Photographer Horror Stories

Check out these common photography disasters to ensure the same doesn't happen to you on your big day! (expert advice)

Many years after your wedding has passed, one of the most important keepsakes of your special day is the photo album that contains snapshots and portraits of your ceremony and reception.

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Yet, not every bride can enjoy these memories because all they remember are the photographer horror stories. A couple of common complaints with wedding photography include:

"I Missed Out on My Photographer of Choice"

It is important to keep in mind that the schedules of photographers will fill up fast, especially when a wedding is planned to take place during the summer months. Once you've settled on a wedding date, don’t waste any time securing your photographer. Keep in mind that the most sought-after professionals are booked well in advance. Don’t miss your chance to make arrangements with your first choice photographer. For instance, one bride booked her favored picture taker in January for a wedding planned for November.

"Final Results Just Didn’t Add Up"

When interviewing potential wedding photographers, a common approach is to view a portfolio, which showcases some of the weddings that he or she worked. However, what happens when the portfolio you view does not belong to the photographer you are interviewing? It isn’t until you see your proofs and receive the final product that you realize you have made a huge mistake. Poor lighting, ruined or lost negatives, and blurred images are just some of horrors a couple may encounter with their wedding photographer. By that time, it is too late!

"Split Personalities"

During the interview, photographers woo couples with their skills and past experience. They display dazzling portfolios with happy brides and beautiful snapshots of the reception. When you're speaking to the photographer, you’re mesmerized by the different poses, equipment, and techniques they will use.

However, when your special day finally arrives, you notice a completely different photographer arrive. In the heat of their passionate craft, they transform into a completely different individual. Who is this person, you say to yourself. Same person…different personality. But, this is your special day and you trudge through the barks and demands. From your initial meeting, you had no indication that they would turn out to be hard to work with and demanding.

"Photographer Simply Didn’t Show Up"

It doesn’t matter if he or she had their dates mixed up or your special day happened to slip their mind – the bottom line is…they didn’t show up. I've met brides with photographer horror stories that involve missing-in-action hired professionals and some who have shown up so late, that no visual memories of the wedding ceremony were captured.

However, keep in mind that a few brides leave nothing to chance and equip their guests with disposable cameras, which can actually create unforgettable and cherished snapshots. Besides, a wedding photographer can't be in every single place at once, which means investing in disposable cameras can truly help document one of the most important days in your life.

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savvysweet

01/29/2011 at 08:39 am

Thank you Doolittlebride! As a pro photographer myself I was a little perplexed at this article. Yes, I hear some of these stories. It's usually after a bride says pro services are too expensive and Joe Shmo has a "nice camera" and will do it for $100! The article did not give any positive tips for precious memories. You want to book well in advance, definatley do an engagent shoot (it's usually included anyway). This way you get a sense of what it will be like on the wedding day and they can understand you a little better too! Can't afford a photog you like? Ask them for referrals! We work with each other a lot and we can vouch for thier workmanship (and many big photogs often have interns they an suggest at lower rates). Please, for the love of God, don't leave your only memories to disposable cameras! They often get picked up by the kids and/or your drunk friends!

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mistya0730

11/27/2010 at 10:37 am

Octobersky - I wouldn't worry about that if you have met them in person. My photog only does weddings part-time and doesn't update his blog often. I wish he did, but I have to take in consideration he works a full-time job, is married and has 2 small children.

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smamersamers

11/27/2010 at 10:21 am

Why would you create this article? This seems more like something you would see on a bridal forum. There is nothing helpful about this article, it just instills a sense of panic and hopelessness, saying that you could be screwed out of all your treasured memories and there is nothing you can do about it. Poor choice of an article. If you are going to point out all that could go wrong, at least have some steps to help ensure less problems. Brides have enough to stress about.

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hwolf62307

09/24/2010 at 03:57 pm

i dont understand ... this just seems like an ad for disposible cameras...

I think that there could be a horror story to just about anything having to do with a wedding. Like what Doolittlebride said ... just do your RESEARCH and you should be fine.

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