First Unhappy Bride

The thing that gets me the most about this is that it seems she really is just trying to save herself from spending money she doesn't have. You seem like a reasonable person. My guess is that if she had approached you in the first place and said something like "I'm really short on cash right now. I love the photos and don't want to miss out on anything, but could we wait a few months to order the album?" that you would have at least worked with her. Or maybe she really is just that pissed about the "poor" shots...

I work with this lady.
I knew up front that she was strapped for cash, but she made no effort to 'work" something out.
She paid 100% a month before hand with no problem.
I think now she just wants her $ back.

Sorry for your trouble. I am still amazed that people take advantage of photographers this way. I can understand if the majority of the work was terrible, but for one picture, that is not worthy of a 1/2 refund.

Lotso f good advice here. You have done enough. More than enough. I have a hard time walking away from people sometimes too. I've been messed with when I felt 'sorry' for people. You aren't in the business for charity reasons. You have bills to pay. Hopefully next time, you can see it coming and walk away sooner.

spcalan wrote in post #4026846
She started trying to lower the price before I even gave her the proof album.
She paid up front, 100%.
She has said on may occasions, she loved the photos, but she wanted a different view9 angle ) on the wedding party photo than I gave her.

Go to Google Earth, punch in wedding site, print out sattelite photo. Different angle? Check!

tmonatr wrote in post #4028676
Go to Google Earth, punch in wedding site, print out sattelite photo. Different angle? Check!

yeah no lie.. what more could she ask for? what a ridiculous woman.

I like the Google Earth thought, i never thought about that "angle"

To me, based on the information you gave us, she's just like her dad who wants to fight everyone, except it's not in a physical way.

Too bad she works with you, though...no matter what you've decided to do, like others said, she won't be a good reference, and you'll continue to see her on a regular basis, since you work with her...that's gotta suck.

But hold your position...no 1/2 discount...it's definately not deserved.

I think you did more then you should have.

The fact that she came back to you after going to some cheap place to try and make copies of your work tells you that she wanted to get out of the deal she signed into. Whether you work with her or not, she is just not being a nice person and you did what you were hired to do. Also, the fact that you didn't get one exact angle doesn't mean she gets 50% of her money back. Sometimes people aren't where they are supposed to be - or in this case, so drunk they can't understand english. If she doesn't understand that fact, then explain to her that you can not physically control people and physically move them where she wants them. Because that would have been more uncomfortable and probably have ruined the wedding day. So in consideration of her, you didn't take those steps to secure a good day.

What bull**** I say. Leave it at what you have done for her and don't offer her anything more unless she is willing to pay you for your work. (2 pennies)

Thank guys and gals for the advice.
Me and the bride finally came to an agreement.
I am giving her the refund of the 8x10 album and the 12-8x10 prints. which is roughly 100.00.

and I am giving them a free photo sessions with the parents, to get that "right" angle, and to make sure she is happy.

please make sure she is aware that the session is free not the photos!!!

why not divide your payment by the number of shots taken and give her that? its alot better than 1/2 and it makes you look better. and while she wont be happy, she might just go away..

1/2 off... Geeze, good thing you didnt mis two shots or youd have to give it all back, or if you missed three youd actually have to pay her to shoot her wedding... people are nuts!

spcalan wrote in post #4048467
Thank guys and gals for the advice.
Me and the bride finally came to an agreement.
I am giving her the refund of the 8x10 album and the 12-8x10 prints. which is roughly 100.00.

and I am giving them a free photo sessions with the parents, to get that "right" angle, and to make sure she is happy.

Just be glad you did not marry this women...............yi​pes!

spcalan wrote in post #4048467
Thank guys and gals for the advice.
Me and the bride finally came to an agreement.
I am giving her the refund of the 8x10 album and the 12-8x10 prints. which is roughly 100.00.

and I am giving them a free photo sessions with the parents, to get that "right" angle, and to make sure she is happy.

I think this was the smartest move. Sometimes as a working professional we have to swallow our pride and take a little bit of a beating to make our customers happy, but make no mistake... if we had no customers, we'd have no business. You've found a solution that makes everyone happy. I'm always ok with offering sessions instead of money. That way it gives you a chance to make more money and the customer still feels you care about them... and will express that when talking about you to friends. I'm glad it worked out for you.

cdifoto wrote in post #4024133
Yeah but I could care less about irrational people badmouthing me. Only other irrational people will believe those doing the badmouthing, and I don't want them for customers anyway.

It's like my sister when she says she's going to boycott Wal-Mart because she had a bad experience at the checkout counter. Doesn't mean I'm going to boycott Wal-Mart too...I know she's nuts. The others in the family who side with her are also nuts.

A funny way of putting it but very true.. I actually had this conversation with another photographer today and we both wished that these type of customers don't know on our doors!