Reply To: Query

[iliketag]

I should clarify:
When I was talking about that specific shoot, I’m not saying that I didn’t get any good shots from that day and they were honestly something that those I showed them too liked. Including his fiancee. The groom-to-be/my boss’s father, did not. I didn’t think it was fair for him to pay me if he wasn’t happy with them but I did let them know that the shots represented my style and if they didn’t like that aspect, then I was concerned about doing their wedding and that I probably shouldn’t be the one to capture their day.

I did use reflectors and open shade and I had a diffuser (part of the all in one reflector so not actually a real scrim) with an assistant helping to hold and place it. I was prepared for the light but I will be honest, I dreaded it a little. I was mostly trying to describe the setting as not ideal AND I even offered to do a second shoot at no cost because it was a little chilly and she wasn’t able to wear the dress she wanted. She hardly spoke English so that’s what he said about them wearing matching white button downs and jeans. I do struggle with the midday sun but I wouldn’t say I was entirely unprepared. I wanted to explore some beautiful hiking trails off to the sides of the main park but they told me they didn’t want to walk and asked me to only shoot in the main portion of the park.

My thought process was that it was a shoot for them so I should accommodate that. Was I wrong? I mean, I probably could have explained why the less crowded trails would have been better but I suppose I was a little intimidated. I extended a few coffee or barnes & noble meetings to him and his fiance but they told me they were busy and only Sunday would work but they just wanted to shoot. They said they didn’t need a consultation and would correspond with me via email. So I did, multiple emails about locations I had scouted around the park and what to wear (with links to blogs about outfit coordination and suggestions. Even colors. I really thought I had all my bases covered…

I suppose since maybe I’m used to working with younger couples I was nervous about working with an older one. The gentleman was very gruff and didn’t seem to like my posing so I asked for his suggestions and he wanted more, I’m not sure this is quite the right word but, rigid poses? I gave him a combination of both my poses and his in the final edits. They wanted them quickly so they could send out photos as save the dates but didn’t want them printed by the lab I use (SimplyColor) and just wanted to expose them at Costco. Because of the rush that’s another reason I offered a second shoot…

I mean, did I really screw this up? (More in the context of – did I make a huge mistake by telling them I might not be their flavor for the wedding?)