Don’t Get Taken! Wedding Photographer Contract Scams

I have already booked my venue—–$1500 for a very nice–not tacky hall for both the ceremony and reception ballroom!!!!! WOOT!!! I cannot believe the savings! Yay!

But, I am about to book a photographer of whom has a contract that is not very specific on the timing. It is lacking a section that says what time she is to arrive to take pictures. My question is…..should I write something in and tell her? Am I allowed to write in things? Also, I don’t have a finalized photo shot list yet. Should I write in “photographer agrees to abide by photo shot list given”? Even that is not in the contract already.

Let me say this, I LOVE my photographer. She is as sweet as sugar, professional, and does great work, and she also negotiated with me, or rather let me name the price. But, I need to make sure that the contract is protecting me too. Frankly, I do trust her, but I KNOW no matter who the person is, I need to NOT trust them, hehe.

How do I get the contract to my liking without sounding too flaky. I don’t want her to think I’M trying to scam her.

Thanks!

Melissa”

My answer:

Dear Sweet Melissa,

Do you think of yourself as a “good girl?”  You’re an absolutely sweetheart, so concerned about your wedding photographer thinking you’re trying to scam her.

You’re going to scam her?  By protecting yourself?

“Good Girls” get taken advantage of by unscrupulous wedding vendors.  “Good Girls” end up paying 2-3 times more than they have to for their weddings.

Quit being a Good Girl!

Hey, I used to be a good girl, too.  Then I wised up and realized that if I don’t protect my ass, nobody was gonna do it for me.

Your contract should include any and all specifics for your wedding…including date, times of coverage, location, who will be shooting, any “Must Take Photos,” the price for the exact services you’re booking, terms of cancellation and payment, etc.

You can write a clause into your contract, but it won’t be valid unless it’s initialed by both of you.  I suggest asking your photographer to revise it with the clauses you request.

I’m sure she is an honest, trustworthy professional.  But don’t sign the contract until its revised to your liking.

If it makes you feel better, blame it on yourself.  Tell her, “I’m such a worrier than I’ll make myself miserable if I don’t take care of every detail.  It’ll be huge weight off my shoulders if you could make these changes for me.”

A true professional WILL NOT take it personally.  Her contract was written to protect her…not you.  Don’t sign the contract until it specifically promises exactly what you are paying for.

With everything in writing there won’t be any misunderstanding.  Plus, you’re protected if anything does go wrong.

Did you read my recent blog posts on vendor disputes and contracts?  A recent bride of mine just had a situation where her photographer didn’t take her Must Take Photos and delivered a horrible DVD…and she doesn’t have any legal recourse because it wasn’t in the contract.  It’s worth a read.

Hmm…looks like I’m going to have to put out that special report on How NOT To Get Screwed By Wedding Vendors soon…

Good luck with everything and keep saving!

Stephanie