Right from the top of this post let me state very clearly, “This is my blog, and I journal. I have the right and the ability to state my views very plainly. This is one of those times.”  “Fasten your seatbelt, it’s going to be a bumpy ride,” says the redhead.

I am angry.  This season alone I’ve been contacted about 4 different photographers not showing up or canceling at the last minute with no offer for substitution of photographer. Neither do they offer to find another photographer to complete their assignment.  THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.

Tonight I was sitting at a restaurant having dinner. I had been photographing portraits today, attending a dress rehearsal for tomorrow, and photographing for another vendor.  I was hot, sweaty, and had windblown hair.  Dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and flip flops, and to make matters worse no makeup, and glasses instead of contacts.  Can we all say grungy at the same time?  My phone rang, and the DJ is asking me if I know a photographer that is free to photograph.  The wedding was starting in two minutes, and the photographer was a no-show.  No one  knew why.

I got there in 25 minutes and was very embarrassed about my appearance.  I got out of the car running  and setting my camera at the same time.  Bottom line……..they get photos.  A brother-in-law captured the wedding.  We re-staged  dad and bride in the processional,  ring exchange and the kiss.  Then did formals and all the reception events.

To be fair there are a few situations that would prevent a photographer showing up and also not calling.  Serious injury enroute, serious illness of self or immediate family, or death.   I can assure you that didn’t happen to all four photographers this season that crapped out on their weddings.

Today I felt so bad for the couple.  It is stressful to be standing there 2 minutes before the ceremony and not know where your photographer is.  It was an outside wedding.  It was hot.  The pastor is standing there waiting.  The guests are all assembled and waiting.  The bride was beautiful with flawless makeup and hair. Everything had been planned and done.

They had no chance to view my work, interview me, discuss my fee, and really had no clue if I was some nut that just said I was a photographer.  Talk about grace under fire………both bride and groom were extremely polite and calm.

What happened to commitment?  What happened to a person’s word being something you could believe would happen?  What happened to caring about the damage it would cause when you choose not to show up? What happened to decency?

Being a wedding photographer means some serious commitments.  It means a contract this is fair to both parties.  There are NO do-overs in wedding photography.

I am extremely harsh in my words in this post, but it is horrible that we keep hearing this type scenario, and we are a small area.  This is so totally unacceptable!!