As a gift to my parents for Christmas, my sisters and I bought a family photo package with a photographer that my sister used to know professionally (she worked at a wedding venue and he does weddings). He gave us a deal, I guess, where it was $399 for a 1 hour session, and included a bunch of prints (I forget exactly what - maybe 1 11x17, 6-8 8x10s, a few 5x7s).
We took the pictures last month, and they are not great. They were shot in a studio and the lighting is all messed up, lots of shadows and he used a khaki colored backdrop which doesn't work well with my pale white family (including 3 light to medium blondes). He also posed us really awkwardly, nobody looks natural or relaxed and there are some weird poses (like, there is exactly 1 shot he's given us of me and my BF, and it has me sitting on a chair with BF standing behind me, it looks like we barely know each other).
I mean, we look ok. When I originally looked at the pics, I was like "well, that's not what I expected" but didn't think too hard about it. I was disappointed there wasn't one of BF and I that was usable, but there are a couple of family pics that are ok. Just ok.
My sisters and my mom hate them. Like, nobody even wants prints (other than me because I paid $133 and want to get something, even if it's not great). We've talked about asking for a reshoot, or asking for money back (maybe less a sitting fee?) since nobody wants prints. I hope they haven't been edited yet - they sure don't look like it, and if they look like this edited, well... that sucks.
I don't know what to do. My sister who knows the guy is really non-confrontational and wants to just pay for a reshoot with a new photographer and not say anything to this guy. But I hate that idea, because she can't really afford it, and I don't want to drop it just because she cannot deal with standing up for herself (which is also a MAJOR problem for her she needs to work on IMO...).
What would you do? Is it reasonable to go back to this photographer and tell him we're unhappy and ask him to do something about it? Or is this just how it works with photographers and if you're not happy, you just deal with it and pay someone else?
Yes, I'd say something. He's a professional - you should get your money's worth. But if you know your sister doesn't want to talk to him, then perhaps you should do it. I realize she's the contact, but... work with what you know!
Post by crashgizmo on Feb 18, 2015 12:00:52 GMT -5
I would definitely say something. Also, I'm not sure if $399 is really a deal for an hour? Maybe some photographers can chime in, but that feels like regular prices and you should definitely get what you want.
I would definitely say something. Also, I'm not sure if $399 is really a deal for an hour? Maybe some photographers can chime in, but that feels like regular prices and you should definitely get what you want.
I wondered the same. It might be a deal because he threw in a bunch of prints? IDK, that still seems like a lot to me, or at least not a deal. But I've never done professional photos before, so I don't really have a frame of reference.
This is a Chicago suburb, if that helps (like, far suburb...Greyslake specifically is where his studio is)
oh man, that doesn't sound like a great deal. was your sister not familiar with his work? I'm really surprised it was a studio shoot and not outdoors. Those are more natural.
Post by maddiepaddy on Feb 18, 2015 12:09:17 GMT -5
Yes, I'd speak up. Have you seen his portfolio? Is he capable of better? I'd be pissed and would ask first for a refund so you can go elsewhere, but I'd settle for a re-shoot and then be very vocal about your preferences while you're there.
Post by imojoebunny on Feb 18, 2015 12:13:09 GMT -5
I hate it for you. This happened to us. I never downloaded the photos (package came with 4 downloads for x amount). They were terrible.
Clearly, I am in the too big of a wimp to complain camp. The photog was someone I have a lot of mutual friends with, so it wasn't worth it to me. You would think that the photog would get that we didn't like them, since we never followed up, and offer to reshoot, but that didn't happen. We don't like to use friends for anything professional as a rule, this time we made the choice to and regretted it.
A good friend of mine is a photographer, and that doesn't sound out of whack pricewise, for what you quoted, especially if you're also getting digital prints.
You need to look at the contract and see what it says. I know no one who does portraits in a studio anymore...in fact for that price, my friend goes to your home or to a location to shoot....and she has memberships in local historical societies so she has license to do shoots there.
Her "cheap" packages are ones where she sets up somewhere for a day and then has families come in for half an hour each, so she books a whole day of one after the other.
I'd talk to him if I were you. You're not happy...it's touchy because photography is an art and art is a matter of opinion, but you're not happy. It'd be the same with a bad haircut. They can refund or fix it.
BTW have you looked at his website to see what his work looks like usually? If this is normal for him, then your sister is the one who messed up. She hired him knowing his "style" and you may be stuck...he might not be able to do any better than what you got.
This was all pretty informal - I think my sister set it up via text message, so no contract.
I imagine we did it indoors because it was January in the midwest I do think that's part of the issue, but I guess I just assumed his studio would be equipped to take nice pictures indoors.
Post by sicilygirl on Feb 18, 2015 12:20:05 GMT -5
The pictures aren't nearly as bad as I was expecting based on your description, but I definitely understand what you're saying. If no one in your family is happy with them, I would ask for a re-shoot for sure. And I would also suggest taking the pictures outdoors. The lighting will be better and usually the positioning will seem more natural too.
Your boyfriend is cute.
Also, I am dying that his website is wemakebridescry . com. What in the world? LOL.
I'd have to see the photos and the guys normal portfolio to give you a professional opinion.
And yes, $399 could be a deal for this guy- every photographer can have different pricing. Not all photographers or businesses are made the same.
I still think overpriced for a studio shoot with a tan background, in which he posed bucky like this. sorry bucky, but wth was he thinking??
LOL. That's exactly the pose! I swear we had a second (and maybe third?) pose. This one doesn't show any intimacy, at all, which I thought was the point of family pictures - to look like we all love each other
Post by UnderProtest on Feb 18, 2015 12:23:34 GMT -5
Honestly, I don't think the pictures are bad. They are studio pictures which are really different than outdoor candid type shots. While I'm not a fan of beige/khaki in general, it's a lot better than a mottled grey background. If anything, maybe see if you can pay for another photo shoot (less than the original price) and get the prints from that.
oh wait, the pics aren't that bad. the background color is not great but I think the family pics look good.
Can you say the background didn't photograph well and blended into your skin tone, you didn't like the photos well enough for prints and and ask for a reshoot outside? Snow pics can be awesome.
I don't know your family but I think you guys look nice! I mean, it looks like a studio shoot. It definitely isn't a bunch of candid shots, but I assume that wasn't the idea of the package. However, the background is horrible. The color isn't great (and in some photos, your family members' faces match the color exactly, which is kind of weird), but that isn't really the terrible part. It is so uneven and wrinkly, and it is draped so randomly. Like, even I make sure that the background looks nice when I am taking photos of my kids - it looks like this guy didn't do a thing about the background. The wrinkles really get me. I wouldn't want any prints with wrinkly backgrounds, either. I'd probably ask for a re-shoot with a non-wrinkly, evenly hung background. FYI, I am not a photographer and I really don't know anything about photography.
Post by UnderProtest on Feb 18, 2015 12:27:08 GMT -5
If you look at the family gallery on his website, he seems to favor those poses. So while it was indoors instead of outdoors due to the weather, I think it's the style you don't like.
oh wait, the pics aren't that bad. the background color is not great but I think the family pics look good.
See, this is where I'm not sure what to do. I think the last family pic is decent. It could use some editing.
I don't really like the posing on the first family pic, but it's not terrible.
I don't like a lot of the other pictures of smaller groups/couples, but that wasn't the point - or, is it? Did we pay for 2 pictures or did we pay for a session with a bunch of different combos? IDK.
I'm not happy with the one of me and my BF, but that wasn't really the "point" of the shoot so I'd get over that quickly if we liked the rest.
IDK. I am the only one who doesn't hate them, but I don't LOVE them either. I guess I just expected a little more wow factor. We have a bunch of beautiful pictures of the same people (minus BF and the baby) at my sister's wedding 2 years ago and I thought these would be more of a similar quality.
The photos look pretty good to me. There are a lot of what seemed like good ones to me.
Are you sure this isn't just about your mom and sister not liking how they look? Your mom's smile does seem a little strained in many of them, like she's uncomfortable.
Also, I am dying that his website is wemakebridescry . com. What in the world? LOL.
Thanks
My BFF said "do the brides cry because they are so upset with their pictures?" Lol.
I actually think some of the pictures on his site are pretty cool. That is not reflected in the pictures we took, though.
Yeah, some of his other shoots look great, And I don't think your family pictures look bad, but I do agree with what cosmowife said about the background being the biggest problem (the color and the wrinkles). That's the part that bothers me. Some of the poses aren't the absolute best, but being shot in a studio, I think it just is what it is.
If it makes you feel better, we took family pictures with H's family for his parents for Christmas. They turned out really well, and his sister was in charge of picking the best one and getting it framed (although we all pointed out which ones we thought were best). Yeah, well my eyes are closed in the one she picked. There were literally 250 shots (and my eyes were open in 249 of them), and there were plenty of other shots where everyone looked good (probably none were 100% perfect because there were 2 babies and 6 other little boys in them), but seriously. I am right in the middle and my eyes are fucking closed. And the picture is GIANT. And now hangs on my in-law's wall. Needless to say, I was pretty pissed on Christmas Eve when I saw it!
If you look at the family gallery on his website, he seems to favor those poses. So while it was indoors instead of outdoors due to the weather, I think it's the style you don't like.
This is a good point. I personally don't think I like his style. My sisters both scoped out the website before we committed and they were happy with his work, so I'm not sure if that's their issue or not? If so, I agree that's their fault for not thinking that part through.
There are some in there that are definitely no good, but there are a few that I think look nice! Could they be improved upon, sure, but I don't think the shoot is so bad that I couldn't find a picture to want a print of. For an indoor shoot I think I'd just take those, pick my favorite few, and be done with it.
Outdoor would've been nice, maybe next time (at a different time of year)?
For a bunch of posed pictures, I don't think they are bad. I agree with whoever said it above, it seems to be that you don't like his overall style.
I don't mind the background - it's neutral so that you all stand out. I didn't even notice the draping because the background didn't draw my eye at all. I was looking at you all!
Seeing the pictures - I'd have a hard time asking for my $$ back or for a re-shoot. My advice is to do more research and find a photographer who seems to have a "feel" that suits you better. And wait until the weather is warmer so you can be outside!
If you look at the family gallery on his website, he seems to favor those poses. So while it was indoors instead of outdoors due to the weather, I think it's the style you don't like.
This is a good point. I personally don't think I like his style. My sisters both scoped out the website before we committed and they were happy with his work, so I'm not sure if that's their issue or not? If so, I agree that's their fault for not thinking that part through.
Yeah, I kind of think you are stuck here. Even if you get a new shoot with him, I doubt you will like it. I would pick the couple pictures you like best and just consider it a(n expensive) lesson learned.
The photos look pretty good to me. There are a lot of what seemed like good ones to me.
Are you sure this isn't just about your mom and sister not liking how they look? Your mom's smile does seem a little strained in many of them, like she's uncomfortable.
I don't know. My mom does that smile in a lot of pictures, unfortunately! She thinks the background and lighting washed her out so she looks older. I kind of agree, but of course it's different looking at someone else. I think I personally look fine/normal But I have the darkest hair so I don't think the background is as much of an issue for me.
My BFF said "do the brides cry because they are so upset with their pictures?" Lol.
I actually think some of the pictures on his site are pretty cool. That is not reflected in the pictures we took, though.
Yeah, some of his other shoots look great, And I don't think your family pictures look bad, but I do agree with what cosmowife said about the background being the biggest problem (the color and the wrinkles). That's the part that bothers me. Some of the poses aren't the absolute best, but being shot in a studio, I think it just is what it is.
If it makes you feel better, we took family pictures with H's family for his parents for Christmas. They turned out really well, and his sister was in charge of picking the best one and getting it framed (although we all pointed out which ones we thought were best). Yeah, well my eyes are closed in the one she picked. There were literally 250 shots (and my eyes were open in 249 of them), and there were plenty of other shots where everyone looked good (probably none were 100% perfect because there were 2 babies and 6 other little boys in them), but seriously. I am right in the middle and my eyes are fucking closed. And the picture is GIANT. And now hangs on my in-law's wall. Needless to say, I was pretty pissed on Christmas Eve when I saw it!
The photos are really pretty good. They are posed studio photos. Your family is very photogenic but stiff. I think in the later photos you all look a little more relaxed. I am not sure if this is the photogs fault. The baby face photos are great.
Post by Ashley&Scott on Feb 18, 2015 13:01:28 GMT -5
I don't like his style either. He did put you all in some awkward poses. There are some decent shots though.
I don't think it would be out of line to request a re-shoot. But he might say no. I personally wouldn't care about free prints, I would even be willing to forego those if he agrees to redo the shoot. You can get high quality prints very reasonably from mpix.com. If you do a re-shoot maybe wait a month or two so you can do it outside. And take a print out of poses you do like.
That said, while I don't think the photos are terrible, I would hate to have paid $400 dollars and have that be the result. I mean the background (which is a terrible color) is WRINKLED, for Christ's sake! I would definitely discuss your disappointments and expectations with the photographer. There are a couple of closeups that really aren't bad, but I'd probably want some of my money back honestly.