Sad Sad Sad Sad Sad Sad Sad - The Pictures are a Disaster - SARAHDARLING's Black Wedding by Color Blog

I am SO sorry!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate that this has happened to you! I hope your friend can fix them because you deserve it!

So sorry to hear Sarah! That's completely horrible. So great that you have a photographer friend who is willing ot look at the shots for you and try and adjust them.

Can you maybe send out an email "Calling all Guests" to see if they can upload their photos to a shutterfly account or something? They wouldn't be professional, but at least you would have a variety of images to choose from?

I am sorry also !! I also hope that your friend can fix it. Have you complained to the "photographer", I know there is nothing that they can do to fix it now, but maybe you could get some money back or something. They should at least know how badly they messed them up !!

I am soo sorry! That is terrible. You should really try to get your money back from him. (The lawyer in me.) Some people are afraid to complain to vendors or do not want to deal with it. Seriously, if it's that bad, I would definitely threaten to put out bad reviews of him. Most vendors are soo protective of their reputation (deserved or not) that they will do anything to stop the bad press. Plus, sounds like you deserve a refund.

Then, maybe you and your husband can take some post wedding pictures of the two you. At least you can have some good portrait shots. It won't replace the actual wedding day pictures, but it would be nice to have some good shots. I also agree with vineyardbride2010 about asking guests for photos.

I'm so sorry that this have happen to you, you should try to get your money back or take that photographer to court. I hope your friend can fix some of your photos, but don't worry everything will work itself out

Oh hun that is terrible, I can't believe how some people get away with charging an arm and a leg when they aren't even talented, especially if they have the equipement, I am angry for you! Hope some of them work out and maybe you could do a few post wedding pictures to make up for the shots you wanted that he failed, still you shouldn't have too, hugs

I agree with Honeybee's post. You think going to a professional, you would not have this worry. Hopefully friends and family will share negatives and you can create an album for yourself. I'm sorry this happenned to you.

Oh sweetie!!!!!!! I am soooo sorry! I was praying as I opened this post that it wasn't yours. I totally agree with Honeybee. After the sadness wears off, think about what she said.

And also, nothing can ever take away how beautiful your day was honey! Nothing!

O M F G!!! Sarahdarling...say it ain't so! when I saw the post, I was like...on no..don't let this be Sarah (cause I saw your post yesterday about waiting for pics).

I am so sorry this happened. These are memories that you can't get back...I am SOOO angry for you!!

I agree with the other brides, try getting some photos from guests and see what you can make of them. Once again, Im sorry this happend.

i did the same thing as summerbride2010... i was like, oh no... this can't be sarah!!

I AM SO SAD & ANGRY that this happened to you... its just not fair, hopefully you can get some amazing shots from friends & family & maybe get some justice/money back with this stupid effing photographer. How did he present them to you?? like it was completely normal?? uuuggghhhh.... what is wrong with people?!

I'm crossing my fingers for you that your friend can help adjust some of them to be better. :(

Sarah, I'm SO sorry :( Especially after all the work you put into the wedding, I hope something can be salvaged from this... Ugh, it makes me want to cry too, because I know if you're anything like me, how much you LOVE pictures. :( Again, I'm so so so sorry. What did the photographer say about his awful work?

Im sooo sorry girl. This is really ridiculous. By far, one of the worst things I have heard thus far. I cannot believe a professional protographer would do this and think its okay to send you the final product in bad shape. I would definitely look into getting all my money back along with taking them to court. You cannot get back your memories and that is more valueable than just monetary compensation. I am so sorry this happened to you.

Even after u get your resolution, DO NOT make that the end of it. Write a letter to your local newspaper. I did this about my hotel situation I posted on a while ago. Warn other potential brides of this vendor. This is bad business and you did not deseve this. No bride does. So sorry girl!

:( :( :( I don't even know what to say. I'm so sad. And I agree with honeybee, even though I know this isn't about money and it won't change the bad pics, but maybe he would be willing to re-do some shots of you and the husband.

sending love your way. So sorry.

Oh my god Sarah! I can understand your pain when pictures don't come out, even when a 'professional' does them. After the sadness wears off I would be livid and be out for their head! I do hope that your friend can salvage whatever they can. And I also agree that you should do some post wedding photos to get at least some good portraits to display in your home. I pray that something good can come from this. Good luck.

That's so frustrating to hear. Pictures are so important to me, so I'm upset for you! I'm sure your friend will be able to salvage them, but you shouldn't have to go through the stress at all...that's why you paid the "professional"!!

Sorry to hear this.XOXOXO.......
This is one of my fears the photographer.Because you can never
get that day back again.
That is very tacky of the photographer hopefully he/she has
a GOOD resolution for you.GOOD LUCK

ooooooh Sarah!!! I am so so sorry!! I think this is every brides biggest fear- I know it is my biggest scare!! I think good editing plays a huge part in great wedding photos so there is still a chance that your photog friend can fix them!! HUGS- i cant imagine how sad you must feel right now....

That's TERRIBLE!!! Please post the photographer's name so that hack doesn't do this to anyone else. And demand your money back!
I hope you can find a few pictures from family and friends. I bet tons of people took tons of pictures, so send a call out for pictures from everyone! With your story, you're bound to get everyone's pictures. Maybe, as honeybee suggested, you could put your wedding day outfits back on and get portraits taken - maybe from your photographer friend. They won't be the day of pics, but you'll have something you can frame.

I am so sorry this happened to you. To you of all people. I hope everything ends up working out.

oh sarah! so sorry!! hope your friend can salvage them! what an absolute meany for the photographer to do this! what a sham!

hey ladies, thank you so much for your kind words.

i'm still in shock over it all. i can't believe he would look at these and not think anything was wrong with them. my husband picked them up last night and said that the photographer was his normal self, pleasant, whatever.

i've already spoken to my photog friend (who was a bridesmaid) and we've already talked about doing a second shoot, just so we can have some nice pictures of jeff and i.

i'm going to give myself a couple days to breathe and calm down then sit down a clearly worded letter about how disappointed we are, etc, etc, etc...i think if i wrote a letter now it would come off as a screaming rant. before i post his name i am going to give him a chance to respond. i am a HUGE conflict avoider so this will definitely be a challenge for me.

OMG!! UGH i would so try to get the money back! that sucks because that was a one time experience and with all of your guest, hopefyully your friedn can fix it so you have some good ones! im so sad for you!

I hate conflicts too hon. My thoughts and all my energy is with you to get a resolution you are both happy with (you and Jeff I mean)

***HUGS***

Oh no, after all that planning & work. On the positive side, as the others have mentioned, you have lots of guest photos to choose from. Chances are very good your BM/photographer friend can do amazing things with them. She did such a great job with your shower & other things. And DO post his name when you get a response, so others won't use him! How horrible - so, so sorry.

Oh, Sarah I am so sorry! Looks like you guys might have been scammed. I sure hope you can get you money back since you obviously didn't get the product you had agreed upon receiving. :(

This honestly breaks my heart...... its one of my biggest fears. Im so sorry!!! I am so friggen angry at this guy right now too... how dare he!!!!! wow my blood is boiling!! I think a second shot is a grea idea! and one more excuse to get in your dress again haha. can you include the photographers name etc so others dont go with him. Im so sorry again! I was looking forward to those pictures so bad

Oh this is awful!! I'm so sorry!! I hope that you friend can salvage them! I can imagine this happing to me, especially since I splurged on my photographer! I would be beyond pissed!!! I think your due a refund!! This is unacceptable this is something you can't get back! I am so tired of wedding vendors who don't deliver!!

I agree with all here, But no one mentioned.... Go to the Better business bureau So No other bride would fall into his trap....
Go back to him, and even bring your Photog friend and point out photo by photo ....... be strong and ask for a portion of your money back, even if you have to say you will go to the media... like one of the other sister brides said reputation is everything!
Let us know the out come

First off, I want to say I'm sorry that happened to you! ESPECIALLY after all the hard work you did! That is honestly my biggest fear.
I can understand why you wouldn't want to post them, but maybe if you do then a few girls will have some suggestions to fix them?

I was thinking also so you will always take some new keep sake photos. You and your husband could book a photography session with just the 2 of you, get all glammed up get your hair done, purchase a new outfit and get some really nice pictures done!

I AM SO SORRY HUN!

Sarah,
That is awful, I'm sorry this has happened to you. Maybe you guys could do some sort of special photo op after the wedding. Put all the great clothes back on and get a better photographer to take some after pics. Won't be quite the same but it could be great too. I hope you can get some money back. I guess this is why he took so long to get them to you. He must have been embarrassed too.

That's awful! I hope you are able to get your money back and for your friend to fix them.

I'm sorry to hear of this happening. It's shocking to know someone you trusted to do a good job didn't come through on such a special day. I wish you good luck and i do hope your friend is able to fix your pictures.

I'm so sorry dear. Was it the same photographer that did your engagement pics because those were excellent. Have you contacted the photographer yet? Maybe he was having monitor problems or something and can fix them the color balance on them. I would still try to get some money back though if they all look like snapshots instead of professional photographs.

You do have some great snapshots that you've posted already. Just try to remember the day for the joyous time it was. Heart you girl, and I'm so sorry again.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh SarahDarling! I'm so so sorry to hear this. Photoshop and cropping can do wonders though; don't lose all hope yet. Mrs. Shortcake on WeddingBee went through the same thing with her wedding pics, and she was able to salvage them.

DEFINITELY let your photog know how disappointed you are though. Tell him the same things you wrote in this post, to make it really him home how upset you are. Not acceptable.

OMG!!! I'm sooo sorry.... i agree with honeybee and vineyardbride2010. i want to bad mouth sooo bad right now...you can always take post wedding pic "diff photographer" and use those to send your thank yous. feel better sweetie.

I think you should just tell us who he is so we can spread the word. He needs to be stopped if he sucks that bad! Ridiculous of him!!!

I'm so sorry and just remember you have a lot of memories that will last forever from your beautiful and amazing day and even though the pictures aren't perfect and what you wanted, the major part of the wedding is the love you both shared that day together and with all of your family and friends by your side.

The pics you posted already are great! We are using a friends Dad who is a photographer and he's only charging us $300 and I'm a bit paranoid, but I pray he does a good job, because otherwise we can't afford anyone else. I told all of my friends and family to be picture taking fools - just in case.

I wish you the best of luck, girl! Keep us posted!!! Keep smiling. Y O U are amazing!

OMG, where is he! Where is he! You can't be serious? I'm so mad for you, Sarah! This is absolutely horrible news! First of all, let's breathe in together....Again....Now, is their a way that you can get back you money? I know this will not place the pictures he distroyed, but (THE POSSITIVE SIDE), you really have fabulous shots from your guests that you have posted already. I'm amazed at how they really turned out and really looked professional. The Thank You signs can not be forgivin, but maybe there is a way to retake the thank yous with your attire on? I'm so sorry, at least you have some wonderful shots that you have shared with us! Absolutely, the photograper needs his butt a good kickin! I don't even want to ask how much you paid for his services, but there must be a way to be compicated for your grief and worry? Keep us posted and I just loved your pictures that you've shared before. Maybe with you and hubby's picutre in the photo wall can be cropped by Unpredictable bride or someone with the editing words of Thank you? That would be the perect one to use for this! Good luck, Sarah and I'm so sorry to hear this?

Sorry, LOL...I meant compensated for your grief and worry in my blog above.

Sarah Sweetie. I am so sorry that you're bummed about your photos....I know how much they mean to you or any Bride for that matter. I saw some of them come up on FB, and they are lovely. You and your man look crazy in love, and that shines through more then anything. I hope your friend can help you out. Just wanted to let you know, they are still really pretty :)

Sarah, this is shocking! Just shocking! You're planned perfect day is being haunted by the photographer? None of his shots were nice? How is that so? You are right, a digital camera can't do that many mistakes, unless he was using some cheap batteries or he didn't put on the flash, maybe he was tipsy? We'll never know! With this, he should be well aware of this horrible outcome? I'm in aggreement with getting your money back! I would place a small claims in court too for your pain and suffering. You only have one wedding day! Man, that is horrible! Maybe doing another photo shoot with hubby in your wedding attire is a good idea. Very much so inconvienance, but maybe worth it. At least you do have good pictures from the wedding anyways. Man, sorry to hear this!

Awww i am sooo sorry to hear this!! You def should write him and let him know how you feel. And demand some type of money back. Shame on him!! Photos are one of the most important part of the wedding! Keep your gloves on and fight this!! GoodLuck!!

Hi,

As a photographer, I can tell you a couple things...

1) using a program or two will fix the color issues in your pics, and even the glares you speak of. It'll take a while, but it's doable, really.

2)Most photogs don't center pics. We use the rule of thirds (like a tic tac toe cross box we place subjects on those lines or cross points)... but if there's NO rhyme or reason, well that's not good.

3)ASk for a refund or a discount. Threaten to take the photographer to court.

4) get dressed back up and do a "trash the dress" photoshoot with a different photographer. Most brides are cautious the day of the wedding, but afterwards, there's a trend to artsy shots taken in places that are rather non traditional... it's a whole lot of fun, and you'll get some great shots you'll likely LOVE!

5) as a general rule, for other brides seeing this post - Make sure you know the photographer is any good... ask to see their camera. If it's less than 12 megapixels walk away. I use 24.3 MP, as do most serious pros. As to see shots of the last wedding they did, unedited. Then you can tell if they are any good at all.

6) it's possible to hire cheap and still get a good deal. But DON'T hire a weekend warrior (aka someone who doesn't want to do this for a living!). Students, like myself, are good choices. We're looking to get our portfolio going. Myself, I am offering to do four weddings for dirt cheap. Then ten midrange, and after that my full prices will be in effect.

7) again, don't panic, most pics can be at least moderately saved. I am pretty decent wit editing, if you wanna send me a so so pic (not the worst, not the best) and I'll do one for free. If you like what you see I can be hired to edit the rest (if your friend is unable or unavailable)

C

Oh I am sooo sorry. I am hoping your friend might be able to help you do some magic on at least some so you can have a few to put up around the house, etc. I am so sorry, how frustrating. I know its not really the same, but could your friend that is a "real" photog maybe take some pics of you guys in your wedding duds some day, so you can have something you WANT to look at? Just a thought.

Also, have you expressed your dissatisfaction with your photog? There isn't a whole lot that can be done now, but maybe you could get some money back?

So sorry!

OMG NO!!!!!!!!!!! My heart just broke for you into a million pieces.
Sarah I can edit & fix pictures as well no charge sweetie. If you need any help, PLEASE, PLEASE let me know!
This is a brides worst nightmare. God I really dont even know what to say :(

I am so sorry to hear that! I hope that your friend can fix some of them. That is the worst because there was nothing you could have done.

Oh Sarah, I am so angry at him right now for you! Even though he failed lets keep our fingers crossed that your friend can edit them. It is amazing how easily vendors in the wedding business label themselves professional, you pay them a ton of your hard earned cash and they let you down!

He should reimburse you all of your money. Do you all use the BBB (better business bureau) system in Canada. If so, please send in a complaint letter about this guy. My blood is boiling....let's find this guy!!!

Thanks again ladies. To give you a bit more background on him:

He has worked as a photographer and as an A/V producer for the Ministries of Correctional Services, Natural Resources, and Tourism & Recreation. From 1982 - 1988 he was the official photographer of visiting heads of state for the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs and The Premier of Ontario's Office. Margaret Thatcher (U.K.), Francois Mitterand (France), The Aga Kahn, and Bishop Desmond Tutu (S.Africa) are among his photographed subjects. Other government clients include Tourism Canada and the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Technology. In 1988, he shot the World Economic Summit. He also won the Governor Generals Medal. So this is why we felt comfortable with him. Hell, he's been shooting for 40 YEARS!

The pictures that have been posted on facebook have been heavily, heavily, heavily edited and cropped and I feel that it is completely ridiculous to have to do my own post production on my wedding photos. They should be complete when he handed them to me.

My engagement pics (that were awesome) and mentioned were done by my bridesmaid/photographer who has worked SO HARD to fix this jackasses mess and will be doing a reshoot with in June. I love her and highly recommend her for any bride in the GTA who wants a photographer who truly cares about their work. Her name is Angela Martin and she is a true gem.

We *just* emailed him our complaints letter. I'm nervous to hear what he says back. Thanks for all your support again. I've calmed down some, but still not happy.

I'm just so sorry hun :( It's not fair... You don't deserve this. Your day was beautiful, and you will never forget it. Hopefully your friend can do some color correcting and cropping.. and then maybe you should consider taking bridals? You could get your hair and makeup done one day just like your wedding day, and Jeff can rent his exact tux.. and you can take pictures :) I know it's not the same, but it's an excuse to put your dress back on! :)

Oh my god, i feel soooooo bad for you guys!!!
I really hope your friend can help with the editting.
Keep us posted...

Aw, honey so sorry that happend! I think you should take up the offer from camyam73 if your friend isn't able to help you. I'm so sorry you're feeling sick and sad about it. Cheer up!

omg!!! Im so sorry! I would be so upset. Most couples dont spare any money when it comes to their pictures. That is something you always look back on. I would have felt safe going with him to. He has a very prestigious background. At this point I would wait to see what he says. If he is rude in anyway..BBB is all I have to say!

Im glad your friend is helping out! Maybe she can do something artistic with them! Good Luck

Hey Sarah,
I do totally feel you... I have been in your exact same situation. When I got my picts back I got furious ( that is still nothing compared on how I felt). I explained the photographer how a bad job he had done with the picts and how he acted all day long. The excuse that came up is that firstly, he did a normal job and nobody else had never complained before me; secondly, if we wanted some more picts, we had to tell him during our wedding day... yes, for sure... that was our first concern: to teach someone how to do their job the best day of our life...
Anyway, with this said, it's been more than eight months and we still have to decide on how to make our wedding album ( we got back the first version of it and it turned out horrible, so this means this is really unprofessional!)...
But, keep in mind you have a good friend that can firstly retouch the picts ( and with photoshop it should be fine!) and that she can really do a great job!!!
Secondly, take this as a second chance to wear your wedding dress... We went to Venice and took other picts ( turned out we made more than 600 just of us, when the"pro phot" only took 350...) and they turned out amazing... So never think everything is ruined.
Plus, if you have hired a videographer, you will feel really satisfied just by having the video... I can tell you because I could watch it over and over again and never been tired of it... lol...
Everything is a chance, an opportunity... Surely you deserve some excuses by him, but don't let him ruin the best day of you life!
Everybody here in wbc knows how many efforts you have made and how beautiful your wedding turned out!!!
Enjoy your newlyweds life :) :)

Oh Sarah, Thats so terrible. All that hard work planning and sourcing beautiful things for your special day and your Photographer has messed up the photo's. I'm very sorry to hear that. I've been following your wedding plans for ages now, and you've inspired idea's I have for my own wedding. Remember though, that you'll aways have the memories of that day. Don't let it ruin your thoughts of the day, as from the photo's you had taken it was a beautiful wedding and a day to remember.

BOTH OF MY SISTERS HAD BAD PIC EXPERIENCE.

That is one of my biggest fears...I'm so sorry it happened to you. All that hard work and time you took to make your day perfect. I hope that your friend is able to fix what you have as well as give you some great new shots. Good luck sweetie.

Im so sorry that happened. I just want to cry for you!
That very same thing happened to my sister, hers were developed at a 1 hour studio and they were horrible, she cried for days, but then made sure this woman was never allowed to work as a photographer again!

You and me both hun...I am in the same boat I was sent more than 400 pics I used 10. Its an outrage maybe if they would be honest and say hey I am not artsy, I just point and click then yeah. But come on! You should really write review wherever possible. I am soo soo sorry I hope you can take beautiful pics in your reshoot. So So sorry, Trust ME I KNOW exactly how you feel its so disappointing. There really is no way to recapture that moment :(

I know how you feel hunn! THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO ME!!!! so you know what i did? I scheduled a shoot just for the photos Ive always wanted! my imdiate family didnt mind and my husband didnt want me sad anymore and you know what! it was the most freeing experiance Ive ever had now I can move on and have an album ill be pround to show and want to look at over and over! I suggest you do the same check out my blog! *hug*

did you ever get a response back out of him?