and I'm looking for some advice to keep my bride from going insane.

I proposed to my then girlfriend last June while at the beach. When we returned home, we immeadiately began planning our wedding even though the date is 8/1/09. Well, we fell in love with a particular venue and decided to go ahead and pay the site deposit to reserve our date and signed a contract.

Well, upon talking to the site manager she advised us that we could use our own cake vendor, but we had to use her photographer, videographer, and dj. Well, we are pretty pleased with the DJ and videographer, but the photographer does not even come close to our expectations. For $1,000 we get a CD with all our pictures, the wedding day only, and leather bound album containing 500 pictures. Her photography skills are average at best and her editing skills are down right abysmal. While looking through her photos we frequently found pictures with bushes blocking the grooms face during the ceremony, people's faces washed out, and the same old tired "everyone line up" poses. She also charges a lot extra for bridal portraits, rehersal coverage, and any framed prints, although she recommends we take the photo cd and make the framed prints ourselves.

Needless to say we are not happy with her work. We scheduled a meeting with the site manager to ask for permission to use our own photographer and she said we could not. Well looking back through the contract, there is nothing that states we have to use her photographer is is also her close personal friend. Well, we dont want to make too many demands becuase the site manager is also the wedding planner, caterer, and florist. We don't want to upset her for fear of having other aspects of the wedding suffer. That said photography is VERY important to us and we don't want to skimp or have a really pathetic leather bound album to show for it.

How do we convince the site manager / owner to let us use our own photographer without upsetting her? We've spoken with local bridal shops and been to several bridal shows and we get one of two responses: Either they kind of turn their nose up at the site we've chosen or they say they have known people who have gotten married there and used different photographers. It's a beautiful location and we really love it, but the fact we have to use this photographer is creating all sorts of nightmares for my fiance.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.
Scott

[WebLady]

This is one of the reasons I personally don't care for the "all inclusive" facility. Many times the food and drink is a liability issue, but the other vendors is a networking thing and they have a deal with them, or they are friends or family of the owners.

You have to either push to get what you want (even if it means going elsewhere) or suck it up and do it all their way.

I would go to the site manager again and tell her how you feel about the photographer and that you want more and better for your wedding day. Maybe mention that you realize the photographer is her friend and all and you are sure she is fine for most people, but it just won't work for you. Explain that you mean no disrespect and you love the facility and are ok with everything else. You might mention that you would be willing to sign a waiver or pay an additional fee (in my experience they will do this) if you would be allowed hire your own photographer. Is she still protests you can mention that it is not stated in the contract that you have to use their vendors.

I would also look in the contract for any other holes that can help or hurt you.

:goodluck:

[saltyveruca]

You said that others have been able to successfully use a different photographer-why not try to get in contact with those couples to see how they were able to make that arrangement?

[hokiehunter07]

WebLady,
The contract is VERY vague and basically all it says is that we have made a $500 non-refundable deposit for the site on August 1st and that the remaining balance is due 2 weeks prior. It does not specify anything about vendors in any way shape or form.

saltyveruca,
The women at the Bridal shops said they were unable to give us the information on the other couples. Right now we're doing vendor / facebook searches to see who had other photographers take pictures. So far we only have one website of another photographer claiming to have taken pictures at this site. The problem I see is that THAT photographer and the "required" photographer have the same last name. We're not sure if they're related, but I have a feeling they are. Her package is just so lame and her "specialties" are hideous in my opinion. I've attached a sample. I know this is a popular technique, but in most of the photos I've seen it just is really poorly done.

[WebLady]

Well I would try to talk to them again; maybe even ask for a more detailed contract. I know I wouldn't be comfortable with a contract that didn't fully detail everything.

[RevMatty]

I'd agree with Brandi, read that contract. Worse case have a lawyer look over it, and get some legal advice.
I as a professional never liked the "bundled vendor deals." To many things can go wrong.

[gettingmarried10]

WebLady,
The contract is VERY vague and basically all it says is that we have made a $500 non-refundable deposit for the site on August 1st and that the remaining balance is due 2 weeks prior. It does not specify anything about vendors in any way shape or form.

saltyveruca,
The women at the Bridal shops said they were unable to give us the information on the other couples. Right now we're doing vendor / facebook searches to see who had other photographers take pictures. So far we only have one website of another photographer claiming to have taken pictures at this site. The problem I see is that THAT photographer and the "required" photographer have the same last name. We're not sure if they're related, but I have a feeling they are. Her package is just so lame and her "specialties" are hideous in my opinion. I've attached a sample. I know this is a popular technique, but in most of the photos I've seen it just is really poorly done.

Sorry to hear about this. Honestly, I have been through those kind of companies and a good chunk of them are lame. Especially when they ask you to exclusively pick specific vendors

Mostly established and professional companies recommend you other vendors.

I hate so say this but you may want to just drop her as an option even if you can't get 500$ deposit back. It's lot of money but on the day of wedding when things don't go right in terms of bad video, photo etc..u will wish u had...i know times are tough but there are other good product and price companies

I recently booked Film Style Weddings and they are great in terms of photo and video and in talks with other companies for other vendors

My two cents:)

[Conveyweddings]

Hi Hokiehunter,

Arrrg this is beyond frustrating!! I'd suggest you bring a photographer "friend" (a professional) to supplement. The venue can't stop you from having a friend take pictures alongside their photographer. It's your wedding, and plenty of people hire more than one photographer.

I have to admit your post caught my eye and my heart went out to you because I'm a professional wedding photographer and I see this sort of thing again and again.

Good luck!!!
c

[WebLady]

Arrrg this is beyond frustrating!! I'd suggest you bring a photographer "friend" (a professional) to supplement. The venue can't stop you from having a friend take pictures alongside their photographer. It's your wedding, and plenty of people hire more than one photographer.I don't know if I would do that. I know many photographers that won't work with another photographer (professional or not) in their way while they are working (I know I wouldn't when I was a photographer), plus and the all inclusive facilities I have worked with in the past did not allow this either.

Sure your friends and family may be there taking snap shots, but they will not be able to get the "good shots" and be right there where the photographer is all the time.

If this was me, I would talk to the facility and explain your concerns; maybe even talk to the "house" photographer, and work out something that you will be happy with. Or find another facility that will allow you to do what you want.

All the best :)

[saltyveruca]

Brandi is right-most photographers will not allow unauthorized photographers to interfere. We have it explicitly forbidden in our contract.

Try doing that, and it will be a huge mess. Photographers don't like jockeying for position against guests. This is something that needs to be worked out beforehand.

[Conveyweddings]

Right. As a professional photographer I know exactly what you mean about unwanted interference! However, I also know that for me, it's important my clients be satisfied. If someone were to ask me (for whatever reason) if I would agree to have another photographer present, say meandering around the reception or ceremony, so long as they didn't get in my way, I'd agree.

I had a bride once request a second photographer at the last minute...her cousin. She'd realized in a panic that she wanted double the coverage, and she had opted out of my bringing my assistant due to the cost.

I hate to see any couple go through what you're going through, and I'd like to think you'd be able to work with the venue and take a stand to a degree. I'm not suggesting you dupe anyone, make it clear you'd like double the coverage. They should work with you--if not for you--on this. You only get one wedding day, it should be yours.

Good luck!

[amphotography]

Scott> I would definately not settle for a photographer you don't want. I know several friends who paid lots of money for pictures they hated...and ended up regretting it. This is your wedding, and it really should not be dictated by one person. That being said, if you have already signed the contract, you can't really get out of it. I would suggest making sure there is no where in the contract that states you must use their photographer, and if it's not in there, point it out to the venue director.

[crystalinephoto]

The sad truth of the matter is that more venues are going this way... they figured out that pretty much any vendor they recommend will almost always be used, so they are taking it a step further and working out a cut of the commission deals with photographers, DJ, florists, and more and sometimes this results in less than quality companies getting the jobs. From what you stated it is not wrote in your contract that you have to use their photographer. So stick to your guns! Because forcing you to use their photographer is not something they can do and probably a very valid reason to get out of your contract with them. If you've watched any daytime judge show (I'm a big fan!) you know they can not force you do do something after the fact and that is not in the contract. I would simply tell them that and if they have a problem with it see you in court. I'm sure they will see it your way or risk being sued and losing. My friend got married at a venue... they changed policies before her wedding. Her wedding dinner was suppose to be held inside a historic castle in our area. Apparently they decided that it was too harmful to the interior, furniture, etc. of the building and now require couples to set up a tent outside. They tried to make her do the same. They couldn't she had a signed contract stating all her wishes and they had to honor them or forfeit her deposit and her business. Future couples are now under their new rules, but for them they had to make an exception. Which will probably be what will happen in your case. Good Luck!

[FedererPhoto]

crystalinephoto ++

Really, if it's not in the contract, they can't hold you to it.

That having been said, I really try to work the 'nice way' first - simply state your case (that you think the contracted photographer is not good enough) strongly and see how it goes. If things don't go well, then you can start bringing in contract law issues and what not.

[Brad Ross Photography]

I adhere in my business to the Client is always right attitude and cannot for the life of me see how others do not follow this attitude.

I would stick to my guns and fight them tooth and nail. You pay too much money for a wedding to not get what you want.

[Maria Angela Photography]

I would go back to that coordinator and say that you spoke to someone who knew someone who had their own photographer do the wedding there and while looking at the contract given to you, it does not state that you have to use their photographer.

It sounds as if the coordinator is giving her friend business during these tough times and not giving brides and grooms options. That is not right and it sounds to me that there is a reason why her friend is not getting any work!

Don't let her push you around, photos last your whole life and the last thing you want to do is have your memories captured in a way where you can't even stand looking at them.

Good Luck!!!
I wish you guys the best!
-Maria

[fotosbyeric]

I would just get another photog. It is your guys' day, and your decision. If the venue is trying to stop you from doing what you want they shouldn't be in business. They are in service to you, and morally should let you do what you wish on your day. At the very least follow what "Conveyweddings" said. I'm a photographer (fotosbyeric) as well, and wouldn't allow another photographer to be petty over their "space." When in a situation where there is another photographer I usually talk to them ahead of time to square away the details of what is to be done in a professional and polite way. If it was their mistake to not add that language into the contract, then it is on them. What is with businesses now days. Especially the service industry. What kind of customer service is it to say that you have to use our crappy service providers anyway.:realmad:

"crystalinephoto" said that people are setting up commissions with venues to have guaranteed work which is fine. I have set up non-exclusive deals with many venues, and never had a problem with anyone saying that I was an exclusive. Which they may do. I normally ask what their going commission is, I will always add ten percent, and pay cash the day of the deposit. I would expect that one photographer wouldn't want to stay at one venue. That would get old quick, and is probably the reason for the sub-par photography on her part. I normally don't shoot as well when always using the same backdrop for images. Sorry for the ranting, but bad service really pisses me off.;)

[gwenshack]

I would just get another photog. It is your guys' day, and your decision. If the venue is trying to stop you from doing what you want they shouldn't be in business. They are in service to you, and morally should let you do what you wish on your day. At the very least follow what "Conveyweddings" said. I'm a photographer (fotosbyeric) as well, and wouldn't allow another photographer to be petty over their "space." When in a situation where there is another photographer I usually talk to them ahead of time to square away the details of what is to be done in a professional and polite way. If it was their mistake to not add that language into the contract, then it is on them. What is with businesses now days. Especially the service industry. What kind of customer service is it to say that you have to use our crappy service providers anyway.:realmad:

"crystalinephoto" said that people are setting up commissions with venues to have guaranteed work which is fine. I have set up non-exclusive deals with many venues, and never had a problem with anyone saying that I was an exclusive. Which they may do. I normally ask what their going commission is, I will always add ten percent, and pay cash the day of the deposit. I would expect that one photographer wouldn't want to stay at one venue. That would get old quick, and is probably the reason for the sub-par photography on her part. I normally don't shoot as well when always using the same backdrop for images. Sorry for the ranting, but bad service really pisses me off.;)

Hello and welcome to OW...we always appreciate the imput of vendors, but this thread is almost a year old and was started by someone who is no longer an active member. Just thought I'd give ya a head's up. Feel free to join in, and you can post an intro here:
http://forums.onewed.com/forumdisplay.php?f=71 :welcome2: