Wedding Photographers Gone Wild!

By: Charish Hoover - owner of this site.
(wedding industry professional since 1991)

In the past few years, there have been some "wedding photographers" who have dumped the big one on their contracted clients - thus leaving (literally leaving) their clients without a finalized product in hand.

Not only did these “photographers” not produce a final product to their clients, most of them have left the state, or have evaded contact in every way possible.

WHY DO THESE THINGS HAPPEN???

VARIOUS REASONS:

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS:
New products such as digital cameras, digital video cameras, music players, etc., that allow the unknowledgeable to appear as if they are in fact knowledgeable are abundant!

Just because someone has an expensive camera, a business name, and a studio, DOES NOT mean that they are a true, experienced, and knowledgeable photographer to entrust your wedding day to.

Your wedding day, cannot be a “DO OVER!”.

Today\'s technology is wonderful; yet, it opens the doors to countless forms of deceit, and abuse.

KNOWLEAGE IS KEY:
Knowledge is key, to not only knowing how to make proper use of new technologically advanced products such as cameras, , ,but is also vital to knowing what to expect (ie. experience).

For Example:

1. What if the only lighting available at an event is very dim candle lighting?

2. What if the only lighting available at an event is florescent lighting?

3. What if the event schedule gets completely changed last minute?

4. What if the church will not allow any flash, or other lighting to be used during the ceremony, , and the church is also a very dark building? On top of that, what if the photographer is not allowed to be anywhere but stationary, toward the back of the isle during the entire ceremony?
This list could go on with countless situations.

LACK OF EXPERIENCE:
Knowledge comes ONLY with experience, NOT from reading the owner’s manual from the box.

Individuals who lack experience with using modern digital cameras, combined with the lack of knowledge on how to properly use their camera in sudden, and unexpected situations is a great recipe for disaster.

Remember your wedding day cannot be a “Do Over!”

POOR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: (whether the photographer is experienced, or not)
Owning any kind of business, , be it, photography, videography, DJ service, etc. comes with various expenses. (rent, utilities, printing, albums, sales tax, gas, employees) just to name a few.

Lack of business management skills/knowledge, and failure to prioritize, and set funds aside, can, and most likely will be the death, and debt of the business. In such situations, the business will die, yet leaving behind financial debts, and debt/agreements still left to be fulfilled to clients.

Proper management of ALL income is vital to the success, and ultimately the continuation of the business.

LACK OF RESPECT FOR THE WEDDING INDUSTRY
All of the above could be avoided if society had a better RESPECT for, and understanding of the wedding industry.

Bottom line, the wedding industry, is NOT the easy money making monster, so many accuse it of being.

It is exactly “THAT KIND OF THINKING”, that has inspired so many individuals to think that they can simply go buy a fancy camera, take some pictures, and make some quick Moola!!!

There is so much more to the business aspect than simply bringing in money.

Individuals who think like the this, have harmed countless with their ARROGANCE, lack of knowledge, experience, and business management skills.

The wedding industry is full of experienced, honest, and hard working individuals who often loose business/clients to individuals as mentioned above.

Why???? Because such individuals - often use the “we’re cheaper than the others” bait to play on the bride and groom’s desire to save money on their overall wedding. Who doesn’t want to save money right??? Exactly!!! Question is, will it prove to be beneficial in the long run?

The wedding industry has an unspoken rule:
Don’t under-cut the other guys too much (within reason). This unspoken rule, has been around forever. It is the industry’s way of keeping experience at the top. If a particular business has their prices set a significantly lower than others in their same category, , , a red flag should go up in your head.
You should investigate before signing a contract in this case. Ask others in the industry about how long that business has been around, etc. You may simply find out that their prices have always been that low, or they’re having a special sale. Or, you could find out that this particular business has only been in business for a couple of years, which is a potential concern.

WHO HAS PAID THE PRICE?

Not only have brides and grooms paid the price, but the entire wedding industry (the respectable, hard working part) has paid too.

Let’s put a stop to this craziness in 2010, by becoming a more informed public!

Fresno Weddings - Sanger Weddings

Is it proper etiquette for the step mom to go with daughter and mother to help pick out dress? My other daughter got married about two years ago and the step mom did all the decorating and such. Even with a wedding planner involved. She wasalso planning to light the mother\'s candle with myself but at last minute left me standing deciding against it. I felt very hurt, more like an invited quest (that helped pay my part), but said nothing. She has two girls of her own. I would feel uncomfortable stepping in her place at such a time but I am unsure if that I may be out of line here. In all honesty I feel her involvement is a bit too much, however she knows I will not say anything to her.

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