We already mentioned that in the age of technology, it's relatively easy to find out information about almost anyone. Testimonials and reviews are great, however, they should be taken with the proverbial pinch of salt!
Anyone can make up testimonials, so if you are really serious in finding out more, ask for an email address or even a phone number of a real client rather than believe everything you read as 'set in stone'.
Anyone can make up testimonials, so if you are really serious in finding out more, ask for an email address or even a phone number of a real client rather than believe everything you read as 'set in stone'.
Always remember that its just as easy to praise anyone on the internet into the realms of 'superman' or 'superwoman' than to destroy someone's reputation. It works both ways!
Forums usually do not allow vendors to participate in discussions, even if the vendors don't openly advertise their service and genuinely want to offer professional advice on certain topics. The result is, that many shady vendors 'pose' as brides and advertise themselves falsely to get more business. To be fair, most people are relatively objective and fair in their posts, however human nature is that we are always more easily drawn to notice any 'bad' comments first. Even though there is no denying that there are black sheep in every trade, you should always weigh up the odds if someone sounds as if they have genuinely had a bad experience with their photographer or, if the person who has made the post is simply trying to find someone to blame for things that have gone wrong on their wedding day, or worse, a vendor disguised as a 'bride' trying to slaughter their competition! When things do go wrong, bear in mind that it is rarely only the fault of one person alone, there are always 2 or more to tango!
Forums usually do not allow vendors to participate in discussions, even if the vendors don't openly advertise their service and genuinely want to offer professional advice on certain topics. The result is, that many shady vendors 'pose' as brides and advertise themselves falsely to get more business. To be fair, most people are relatively objective and fair in their posts, however human nature is that we are always more easily drawn to notice any 'bad' comments first. Even though there is no denying that there are black sheep in every trade, you should always weigh up the odds if someone sounds as if they have genuinely had a bad experience with their photographer or, if the person who has made the post is simply trying to find someone to blame for things that have gone wrong on their wedding day, or worse, a vendor disguised as a 'bride' trying to slaughter their competition! When things do go wrong, bear in mind that it is rarely only the fault of one person alone, there are always 2 or more to tango!
In my profession as a Minister and Wedding Consultant, I have personally witnessed quite a few events concerning various photographers over the years, that appeared as misconceived post on various forums. It was astonishing to learn, that some couples who quite obviously had some hick ups or problems during their photo shoot, afterwards praised their photographer in the highest notes because they remembered having a great day. Other photographers, who did nothing wrong, found themselves on the receiving side of stressed couples who wanted to let out their frustration over unrelated events that happened during their wedding day and found themselves publicly slaughtered, trying hard to restore their reputation.
Even though something is in print, it's not necessarily all true. Equally, one person's good or bad experience is not always that of another person. If you enjoyed a certain movie and tell your friends who great it was, it doesn't automatically mean that they enjoy it in the same way as you do. They may not like the movie at all! Tastes are all different - thankfully!
By all means, read reviews and look at testimonials but don't take them too serious or let them be the deciding factor in your decision who to hire. You need to look at the complete picture before you make up your decision!
Even though something is in print, it's not necessarily all true. Equally, one person's good or bad experience is not always that of another person. If you enjoyed a certain movie and tell your friends who great it was, it doesn't automatically mean that they enjoy it in the same way as you do. They may not like the movie at all! Tastes are all different - thankfully!
By all means, read reviews and look at testimonials but don't take them too serious or let them be the deciding factor in your decision who to hire. You need to look at the complete picture before you make up your decision!
