Wedding Scammers preying on your big day
Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and it's only natural to want beautiful photographs to capture those memories. Unfortunately, some couples have been scammed by 'wedding photographers' who take their money and then vanish, leaving them with no photographs to remember their big day.
It's easy to be tempted to by the too-good-to-be-true discounts, or hire that hobbyist we all know. But trust me, it's worth investing in a professional photographer who has invested time and money into their improving their craft and growing their business. You don't want to risk getting subpar or low-quality images of your wedding - if you get any at all.
How to spot them
Choosing a wedding photographer can be a daunting task, especially when you're entrusting them to capture one of the most important days of your life. Here are some questions you can ask a wedding photographer to ensure that they are trustworthy and reliable:
Don't fall for fake photographers
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- Do you have a portfolio of your work that I can see?
- Are you insured?
- Can we review the contract in detail?
- Can you walk me through your process for capturing a wedding?
- How do you handle deposits?
- Do you have backup equipment in case of technical difficulties?
- What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
- How long will it take for us to receive our wedding photos?
- What happens if you have an emergency?
Cost vs Value
Most often - folks are scammed when they're trying to save money on way or another - and no shame there I am all about saving money. Many people when they thing wedding photography, they think $$$$ expensive. While professionals might cost more than hobbyists, it's important to do your research and find someone within your budget who can capture your wedding the way you want it. There are trustworthy, professional photographers at almost all price points. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to get beautiful pictures. At the end of the day, you have to look at where you the value wedding photography is to you.
Be Suspicious of a Lack of Presence
Ironic as I type this I have less than 200 Facebook subscribers - that's a story about getting hacked for another day.
What I mean by 'lack of presence' is are the involved on their social media? Do you ever see or hear about them from your friends and family? Has anybody ever heard of them? Do their posts have low engagement? That's a sign they bought their following to gain reputation. Are they willing to jump on a call with you or meet you for coffee before you pay them?
Ok, or maybe they are a real photographer that threw away their morals and capitalized on an opportunity. This is where contracts come in.
Contracts are Key
Ensure that every agreement between you and your photographer is laid out in a formal contract. A legitimate professional will have no issue providing a clear, detailed contract that outlines their responsibilities, pricing, delivery timelines, cancellation policies, and what happens in case of unforeseen circumstances. Contracts are not just paperwork; they are your assurance of service and quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wedding photographer might seem overwhelming, but it's crucial to ensure you're not only getting a fair price but also quality, reliability, and professionalism. Remember, this is your special day, and preserving those moments in photographs should be entrusted to someone who respects and understands the significance of the occasion.
Feel free to share any other concerns or points you think might be important when choosing a wedding photographer—I’m here to help guide you through ensuring your wedding memories are captured perfectly and professionally.
