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Wedding Really Disappointed--Our Pictures Turned out BAD

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Haven - I don't think you're being a bridezilla, at all. These shots look amateur, at best. I know it's very hard for certain photographers to make family posed shots look good, but these really don't look like they came from a professional, let alone someone who is supposed to have a good reputation and is expensive.

I really hope that once the CD arrives the colors will be fixed and things will be cropped with shadows removed, etc. I would not accept this kind of work from a "professional." I'm glad your dad has already spoke to them. I would just confirm that these will be edited before you receive your CD... I think that really could fix a lot of the problems going on.

ETA: Your picture with Helga is soooo cute and I still think you looked gorgeous!
 
I do see what you mean about the shadows all over the place...they just look like they were taken in poor lighting and could''ve been taken by anyone (not a "professional") IMHO. I can''t believe he cut off your gorgeous dress from some of the pictures. Hopefully some cropping and editting can help the eye shadows in most of the pictures...they aren''t *that* bad, but I wouldn''t consider them professionally done as they are now.
 
Alicia--Thank you for responding! Once I put up the pictures the thread lagged and I thought "OH NO! I really am being a bridezilla because everybody stopped responding! The pictures must be fine and I''m insane!" Not that it''s a good thing that the pictures are bad, but I''m glad to hear I''m not crazy.

I''m just really sad. The picture with my oldest friend, for example--we have photos dating back to our BIRTH, seriously! We didn''t know it until we were older, but we were born in the same hospital one day apart, so our parents have pictures of us in the hospital nursery. And then we became best friends in the second grade, and we have photos from all our major life events from that time through now, and these two pictures are the ONLY pictures I have of the two of us from my wedding. And they''re really bad. That''s what is so hard to deal with for me.

I''m better now, though, because everyone was so quick to respond with really supportive things. And I''m going to pick up our new puppy (well, 8-month-old rescue mutt :)) at 2, so I''m actually in a much better mood already.

Thanks Alicia!
 
I understand about your childhood best friend because I have the same person in my life and it breaks my heart to read that. Only having two photos of us would definitely disappoint me, as well, but maybe someone got some candid shots of the two of you? I really hope other people caught some of the moments your photographer missed or may have missed, since you don''t really know yet.

Congrats on the new puppy! That''s really exciting.
 
Haven, I''m so sorry this happened! The photos that you posted don''t look like they were taken by a professional, but I love the photo of you walking with your father and the one with Helga. Your grandmother is adorable.

I too hope that the photos on the CD will be edited, and that the retouching will help with the lighting and colors. You''re not being a bridezilla at all. I agree with the ladies who said to ask for a refund or partial refund or a complimentary photography session. Hugs and support!
 
Date: 7/30/2008 1:19:46 PM
Author: Haven
it just doesn''t look like a pro picture to me.
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That''s it exactly. I was looking at the pictures and thinking "ok, those aren''t so bad". They''re pretty snapshots. But they definitely look like shots a family member took while the pro was doing something else.

Don''t feel embarrassed about being whiny here - if you can''t post honestly about something that''s upsetting you, then what''s the point?
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Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't like our WP1 pictures either and found them very unprofessional, so I have a sense of how you're feeling.

I agree with Surf that you should tell the photog how unhappy you are, in no uncertain terms. Those pictures really aren't bad, but they don't look as professional as they should.

I also think that it might be worth concentrating on the fact that if there are 5 pictures suitable for framing, than at least you have a whole five suitable for framing! Sure, it might not be the wedding album you dreamed of, but at least you'll have some nice shots to hang on the wall.

Also, canvass your pals to see who took pictures of their own. Some of my favourite shots were taken by friends of ours. So you may well be able to piece together an album from those.

So sorry, honey!
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I think with some cropping, the picture of you and your best friend could be great. The photographer put your faces in the middle of the picture, which is what led to your arm being cut off since you''re bent over. I don''t think that''s a bad thing. Just zoom in, brighten it, and you''ve got a great picture of you two!


I think one thing that makes these pics seem amateur, IMO, is that they are far away and have a lot of background. I''m assuming that the photgrapher was trying to get the wooden thing in the background? I know that''s important, and don''t want to butcher it by spelling it wrong, so I''ll just call it the wooden thing :)

My point is that you don''t have to get your whole dress in every picture. Sometimes, less is more, so a little cropping might go a long way.
 
Haven, you have every right to be upset. However, photoshop experts can fix a lot of what this photographer did. Although he should have to pay for it. Sometimes the proof are not touched up at all and can look like non-pro pics.

Although I have to say, I would be as upset as you are right now.

Gypsy always give good advice and I agree with her.

If I were you, I would ask for a "day after" shoot and have it done for free. You don''t even need to worry about hair or makeup because that can all be photoshopped.

*HUGS* I know how distressful this is for you. It can be made right, you''ll see.
 
Oh Haven, I feel so bad for you! Your disappointment is definitely justified. It is not your fault either, even though you chose him. We spent an insane amount of time researching photographers and in the end it still was not a good choice. You do not know what they will give you until it is over, which is too late. You can get your best guess by looking at their other wedding photos, but they lay out only their best work! So, really, do not blame yourself. You tried your best to hire a good photog and that's all you can do.
I agree that you should approach him and tell him your dissatisfaction. Be prepared for him to be defensive and try to pin it back on you though! You will need to have all your ducks in a row before you do it and have in mind what you really want to get out of it.
I had multiple photographers tell me they don't take photos of the guests at each table because people don't like to be interrupted when they are eating, so that might be common. Our photographer also liked to say she didn't feel this or that pic was a "given" and should have been on our list of required shots then.....in other words, unless you list every single stinking photo they should take, they try to get away with that excuse. We have no photos of our rings, no photos of the outside of the reception (we told her we met there and was a big deal!), and would have had none of Grandma and my mom's family (which WAS on the list) had I not forced her to take it right before she left, no photos of DH getting ready (he emailed her, told her before, and told her day of and still nothing) . She came back with a long list of excuses......just warning you it could get ugly.
I do remember that your non-pro pics were pretty. See if anyone has more! I created a "group room" on Snapfish and then emailed the link to everyone that attended the wedding and asked that they upload any photos they took. I got some nice photos and even like some of those better. And......you'd be surprised at what you can fix so maybe the ones in church can be corrected! Maybe you can at least ask the photographer to do that for you.
Good luck........let us know how it goes!

ETA: I was slow to post my response. I would think those could be corrected but I'm no expert. They aren't superb but aren't terrible. Also my videographers said they could capture snapshots from the actual video so maybe that's another option for you??? I'll send you some of my orange photos to make you feel better! A few look like the church was on fire.
 
This is my huge fear! I posted about it earlier. I MADE THE MISTAKE of saying "use artistic discretion" because I LOVED her work, but I realized now I am 99% sure she didn't get pics of the table settings, or the room without us, and these were important to me. I also forgot to say take pics with my cousins, and godparents, etc.....AND at the reception I almost never saw her.

I am not trying to steal your thread, just let you know I think soon I will be in the same boat as you...

For what it is worth, perhaps when printed and cropped, they will be better...Also, maybe he could re-touch them? Also, you look great and I am sure some are better than you think.
 

I'm sorry Haven

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I can't relate as I'm not a bride yet but I can most certainly sympathize. I haven’t read through all of the posts here and I’m sure this won’t ease the sadness you feel, but is there any way you can talk to him about giving you a discount? I mean, you might as well pay for the work he provided and not the work that he showcased. You know?


And I will say that you are beautiful and you made a beautiful bride so no matter how poor the pictures came out from an artistic standpoint, I’m sure the photos are still beautiful.

ETA: I just saw the photos and a) you're beautiful as I knew you would be! and b) it sort of looks like its some artisitic thing he's doing to them. I would also venture out and say that maybe this is the way the photos looked on the website but in person, they make look differently??
 
I''m also really sorry to hear that you''re disappointed, though I completely understand. I think being disappointed by one''s wedding photos is common. I find that when I look through the photos I find myself reliving the happiness of that day and not so much the photo itself, you know? I can understand why you feel that the photos don''t look as professional as you would like, but you look so beautiful...and you look so happy!! And your grandmother is so adorable! And your best friend looks fantastic and you''re both glowing...those are the things I see. To be honest, I wouldn''t notice the shadows at all if you didn''t point them out, I just see a beautiful bride surrounded by family and friends who love her.

I know that photographers are expensive and there is such an emphasis placed on photos of the wedding day, so I can understand wanting to get some of your money back. I just hope that you start feeling better about them soon! I would second what the wise PS ladies have said and put them away for a few days so you can see them with fresh eyes (this helped me) and also, ask for all of the pictures if they aren''t all posted. Our photographer posted his "best of" pictures, but I found that most of my favorites were not in his "best of" file.
 
UH OH.

Are the ones on the site clearer? I imagine you made them smaller for PS. I wouldn''t mind playing with a couple for you in photoshop.
 
Haven,

From the photos you posted they don''t look horrid. I think you look beautiful!! BUT..I agree that they are not the quality you paid for. They do look less than pro to me. I don''t think they are absolutely horrid judging from these, like I said, but..I do think you need to stop payment if possible and dispute the charge. If not, get some sort of a refund (at least 25%). He did not return on the quality he promised. I don''t think you sound like a bridezilla. Anyway, I hope you''re enjoying your new puppy!! You MUUUUST post pics!!! I
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puppies. I hope that this works out for you, please explore all of your options. Either way I think you have at least a few decent ones especially after some photoshop and cropping.
 

I hope I didn''t sound like I was trying to diminish your feelings earlier. Of course you want beautiful photos -- I think everyone does.


You may have noticed that some of the photos in my "pro pics" thread have the same chopped off arm look, etc. that you wrote about. I don''t care for it either, but I''m going to talk to our photographer about what kind of retouching she can do to some of the pics. For instance, if you go back and look at the 2 side by side pics of one of the gardens, you might notice that there''s no "life" to them. That''s how I decribe it, anyway. For now, I''m chalking it up to the size of the image I had to work with when posting. The size I posted was the same size that was on the photog''s site -- bigger than thumbnail pics, smaller than regular ones. I''m hoping the actual photos show more close up detail. I still like the pics but I know the gardens look more alive in person. My husband doesn''t like the way his tux looks so wrinkled and bunched up in a few pics (the arms, specifically). I''m pretty sure those are easy fixes, so I''m not worrying at this point. They''re proofs, after all -- not quite the real deal.

 
Don''t under estimate the power of photoshop....

havenphotoshop.jpg
 
The photographer''s eye for poses and composition does not seem to be great. What I found was the albums they show you at the studio aren''t necessary photos taken by the photographer that shows up. And the equipment used might be different as well. His lack of detail shows like with the rose petals in the background. Those can easily be cleaned up in Photoshop but the shadows are another story. Before too much time goes on try to get some nice photos of you, your husband and anyone else willing to dress up. I am sorry that I didn''t get our portraits redone. My photographer was having "personal problems" and left early and took a flight out of town the next morning. I never got an explanation just a refund, but still no great pictures.
 
Haven, you''re not being a bridezilla for sure.

I can understand action/candid shots not being "framed" the best, but these are posed and IMHO, they are not good. The one of you and helga was taken with you both dead center in the pic...it doesn''t even follow the basic "rule of thirds".

Photographs are important...so many memories fade without them. If I were you, I''d take the what he gave you vs his portfolio to court and sue his booty if necessary...but of course, don''t do that until you have what you paid for in your possession!
 
Date: 7/30/2008 2:37:26 PM
Author: iwannaprettyone
Don''t under estimate the power of photoshop....
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That''s better IWPO, but it still doesn''t negate that the photo was not taken well in the first place, plus the uneven lighting is still there.
 
Ha ha! I was thinking the same thing!! I think it''s cute cropped in tightly.

HavenCropped.jpg
 
Oh Haven, I am so sad for you that you''re so disappointed. I don''t blame you one single bit! The pictures from our wedding day are extremely important to me and to FI, and if I was less than pleased with them, regardless of what anyone else thought, I''d be heartbroken. You are completely justified in feeling the way you do.

I have to say this, though: You look gorgeous! The pictures themselves are not the most awesome, I think we mostly agree on that. They are nice pictures, but they don''t look professional, and I am guessing you payed big bucks for them to look quite a bit better than this. But YOU! You are beautiful, and your friend is beautiful, and you are both glowing! The picture of you and Helga and of you and your dad are the same way. I can see the emotions and happiness and glow of the day shining through in all of those pictures. That, to me, is what makes them special.

I see the shadows and lighting issues, and I agree you deserve what you paid for, which is not that. I would take a few steps back and proceed firmly but cautiously with your photographer.

First, make sure you get every single shot that was taken. Make sure you check with the photographer about whether the pictures you are seeing now are just proofs that will be retouched by him before you receive them. Ask if that is an option and see what he can do for you [free of charge, of course.] Get together the list of pictures you asked for and compare. Come back after looking all of that over with something specific in mind you want to ask the photographer for: a discount off the price [also due to his lateness the day of], or maybe another shoot free of charge. If you know what you want and have the proof to back you up you will feel more confident and be in a better position to negotiate.

I wish you the best of luck, and want to again emphasize that the pictures you are showing here are lovely and meaningful, and can be touched up to be even more beautiful than they already are. Your non-"pro" pics were also BEAUTIFUL, and I hope you can incorporate them into your eventual album. Have fun with the puppy!
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Awwwwwww man I feel so bad for you Haven
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Im so sorry this happened to you. I agree with a few of the others that perhaps some photo editing may help a little? This almost makes me feel sick that you hire someone to do their job and then they forget to take so many specific shots and then the photos they do take looks like something anyone''s average uncle Bob would take.
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You were still beautiful though. And I guess the only thing I can say is that at least you have pictures. I know that doesn''t make the situation any better. I would be furious myself...Im so sorry.
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Thanks for playing with the pictures, IWPO and Swingirl, they do look much better. Maybe now is the time for me to take a Photoshop class.

I''m going to take a break from them for a few days and just try to forget about them. Hubby already said there''s no way we''re going to order an album from this guy (they start at $1400 and go up to several thousand. As. If.)

I''m going to contact our photography teacher at work (I teach high school) and see if he has names of students who are really good with Photoshop. I wouldn''t be opposed to paying a student to touch up the pictures enough to scrape together an album, and we have some really talented kids so I''m sure I can find somebody.

I really appreciate what everyone said, and I read all of your posts thoroughly. NEL--I wish I could have your grace in this situation, and your post reminded me that I should. That was so sweet what you said, and although I tried, all I see are really ugly pictures of a really beautiful day.

The regret is just seeping in so deep right now, we certainly had the budget to hire a great photographer, and I blew it. I am also particularly fond of photographs (my classroom is COVERED in them, covered) so this was a really important aspect of the wedding to me. Helga has since been hospitalized and she isn''t doing well, so those are probably the last pictures I''ll have of us together, you know, that sort of thing.

Ah, well. You live and you learn. We''ll have to throw ourselves a fabulous ten year anniversary party and I''ll hire the best photography we can afford.

I''m going to get our house ready for our new puppy now! We''re going to pick her up in about fifteen minutes, I can''t wait. I should definitely have REALLY FUN, ADORABLE pictures to share later!

Thanks again, ladies. I really, really appreciate your help.
 
Haven,

I just wanted to pop in here and say I am so sorry you are going through this. On the other hand, you look absolutely beautiful. You were a beautiful bride and I adore your dress!!!!!!!!!!! Your grandma is so darn cute too.

I am sending you a big hug sweetheart.


Linda
 
I know I''m late to chime in here, but I just wanted to add my "I''m so sorry" to the list. We go through so much stress for these weddings and to not have do pictures to remember everything is just heartbreaking. As everyone else said, you aren''t being bridezilla or self-absorbed, even if all of the pictures of everyone else came out great and every one of you was terrible, it still wouldn''t be selfish for you to be upset!!

I really hope the guy has some more photos that he didn''t post. The photos you posted definitely don''t look professional, and aren''t worth the enormous fee I''m sure he charged you. The one of you walking with your dad is beautiful though, and the one with your grandmother is adorable.

Good luck hun and let us know how it turns out
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I meant to add a while ago . . .

FREKE! Did you check out my best friend''s shoes? They were gorgeous. They''re Jessica Simpson, actually, I had no idea she made shoes. Anyway, thought you''d appreciate them.

Ladies, you''re all too sweet and you''ve made me feel so much better. Thank you.
 
I am so sorry that you were let down by your photographer, Haven. I can see why you are disappointed. The way to get rid of those shadows is with fill flash...did he use any? He really should have. Also, if you are really devistated about the images, ask if he shot in RAW (not jpeg). RAW files can be manipulated more than jpegs without destroying the information. See if he will give you the RAW files (might take some serious convincing). If he will, you would have to find someone who knows how to work with them (really any competent photographer), but it is possible.

But don't worry too much, just to give you an idea, here is a one minute edit (keep in mind, it would be so much better with a full size image and even better with RAW files):

20080730-PS-HavensBridesmaids-Edit.jpg
 
And I just wanted to add that you were an absolutely gorgeous bride and you and DH look so happy. That certainly comes across in the pics!
 
Date: 7/30/2008 3:33:26 PM
Author: FacetFire
And I just wanted to add that you were an absolutely gorgeous bride and you and DH look so happy. That certainly comes across in the pics!
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Ditto this . . .

Haven, enjoy your new puppy and take a new look at all of the pics when you have had time to breathe.
 
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