Question about a wedding, the bride, and the pictures I'm supposed to take there?

Question

I got together with her a month ago to discuss everything about what she wanted done and how much the pricing would be and all that, and at the end of the meeting she told me that she would let me know when the rehearsal would be within the week (because I told her I absolutely had to go to the rehearsal to practice in order to do the wedding, it's my first one.) Well, at the end of that week I hadn't heard from her so I called her and left a message asking about it. After another week, I still hadn't heard anything so I left another message. Here now a week and a half later I still haven't heard from her and when I call her cell phone it says that number is unreachable. Should I call her work number and try to get ahold of her or just let it be and forget it?

Answer 1

Sounds like she found another photographer... just let it be, your time will come.

Answer 2

If you get cold treatment from her, it's either because she's lost her phone or she's trying to ditch you for another better deal.

Answer 3

First off, did she sign a contract?  Did you and she make a verbal agreement that you would shoot her wedding on xx/xx/xxxx?  If you said you would shoot her wedding, and she told you when and where the wedding is,  then you are contractually obligated to be there.  If she signed a contract, then you are obligated to show up, probably even if she has not paid any money yet.  This is why you have a contract and a retainer.  My gut feeling is she is afraid you aren't up to the job, but she was too wishy-washy to just say she doesn't want you.   (I am not being harsh by saying that, but if I interviewed a wedding photog and was told they "absolutely  had" to practice at the rehearsal, I would have  serious second thoughts.  It's not a bad idea to be at a rehearsal, especially at a venue you are not familiar with, but you have to be very careful how you present that if you hope to appear confident, competent, and professional.)

If you can't get in touch, I would get my equipment ready and show up at the discussed time  on the wedding day ready to shoot.  If she doesn't want you, she can tell you then and you can chalk this up to lesson learned.  That way she can't sue you for failure to perform.   In the future get it all in writing and your money up front.  Good luck.

Answer 4

I think you should just forget about it. You did what you had to do and she surely got your message. My advice to you is to take two friends (boy and girl) as your models and dress them as bride and groom and take pictures of them.  Put them in your portofolio and don't say it's your first time. This makes people nervous because as a bride you want a perfect wedding with perfect pictures. ;)