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I was married last year. We were happy with our photographer, and pre-booked an upcoming summer time family shoot with her. Now, six months after the wedding, I've realized that she hasn't posted any of our engagement, bridal or wedding photos to her website or social media, despite posting pretty much every wedding I'm aware she's been involved in (I follow her personal social media).
While our event was mildly offbeat, it's nothing that seems like it wouldn't fit in with her overall style. I have, however, noticed that I'm not nearly as thin or stereotypically pretty as many of her other brides and I can't help but be a little offended. Now I'm wondering if I should find a new photographer for our family photos — one who maybe appreciates our personal style a little more?
Why photographers shouldn't hide their nontraditional brides
Offbeat Brides love our photographers. They are the ones who capture our weddings forever. We choose them for their talent and we know they can... Read more
We totally get it: as a client, you want to see photography examples that represent YOU. That includes varying body types, physical abilities, cultural backgrounds, races, and the LGBTQ communities.
It's such an asset to have many different kinds of couples so they can display their many talents in capturing all kinds of people. I know that's what I'd want from a photographer. We've talked about it before, too.
In your case, it may be that your photographer is targeting only a few types of couples, which can feel really shitty when you're not within that mold.
Alternately, it could also just be that there's an element of the photos that just doesn't capture their work as well, be it lighting, venue issues, etc.
Many photographers also just don't have the space or time to post every wedding! So don't think that you didn't look stunning.
Regardless, of course you have every right to find a different photographer for your upcoming family shoot.
When you're vetting photographers, check out their portfolios to see if they highlight various body types and looks, if that's important to you. That will be your best indicator of whether or not they appreciate what you'll bring to their repertoire. And you will bring something awesome, be sure of that.
Best of luck!
What about photographer's perspective on this issue?
Here are a few perspectives from the other side…
“I only post the weddings whose look I want to be hired for. Once I shot a wedding on a yacht. I didn't post it because this really isn't the type of look I'm going for. My criteria are particular.
Likewise, I don't get offended when my tattoo artist doesn't put my tattoos in her portfolio.” – Randi
“I don't think I'd personally be offended. And the way the bride looks definitely isn't the most likely reason the photog decided not to use the photos. If they are a particularly busy photographer, they may simply choose a picture here and there from some of their shoots. It's possible the photographer didn't feel she pulled her A game on some of the photos and didn't want to showcase them. Sometimes as an artist, you're not always as happy wiht your work as your clients. There are a lot of reasons that likely have absolutely nothing to do with the couple at all.
It's nice to be featured, but shouldn't the main concern be that you got photographs that you're happy with that you can show off to the people that matter to you? If you're happy with her work, I'd use her again. If you're that concerned with why she didn't use your wedding to showcase, you could simply just ask. She may have a good reason. It's unlikely that she would even think she's offending anyone by not featuring every single wedding. I think cancelling and being upset with her without talking to her about it could mean you'd miss out on some great photos!
You've already built a relationship with her and if you're really happy with the pictures, then you should definitely chat with her about your concerns.” – Hailey
“As a wedding planner who also selects what weddings to highlight on my website and blog, there are many factors that come to play 1. Time of year. I might just be busy or I might want to attract couples in other seasons. 2. Venue. It could very well be at a venue that's not a favorite so I want to focus on attracting clients at other venues. 3. Diversity. I might already have a lot of weddings with the same colors & style. 4. Number & quality of photos. Maybe the photographer didn't take as many detailed shots as I like to work with. I really would not take it personally if your wedding is not selected!” – Tanis
About the Author: Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark loiters at her local library, makes art, watches movies en masse, plays video and tabletop games, poorly cooks healthy things, cuddles with her feline fur babies, and blogs at BijouxandBits.com.
