Recent Engagement Photos

[Erin Kathleen]

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter what we think and a bad review on the knot can hurt you (even from a client like this). Can you offer to reshoot? Maybe talk more with her about what her expecations are both in terms of the numbers of images, the types of images. Have her send you some engagements she's seen online that she likes and would like like to semi-recreate (to get an idea of her style and likes and dislikes more than anything).

That said, I don't know anyone out there who gives their clients every single image they took. But either way, that's beside the point. Right now, you have to decide if you want to do anything about it or not. You can get a lot of business from the knot starting out - especially from budget brides. All of my first brides booked me without me having ever shot a wedding at a very discounted rate and a good few of them were from the knot.

That said, my company policy is that I will reshoot ONE time if the clients are unhappy. I've had two brides take me up on it having nothing to do with the images. One didn't like her hair and her eyes were all watery from allergies. The other one we took when it was about 40 degrees and icky and her fiance looked miserable in most of the shots no matter how much we tried to get him to relax. (We quit that one early b/c of the cold and b/c we knew we weren't getting it.)

[D200]

watch your details, some of your shots are good but it has loose hair in the way taking away from it. Shoot higher to get rid of the double chin. Just my two cents

[merock]

What the heck is she gonna do with 200 photos of herself anyway?!?!?!??!??!?!

[Wes]

Sarah - check your pm's.

[dfwlens]

If it makes you feel any better went to the knot (joined) and looked for any badmouthing about you and possibly respond in your defense. I couldnt find anything.

[dfwlens]

I also noticed on your website that you offer a CD. The portrait section doesnt mention number but the wedding section says "of all prints." TPFers know what that means but average customer might equate pics and prints, that might also be problem. You may consider rewording or clarifying on your website.

[smseeley]

Originally Posted by dfwlens

If it makes you feel any better went to the knot (joined) and looked for any badmouthing about you and possibly respond in your defense. I couldnt find anything.

I went on too and actually found it; it took awhile. Its under the Dallas/Ft worth local board. She actually has 2 threads, one is titled "Vent...:(" and the other one is "would you be happy" Her name is "aluckybride" and you can find it also by viewing them by poster. I was actually thinking of singing up and defending myself because she said some flat out untrue things. I'mjust waiting until she actually says my name till I do that.

[ShutteredEye]

Yup, I read the threads. This woman is absolutely delusional to think she got ripped off. You are in the right here, but you should probably address the number of usable images with your next client.

Oh, and you should be charging way more than $50 for a cd of images. Yes even when you're just starting out.

I made that mistake too. The last time I signed up for a gig like that, I ended up in almost the exact situation you did. People that aren't willing to pay for your service will always treat you like a slave. It's a fact demonstrated countless of times with countless photogs on this board.

[dfwlens]

Originally Posted by ShutteredEye

Oh, and you should be charging way more than $50 for a cd of images. Yes even when you're just starting out.

Agreed.

[dfwlens]

Yeah I found it. I was gonna softly jump in to "the photgrapher's" defense but new members not allowed to post for three days.

This is a customer that is upset on principle (albeit principle based on a misunderstanding), and those can be the hardest to soothe.

If she outs you (by name) on the knot dont let your emotions start a no-i-didnt-yes-you-did match. About the best damage control in that case I think would be to publicly acknowledge in a reply that you may have been responsible for her misunderstanding (true or not), assure the knotters that you have clarified your policies, etc. to avoid any future misunderstanding, and offer to reshoot the engagement, and offer a link to your website. Your galleries show that you are worth more than your prices She probably wont want to reshoot so you get the credit for being good businessperson and without dealing with her again.

Others may disagree or have other options. I would be interested in hearing more opinons on damage control.

[LadyShutterBug]

I was actually thinking of singing up and defending myself because she said some flat out untrue things. I'mjust waiting until she actually says my name till I do that.

brides on the knot will only further blackball you if you go on there to defend yourself. the knot is a "brides only" forum-- no vendors allowed. if she is mentioning your name, you need to contact the site's admins and ask that the post be removed. they will do that because they don't want any vendors suing them.