Complaints in the wedding photo business

[kcuf2]

in case anyone thought that the shop that my frend engaged is a cheapo one, then u are dead wrong... in fact, i would say that is above average in pricing... and of course my frend doesnt want to jeopardize his wedding with a lousy photographer, which is why when me and him and his wife go touring arnd the shops, this particular shop's portfolio caught mine and my frends' eyes. and because of that, I told my frend that their above average pricing is reasonable.

Then further when i speak to that shop person, he really does come across as being someone thats honest and reliable... i mean, i myself definitely isnt a good person, and thus i can gauge pretty clearly that this guy should be trustworthy to deal with..... then throughout the time we are there, he kept reiterating that these are some of HIS best works etc. basically promoting HIMself and his works...

Then boomzz, another photographer appear on the actual day... well done!

 

[JasonB]

in case anyone thought that the shop that my frend engaged is a cheapo one, then u are dead wrong... in fact, i would say that is above average in pricing... and of course my frend doesnt want to jeopardize his wedding with a lousy photographer, which is why when me and him and his wife go touring arnd the shops, this particular shop's portfolio caught mine and my frends' eyes. and because of that, I told my frend that their above average pricing is reasonable.

Then further when i speak to that shop person, he really does come across as being someone thats honest and reliable... i mean, i myself definitely isnt a good person, and thus i can gauge pretty clearly that this guy should be trustworthy to deal with..... then throughout the time we are there, he kept reiterating that these are some of HIS best works etc. basically promoting HIMself and his works...

Then boomzz, another photographer appear on the actual day... well done!

I see, that clarifies. Am sorry to hear hope you guys can negotiate for a compensation. If all else fails then there is no need to protect the identity of bad businesses.

 

[Prince Photogenic]

And nowadays many thinks that any Dump S with a dslr can be a wedding photographer worst thing is that couples are too often uninformed or misinformed, opting to save a few bucks on a very important aspect of their wedding day.

Old fashioned good service is honest and reliable. Honesty and reliability means working twice or even thrice as hard than those fly by night photography businesses. And the price rightly reflects so. Even more sad when some tried to pass off as the legit ones.

@2100 - I am sorry if I come across as telling you about client selection.

I was meant to say that in more generally terms but since you quote that, I simply quote you.

I don't ask my clients if they like my style or not, as one should be able to tell if they like or they don't.

My booking rate for wedding enquiries remain at 90%. Most of the time, I know they come to me because of my style of photography and not for the pricing. Those people don't really ask for price until they have seen through my work together as a couple and generally, price will only briefly mentioned and I do ask them to go and look at other Photographers before deciding. I don't book on the spot and I will send them the contract a few days after to read through.

Maybe I only do 5-8 weddings a year, I have not met any clients of any concern yet. So count myself lucky?

I do show them the best from each wedding as a whole wedding coverage and I will show them about 4-5 latest weddings so that represent my current work.

I rather reserve in selling myself, so I tend to undersell but over deliver to make sure 100% clients expectation because I don't really do wedding.

Regards,

Hart

It also depends on the consumer's mentality nowadays. like someone mentioned earlier, young couples nowadays prefer to scrimp and save on everything. i was planning for my own wedding, that hadnt happened because my finacee and i agreed to do it 2 years later, and i asked my fren on his package.. his reply was,"get the cheapest.. the studio or photogs will tell you it's a once in a lifetime event but honestly, after 3 years of marriage, i dun even remember where the album is"

i then asked this to 5 of couples and i got the same reply..

@JasonB - are you making inference to a certain thread in another section? =)

 

[upsaC]

Recently, i noticed more and more "scams" floating around which is related to the wedding photo business. i put the word "scam" in inverted commas because i am not pin point 100% sure whether its unethical, but personally i felt that its a clear case of misrepresentation.

My frend recently had a wedding but then on the actual day itself, it turns out that the photographer wasnt the same person who showcased his portfolio when he is at his shop. when my frend is at the shop, the guy takes out many portfolios and claims all these are shot by him, and he went on and on how good is he, then also shows his photography education certs etc. then at the end of the evaluation, my frend thought he's pretty credible and trustworthy, so he engaged that guy.

But to his horror, the actual day photographer turned out to be someone else! Its really wat the FISH right? And now that the photos are back, and i have a look at them, I found them to be so-so only. I really feel sad for my friend which I really felt that he's being misrepresented and "cheated" terribly!

If not because I have an overseas assignment during his wedding period, I would have covered for him. Personally, when I showcased MY portfolio to MY clients, I would go down to the whatever event and shoot the event PERSONALLY. This should be ethical way of conducting a photo business. In my 3 yrs of event photography business so far, I have never heard of such "Scams" floating around... This is an eye opener for me..

Now my frend and I are considering legal actions against them for misrepresentation, but I think its gona be a tough fight. And I know what you wanna ask. I can answer u now "the contract between my frend and the guy doesn't stipulate who should the photographer be". But the fact is, since you are there at the shop evaluating the portfolio of that guy, rightfully that guy should be one to help you shoot your event isn't it?

It's an good experience to share here, thanks.

 

[shelomoh]

That's bad. I mean the part on not sharing the name of the shop and then put out a blanket statement that is not fair to all photo business located at Marina Square. The rest of the shops are innocent.

 

[kiwi2]

kcuf2,

I can totally empathize what your friend went through. Though 2 things puzzle me:

1. You mentioned the word "shop" several times in your posts. I haven't seen "shops" that do professional wedding photography only. Even the best ones here operate in shophouses or small offices in some non-central area of Singapore.

2. When another photographer appeared, why didn't your friend ask where the other guy was? Did you and your friends confront him at the shop after the wedding? I think it does not make sense that you see Person A's portfolio at the shop but on the day itself, Person B appears. Why should person A show his portfolio then? He might as well have shown you other stuffs taken from elsewhere! You don't even know if the portfolio that was shown was really taken by Person A.

A few years ago, my ex-colleague was "cheated" by this other photographer. I won't mention his full name, just that his name is Lee Y*. My friend is very much into photography also so when he looked for a wedding photographer, he expected at least some form of quality standard. He saw the portfolio, this Lee guy's works looked reasonable. I went to his website, ok decent stuffs. Seemed like got a good handful of good reviews from other previous couples also.

When my friend got back his pictures, HORRORS! The lousy photographer didn't even know his basics well. From the look of it and the way my friend described him taking pics, I could sense the amateurish photographer just picked up photography not long ago. He used pro cameras and lenses, but unfortunately, he didn't have the technical skills. Many important pictures were out of focus, too noisy than is necessary, underexposed (not intentional but lack of skills) and with bad colour balance.

And it wasn't as if my friend paid peanuts. The total cost was S$2500 which by today's pricing, is very decent and should be of good standard.

The other joke was this Lee photographer even got the cheek to name his website "BIG DAY xxxxxxxx" and claims that his shots are so good you will want to view the album again and again after the wedding is over. *DUH!!!!*

Couples should really be careful as far as picking the right photographer is concerned. The market here is swarming with many cheats or lousy amateurs hoping to make a quick buck. If couples are on a tight budget or don't mind snapshot standards, then I have nothing to say. But it's very unjustified for those who paid a good sum of money only to get bad works.

On the other hand, paying for very expensive photographers is not an option for many couples also due to budget constraints. At least, I think there should be a certain standard in all photographers before they accept jobs. If you can't even get the basic right like my friend's lousy photographer above, don't be money-greedy and ruin other people. You are not even fit to do it for free.

 

[Agetan]

I do Agree with Kiwi2, but unfortunately, it is really depend on individual interpretation on "how good they are" before selling their service.

It comes down to personal "responsibility" and "justification" I suppose.

I have seen much worst from competitors in terms of their "deliverable" while charging astronomical amount... of course, this is a recipe of short term business but then again... one will make the most money out of it.

I prefer to sleep well every night knowing I have done everything to satisfy my client's need.

Regards,

Hart

 

[weegk]

My wife still look at our wedding photos after 15 over years . . . it is worth to take it out and view again and again . . . those sweet little momories and this is what photography is all about.
That is the reason why i went into photography too. For me, i will always ask my clients 'how's my shots?' . . .

It also depends on the consumer's mentality nowadays. like someone mentioned earlier, young couples nowadays prefer to scrimp and save on everything. i was planning for my own wedding, that hadnt happened because my finacee and i agreed to do it 2 years later, and i asked my fren on his package.. his reply was,"get the cheapest.. the studio or photogs will tell you it's a once in a lifetime event but honestly, after 3 years of marriage, i dun even remember where the album is"

i then asked this to 5 of couples and i got the same reply..

@JasonB - are you making inference to a certain thread in another section? =)

 

[kiwi2]

Agetan, it's good and commendable that you have that sense of responsibility. It's important that photographers be mature and know what they are into when they start charging money from clients.

In my ex-colleague's case, it's not about "personal interpretation" of whether a picture has artistic value or not, like do you like to watch Movie A or Movie B. Yes, such things can be subjective. No one is right or wrong in their views.

But for his case, his irresponsible photographer screwed up the shots simply cos his skills are severely lacking. Imagine, many important shots with family and loved ones turning out blurred due to misfocus and lack of basic photography understanding. If one dares to call that "artistic", I'll knock them on the head! In fact, I almost wanted to meet up with my friend's photographer to test him and demand an explanation, and maybe really knock him on the head!

If I remember correctly, he even told my friend with straight face, "Don't worry, as long as you don't print big, the picture will turn out fine!" WOW!

So would be couples, if you want to choose a photographer, you know who to avoid (see my earlier post above). I'm amazed the dishonest photographer got the cheek to call his website "BIG DAY...whatever". More like BIG BLUNDER! He knew it was a Big Day event for couples, yet did a poor job for my ex-colleague. Totally unacceptable.

For would be photographers who think you want to make a quick buck out of couples, no one can stop you from jumping into the trade and cheating others. But check your conscience, if you have one, that is.

 

[daredevil123]

Agetan, it's good and commendable that you have that sense of responsibility. It's important that photographers be mature and know what they are into when they start charging money from clients.

In my ex-colleague's case, it's not about "personal interpretation" of whether a picture has artistic value or not, like do you like to watch Movie A or Movie B. Yes, such things can be subjective. No one is right or wrong in their views.

But for his case, his irresponsible photographer screwed up the shots simply cos his skills are severely lacking. Imagine, many important shots with family and loved ones turning out blurred due to misfocus and lack of basic photography understanding. If one dares to call that "artistic", I'll knock them on the head! In fact, I almost wanted to meet up with my friend's photographer to test him and demand an explanation, and maybe really knock him on the head!

If I remember correctly, he even told my friend with straight face, "Don't worry, as long as you don't print big, the picture will turn out fine!" WOW!

So would be couples, if you want to choose a photographer, you know who to avoid (see my earlier post above). I'm amazed the dishonest photographer got the cheek to call his website "BIG DAY...whatever". More like BIG BLUNDER! He knew it was a Big Day event for couples, yet did a poor job for my ex-colleague. Totally unacceptable.

For would be photographers who think you want to make a quick buck out of couples, no one can stop you from jumping into the trade and cheating others. But check your conscience, if you have one, that is.

Saw his pictures on the website. Pretty ok actually. But still, my opinion on your ex-colleague's case is that they subcontracted the job out to some low rate amateurs.

 

[Luval]

most PGs onli showcase their Best on website .. So do I .. But I tell my client .. Lets meet up I will do a proper presentation and assure them I be the one and onli to do their shoot .. I have clients who ask .. SO will u be the one coming down to do the shoot..?

 

[sjackal]

Have your friend approached him for explanation yet? Was his reasons valid?

In my humble opinion, if your friend is still in discussion or negotiation with the photographer about the matter, it will not be fair to reveal or hint who he is because he has not been given a fair chance to explain or make compensation yet. This works both way, not just being fair to him, and also protecting your friend. If his reputation is smeared before he is given a chance to compensate, then what reasons is left for him to try to make things right? I can empathize that you feel sorry for your friend but don't 'tear face' first and handle it calmly.

Wedding photographers, just like any other people in any occupation, can also have emergencies turned up that they need to find replacements to cover the shoot. Although such instances are unlikely but we still don't know at this point of time. If his identity is revealed or quite clearly hinted, then it is only fair that he has a chance to make a statement to defend his actions and reputation.

Just my humble opinion.

 

[2100]

Cannot be BDPs take lousy photos lah..... Must be sub-con nowadays... If his pictures CMI then I think a lot of us lagi CMI. And cannot be no experience.... I sub to him for VG don't know how many years ago already a couple of times, though nowadays don't see him. So definitely not him.

 

[bigdaystudio]

Hi Kiwi2You seems to take all opportunity to mention this over and over again on all forum, blog and thread. I am Lee yow siang from Big Day Pictures. I have been keeping quiet all this while when you write with different names and ID butnow since you are so blatantly mentioning my name and business name, it's time for me to ask..Would you care to share who this friend of yours is? Have they approach me to verify the problems you mentioned? Moderator, please kindly keep this thread on..Thanks

kcuf2,I can totally empathize what your friend went through. Though 2 things puzzle me:1. You mentioned the word "shop" several times in your posts. I haven't seen "shops" that do professional wedding photography only. Even the best ones here operate in shophouses or small offices in some non-central area of Singapore.2. When another photographer appeared, why didn't your friend ask where the other guy was? Did you and your friends confront him at the shop after the wedding? I think it does not make sense that you see Person A's portfolio at the shop but on the day itself, Person B appears. Why should person A show his portfolio then? He might as well have shown you other stuffs taken from elsewhere! You don't even know if the portfolio that was shown was really taken by Person A. A few years ago, my ex-colleague was "cheated" by this other photographer. I won't mention his full name, just that his name is Lee Y*. My friend is very much into photography also so when he looked for a wedding photographer, he expected at least some form of quality standard. He saw the portfolio, this Lee guy's works looked reasonable. I went to his website, ok decent stuffs. Seemed like got a good handful of good reviews from other previous couples also.When my friend got back his pictures, HORRORS! The lousy photographer didn't even know his basics well. From the look of it and the way my friend described him taking pics, I could sense the amateurish photographer just picked up photography not long ago. He used pro cameras and lenses, but unfortunately, he didn't have the technical skills. Many important pictures were out of focus, too noisy than is necessary, underexposed (not intentional but lack of skills) and with bad colour balance.And it wasn't as if my friend paid peanuts. The total cost was S$2500 which by today's pricing, is very decent and should be of good standard.The other joke was this Lee photographer even got the cheek to name his website "BIG DAY xxxxxxxx" and claims that his shots are so good you will want to view the album again and again after the wedding is over. *DUH!!!!*Couples should really be careful as far as picking the right photographer is concerned. The market here is swarming with many cheats or lousy amateurs hoping to make a quick buck. If couples are on a tight budget or don't mind snapshot standards, then I have nothing to say. But it's very unjustified for those who paid a good sum of money only to get bad works.On the other hand, paying for very expensive photographers is not an option for many couples also due to budget constraints. At least, I think there should be a certain standard in all photographers before they accept jobs. If you can't even get the basic right like my friend's lousy photographer above, don't be money-greedy and ruin other people. You are not even fit to do it for free.

 

[bigdaystudio]

Just to add, the last time I got a replacement was 2005 when I met a serious accident. Other than that all assignements are taken either by me or me and a 2nd shooter. And images are screened through before I pass to the couple.

 

[zane80]

Is the truth finally out? Will there be drama?

 

[bigdaystudio]

Yes I would like to know who this friend of kiwi2 that he kept mentioning or when's their wedding date is that All pictures I took for are horrible. You repeated same story on forums and one of my blogs. Well if you are not comfortable mentioning "your ex-colleague" name then how about their wedding date.. For you to be so angry to repeat this incident repeatedly that means majority of the images are major screw-up. Am waiting......

 

[shelomoh]

hahaha. Pop corns ready. When I get married, I am wondering to hire others or shoot myself. hahaha. This forum got too much complaint, I want to listen to good stories too.

 

[EddyKoh]

TS seems to have silenced himself...

 

[zane80]

kcuf2 will remain silent forever, till the day he is reborn with a new nick. kcuf3 perhaps.