Wedding photographer admits scamming brides out of thousands – right here’s what couples need to watch out for

A marriage photographer in Texas has pled responsible to felony theft after being charged in a case involving $11,000 (roughly £8,600 / AU$17,200) and 12 folks. The photographer allegedly made false claims of diseases and household emergencies, and failed to present for the engagement and marriage ceremony photographs.

The case originated in 2022 with a Higher Enterprise Bureau grievance and an area information investigation involving as many as 14 couples. When the information group investigated and aired an authentic report, a Collins County, Texas, police officer who had additionally employed the identical photographer noticed the report; the police division started an investigation the next day.

Court docket paperwork name the photographer’s actions “an intentional act to deceive.” In accordance to CBS Information, three purchasers have been instructed on completely different days that the photographer was on the best way to the emergency room with a sick youngster. In one other occasion, the photographer was allegedly booked for two weddings on the identical day and canceled them each however gave completely different causes to every couple.

One other shopper stated the photographer canceled solely hours earlier than the ceremony, but the substitute photographer she despatched stated she was employed every week earlier than. In accordance to the report, no less than 4 photographers employed as a substitute say they weren’t paid.

Three steps to assist keep away from scams when reserving a marriage photographer

The case might function a warning for couples within the center of the marriage planning course of – however are there any warning indicators to look out for when selecting a marriage photographer?

I’ve been photographing weddings for practically ten years and studying the report left a bitter style in my mouth. Sure photographers are folks, too, and a few emergencies are unavoidable, however there are some things couples can do to keep away from a no-show photographer.

1. Meet the photographer earlier than reserving

On-line reserving and web site portfolios make it simpler than earlier than to guide a photographer with out truly assembly them in particular person. Whereas that does make the planning course of simpler, skipping out on assembly your photographer is one step that shouldn’t be reduce for comfort.

Your marriage ceremony photographer is the seller that you just’ll be seeing all through your total marriage ceremony day – it is best to like them, and also you received’t know that till you’ve met them in particular person or no less than had a telephone dialog. I’ve photographed a shocking quantity of weddings the place I had by no means met the couple till the morning of the marriage.

2. Take into account the engagement photographs a trial run

I embody engagement photographs in most of my marriage ceremony packages as a result of they function a follow run for the marriage. However apart from serving to couples really feel extra comfy in entrance of the digital camera, that is additionally the very best likelihood to meet your photographer forward of time. When you’re reserving a photographer that hasn’t been advisable by any pals or household, you could possibly even guide an engagement shoot first; then solely guide the marriage if you happen to love the engagement photographs.

Within the Texas case, one shopper that had the photographer repeatedly cancel the engagement photographs employed one other photographer for the marriage – a great transfer for the reason that authentic photographer ended up canceling the morning of the marriage.

3. Ask what the backup plan is

Wedding photographers are folks, too – and emergencies do occur. Earlier than reserving a photographer, ask what the backup plan is in case they’re unwell or another emergency comes up. If the photographer doesn’t have one other photographer they will name as a substitute, that’s an enormous crimson flag. Couples might additionally ask who the emergency substitute is, to keep away from ending up with a substitute that has little expertise.