Bad reviews about photographer?

lazygal

We're getting married in a few months' time and we booked our photographer before Christmas. I really loved one photographer's work in particular and they had very reasonable packages as obviously budget is a huge consideration. We met them, looked at two of their albums and booked them. We've paid a €100 deposit and kept an eye on their blog, the newer wedding and engagement pictures look great.

However, there were a couple of bad reviews of them on another wedding-related website I happened to see, not to do with the work but people complained that the photographer was not professional to deal with in initial contact. I found them to be great, replied to questions in emails very promptly and open to suggestions. But I can't get these negative comments out of my head!!

Having said that, their work has been featured in a recent bridal magazine so maybe I am worrying over nothing?

SeekUp

I'd go with my gut. You like their work and you've meet them and like them in person, which are the most important things, in my opinion. And since they seemed professional to you, replying promptly to emails, etc. that speaks directly to the poster's complaint.

There might always be bad reviews for vendors for a myriad of reasons -- some people don't get along personality-wise, some people have different expectations from the professional that they hire, etc. -- but you can't acknowledge everything. It sounds like you've taken everything into account, so I say to trust the personal impressions that you've had, put it in the "done" pile, and move on to the next thing to do!

showit

as already stated go with your gut feeling, if you like the photographer go with them,

As regards some wedding related websites in my experience they are mainly filled with vendors pretending to be brides - and replying to their own posts ! i would take the bad reviews with caution, bridal vendors are struggling at the moment and some will try anything to get one up on a competitor

Ps - being featured in a Bridal Magazine is not as great as you would think - Photographers Pay to get in them, their basically adds which the magazine fail to mention! on the plus you can be sure that images will be theirs

smelltheglove

As above, featuring in the magazine is part of the upper packages sold to photographers.

There is a photographer to suit everyone, you met your photographer and liked them and their work so all is good right?

I always meet with clients first as not only do they need to like me but I need to get along with them and know we are a suitable match, your wedding day is one to be enjoyed and remembered and the worst thing that could happen is to spend the majority of the day with someone you do not like, you like your photographer so all is good. Some people like straight cut professionalism, some people like laid back personable approach, not everyone likes the same thing. I have to admit I would have a very personable approach myself and this allows me to work with the people who I click with and enjoy my style and approach, honestly I wouldnt want to be working with people who dont like my approach for the reason above, they would not enjoy it.

Photography is not just the end result, it is the experience also, if you went to a fun park and loved it and your neighbour went and hated it would you doubt your experience? Each to their own.

Best of luck with your wedding day I hope it is all you dream of.

lazygal

Thanks for the reassurance, we talked it over last night and I emailed the photographer a list of the photos we wanted and some timings for the day. Got a very prompt response which set my mind at ease. I guess we met suppliers who others loved but we didn't "click" with so its just one of those things.