Great expectations

Kathy and I were married in the era of “traditional” wedding photography. Our photographer had a studio right across from the church where we were married. Large prints of his best work were on display in the storefront window of his studio. He had photographed Kathy’s sister’s wedding some years before and she was happy with his work. When we met him we complimented him on several very dramatic and emotional shots he had on display and he graciously thanked us for our praise. We signed up and never considered another photographer.

After the wedding we looked at the proofs and discovered that the shots that we had expected – and had discussed with him – were nowhere to be found.

“Sorry” he said. “I’ve gotten too old to do those shots anymore.” He provided us with about 50 proofs from which he asked us to select the images for our album.

“Why so few proofs?” we asked.

“I only provide proofs for the shots that meet my standards. I can’t have substandard images out there” was his response.

Today our wedding album with it’s 15 dull and uninteresting images is all that we have to remind us of that wonderful January 18^th when the temperature in Cleveland Ohio was magically above normal, the sun came out brightly and we celebrated joining our lives together for (many) years to come. Sadly, those photos are fading fast and will soon be lost completely.

Why were our expectations so unsatisfied? Whose fault was it?

Well, as much as I hate to admit my rare mistakes (Kathy would tell this differently) it was mostly our fault and only partly that of our photographer.

Here’s what went wrong and how to avoid our experience:

• Get it in writing. Be certain that you have a written agreement for your photography and that it clearly mirrors your expectations. This should include how much time, how many images, what mood or style you expect, what specific images (if any) you want and if final prints and/or album(s) are included in the fee.
• Interview several photographers. Prices will range from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars for a wedding shoot. As with many things, you can’t expect $20,000 results when you want to spend only $500. But be aware that it is (unfortunately) possible to get $500 results from a poorly defined $20,000 deal.
• Talk with references. Really! Don’t rely only on testimonials. Preferably recent references that had similar expectations. Do you want joyful exuberance, elegant, romantic, edgy or traditional? Don’t count on your photographer to deliver a style she/he has no experience with. Be aware that every photographer has a style at which they excel. Look for the one whose natural style is closest to your vision.
• Speak up! The most common reason that customers are disappointed in any situation is the failure of the customer and seller to communicate. This can even mean how you wish the photographer(s) to dress. Would you want your photographer to show up in jeans and a sweat shirt at your elegant and formal wedding and reception?
• Remember that you will spend more time with your photographer(s) on your wedding day than with any other service provider. Even a wedding coordinator will be off checking on things somewhere when your photographer is capturing yet another candid memory for you to enjoy with your grandchildren.

Class is over. I hope my thoughts help you to find a photographer to capture your precious moments in a way that give you and your children lasting joy. But I think it’s time for me to please me. Recalling memories . . .