fotoman150

We think alike. That’s what I plan to say.

fotoman150

Thanks I like the Spidey senses thing

fotoman150

Wow. Interesting. You really did that?

fotoman150

Well put. Thanks Dennis.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

This is what you want to avoid

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/true-crime/wp/2017/08/01/they-trashed-their-wedding-photographer-over-a-125-fee-so-a-jury-told-them-to-pay-her-1-million/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.86221d17e38a

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Regardless of how personable the groom seems to be, it's the bride's day and that's all one needs to know. I'd keep the backout very simple as you expressed right here. "I don't think it's a good match", is all you have to convey.

Now, look at the behind the scenes part of this. The bride doesn't approve of you. The groom does. You do the work. Her opinion isn't going to change. You'll feel badly. The groom will have to live with that decision for the rest of his married days. Do you want to be remembered for that?
--Bob

OviedoPhotos

I shot two weddings, both in the days of film, mid 90's, one as an assistant, the other as lead. The first one the family was very easy going and didn't give me or my uncle any stress at all. The results were awesome. The second one was a bride and her mother from the dark regions................... In spite of that the results were awesome, although I had to take less than what was negotiated. Although I did make up for it by jacking up my reprint prices.

Then I made proposals on two more and discovered that the are lots of bridezilla's out there and got out of weddings. The media at the time (and still is) was advocating that its a very special day, and of course it is. They also advocate being tough on vendors. I recall one wedding I went to as a guest for a distant cousin, where his wife complained that the seats weren't big enough and the iced tea wasn't cold enough. These cretins are hard on all vendors thinking they will get a better deal.

Now with everyone owning a cell phone with an obnoxious flash, tripping other flash triggered lights it becomes a minefield.

Good luck in your decision. Take a page out of wedding caterers, ask for full payment up front

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

I believe Longshadow has the best solution as he said ""I believe another photographer may provide a service more to your liking."???
(Directed at the bride.)"". You are not obligated to suggest another.

Pistnbroke Loc: UK

Depends how much you want the work. If you are insured why worry. We always go wired and on a few occasions when we get unjustified complaints just ask for the approx. time it happened so we can compare it with the 16 hrs of audio recording we have ...that shuts them up.. Put it in the contract " conversations may be recorded to ensure compliance with your requirements"

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I think I would suddenly find a "prior engagement" on their day. Some jobs just aren't worth it.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

"I've checked my calendar and I had forgotten about a few things I had going on so I am unable to accept this job. Here are some other photographers who may be able to help you."

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

My personal view of this situation is this. Older couple, both previously married and with kids means they are paying for the wedding and she is probably looking for a discount by insulting your work. If they come back to you that would be a stronger indication (to me) that she is looking for a discount and is going to cheap out any way she can. It would be a shame to see you put in all your hard work and time to have her do whatever she could to pay you as little as possible an then probably trash you on social media and on ratings sites like YELP.

I have worked in retail for over 30 years and dealt with unhappy customers and customers trying to take advantage. When I'm the customer and I'm not happy with the quality of work or the price I'm going elsewhere and that applies to photos or anything else.

I will add my vote to politely let them know that it is not going to work. Best of luck and there are many more people out there that will be very happy with your work. As this door closes....another will open.

Dodie

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Back in the day when I actually did wedding photography I had a similar bad feeling and this is how I handled it. I visited the bride and mother as requested and sat with them for 30 minutes discussing my work, their desires and options. The daughter-mom fought with each other for the entire time. When it was time to discuss price, I told them I wasn't the least expensive in the area and quoted them a cost of $ 25.000.00. They said they'd think about it and thankfully I never heard from them again. Although I would have done their job at that price, that wedding was worth @ $2,500.00 at that time (about 25 years ago). I suggest that you price yourself out of the market and don't feel bad if you're not selected. Worked for me! Best of luck.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Same in Architecture.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

A good response. Also, perhaps you have another engagement that day (doesn't have to be one involving photography). Small white lie that does no harm.