Chapman Photography - Needing Some of the not so Usual Advice - UPDATED!!!!!

[mystiichell]

I have been mostly a lurker here for a couple of years – I never got around to a PJ or TR My DFTW was in Nov 07

I learned so much from you ladies about vendors & I am ever so grateful for the advice. I have debated on if I should post this but, I have tried to resolve the issue on my own & I am now at a loss. I would like to start by saying that this is in no way shape or form intended to be a bash. I loved Randy Chapman & even with the situation I am in now, I still think I received a much better deal than using DPS. So, I would like to just list the facts & hopefully maybe you guys can give me some advice.

I hired Chapman photography soon after finding the DIS – in fact I told my then DF this was a MUST – after seeing all of the amazing work & his pricing how could I not . I had some issues early on with being able to reach Randy or Linda, calls not being returned, emails not answered, etc….. but; I had read that they were disorganized & besides I figured they were artists & knew it wouldn’t matter in the end because my pics would be AMAZING.

My wedding was at the WP with a WH room & patio reception followed by an Illuminations dessert party. We had unlimited coverage that started around 10:00am-10:00pm.

We had problems on that day – both my now DH & myself are EXTREMELY light sensitive so I didn’t think the usual pics he takes on the GF Beach would be a good idea especially with a 2:30 ceremony – we didn’t see each other prior to the wedding so there were pre pics around 1:00pm & after pics with DH & I until about 4:30pm. I reminded him that I had discussed this with him but, he assured me that they were looking great & that I would be very happy.

This is what we received shortly after Christmas:

(3)Hi-Res DVDs which contained about 847 color images & 154 B&Ws – we also received a proof album containing about 400 pics.

We also had are engagement pics done 4 days after our wedding & received 69 color images from that session were included on one of the wedding DVDs

Again, I would like to point out that I am aware that this is already much more than I would have received with DPS & that I know the Chapman contract does not specify an exact amount of images that you will receive. Here are my specific issues:

(1)We paid them almost $4000 for 12 hours of coverage. I have read MANY TR & even Intimate brides are posting they are receiving well over 1000 pics.

(2)Out of my 847 images 276 are completely unusable – these are the pics from the GF beach – are eyes are completely closed or very squinty – there are a few far away shots of us walking, etc that are good for scenery but for the most part we can’t do much with them – even the pics that are of other wedding party members/guests (which are not light sensitive) are not usable because they are so squinty.

(3)We received no photoshopped images either on the DVDs or as prints – my contract does not state that we will receive these types of shots but it seams to be pretty standard – Randy even mentioned during our engagement shoot a few days later about some of the special effects he was already working on.

(4)Our engagement pics were taken @ 11:00am & not knowing the results of the previous shots I didn’t think anything of us being out – we also received no B&Ws or photoshopped images from this shoot although I’m not sure photoshopped images are standard with the engagement shoot.


I understand that we cannot do over the day. I think at this point I would be happy with the rest of my original & photoshopped images.

I have called & left numerous messages with Chapman photography & sent several emails – I have not received a response to any of them over the last 6 months.

We still have a flush mount album, 2 parent books, & a bunch of prints to pick out. I would like to have everything that was taken on that day to make these decisions.

Should I just give up at this point & make due with what I have?


Any advice or suggestions would be MUCH appreciated

UPDATE

Well - I guess all I needed was a little DIS bride pixie dust

I was off work today so I tried the office & Linda answered

She was VERY apologetic - they had someone working in the office that had made mistakes on many of the weddings that Randy worked on during the time of my event.

As it turns out the 800+ images I thought I had were my proofs - I actually have 1821 images She also pulled my file & Randy had done my photoshopped work as well & she is sending me a DVD of these



I have received quite a few PM's - to those of you that sent them - a BIG THANK YOU!!!! - I am trying to respond to all of them but it is taking some time - so until I get to yours please know that your kindness will always mean the world to me

Sometimes knowing you are not alone & that others have had the same types of issues really helps - after all - isn't that what the DIS is all about

 

[Maggimus]

I have been mostly a lurker here for a couple of years – I never got around to a PJ or TR My DFTW was in Nov 07

I learned so much from you ladies about vendors & I am ever so grateful for the advice. I have debated on if I should post this but, I have tried to resolve the issue on my own & I am now at a loss. I would like to start by saying that this is in no way shape or form intended to be a bash. I loved Randy Chapman & even with the situation I am in now, I still think I received a much better deal than using DPS. So, I would like to just list the facts & hopefully maybe you guys can give me some advice.

I hired Chapman photography soon after finding the DIS – in fact I told my then DF this was a MUST – after seeing all of the amazing work & his pricing how could I not . I had some issues early on with being able to reach Randy or Linda, calls not being returned, emails not answered, etc….. but; I had read that they were disorganized & besides I figured they were artists & knew it wouldn’t matter in the end because my pics would be AMAZING.

My wedding was at the WP with a WH room & patio reception followed by an Illuminations dessert party. We had unlimited coverage that started around 10:00am-10:00pm.

We had problems on that day – both my now DH & myself are EXTREMELY light sensitive so I didn’t think the usual pics he takes on the GF Beach would be a good idea especially with a 2:30 ceremony – we didn’t see each other prior to the wedding so there were pre pics around 1:00pm & after pics with DH & I until about 4:30pm. I reminded him that I had discussed this with him but, he assured me that they were looking great & that I would be very happy.

This is what we received shortly after Christmas:

(3)Hi-Res DVDs which contained about 847 color images & 154 B&Ws – we also received a proof album containing about 400 pics.

We also had are engagement pics done 4 days after our wedding & received 69 color images from that session were included on one of the wedding DVDs

Again, I would like to point out that I am aware that this is already much more than I would have received with DPS & that I know the Chapman contract does not specify an exact amount of images that you will receive. Here are my specific issues:

(1)We paid them almost $4000 for 12 hours of coverage. I have read MANY TR & even Intimate brides are posting they are receiving well over 1000 pics.

(2)Out of my 847 images 276 are completely unusable – these are the pics from the GF beach – are eyes are completely closed or very squinty – there are a few far away shots of us walking, etc that are good for scenery but for the most part we can’t do much with them – even the pics that are of other wedding party members/guests (which are not light sensitive) are not usable because they are so squinty.

(3)We received no photoshopped images either on the DVDs or as prints – my contract does not state that we will receive these types of shots but it seams to be pretty standard – Randy even mentioned during our engagement shoot a few days later about some of the special effects he was already working on.

(4)Our engagement pics were taken @ 11:00am & not knowing the results of the previous shots I didn’t think anything of us being out – we also received no B&Ws or photoshopped images from this shoot although I’m not sure photoshopped images are standard with the engagement shoot.


I understand that we cannot do over the day. I think at this point I would be happy with the rest of my original & photoshopped images.

I have called & left numerous messages with Chapman photography & sent several emails – I have not received a response to any of them over the last 6 months.

We still have a flush mount album, 2 parent books, & a bunch of prints to pick out. I would like to have everything that was taken on that day to make these decisions.

Should I just give up at this point & make due with what I have?


Any advice or suggestions would be MUCH appreciated

Absolutely Not! Do not give up! If I need to call Randy personally for you, I will. You deserve the rest of the package that you are entitled to. As for not getting photoshopped photos- he can always do that with some of your photos now- it isnt too late. Im sorry about the squinty/closed eye problem. To be honest, I had the same issue with DH (however my eyes were always open). DH has issues with being wide eyed without his sunglasses (more like a dependancy now). If you want me to show you my photos (of DH's eyes shut) it might make you feel better. If you look back at my TR I think every photo with DH that i put on there that Randy shot- DHs eyes were shut. Unfortunately, I was disappointed... however I know that no one can control my husbands eyes-- and even low light outdoors in the middle of the day can make someone squint. I do feel incredibly sorry for you and dont want you to have this terrible taste in your mouth about Chapman Photography, because I do feel your experience, although not to be excused, is one in a million. Personally, I'll do whatever I can to get your photos where you are pleased with them. I know that its your wedding day and those keepsakes are essentially all you have to take with you through the road of life (asside from memories). I haven't corresponded with Randy in months but I certainly will to help you out. Please do not give up. Im sorry you were disappointed. Im sure you looked amazing!

 

[mystiichell]

Absolutely Not! Do not give up! If I need to call Randy personally for you, I will. You deserve the rest of the package that you are entitled to. As for not getting photoshopped photos- he can always do that with some of your photos now- it isnt too late. Im sorry about the squinty/closed eye problem. To be honest, I had the same issue with DH (however my eyes were always open). DH has issues with being wide eyed without his sunglasses (more like a dependancy now). If you want me to show you my photos (of DH's eyes shut) it might make you feel better. If you look back at my TR I think every photo with DH that i put on there that Randy shot- DHs eyes were shut. Unfortunately, I was disappointed... however I know that no one can control my husbands eyes-- and even low light outdoors in the middle of the day can make someone squint. I do feel incredibly sorry for you and dont want you to have this terrible taste in your mouth about Chapman Photography, because I do feel your experience, although not to be excused, is one in a million. Personally, I'll do whatever I can to get your photos where you are pleased with them. I know that its your wedding day and those keepsakes are essentially all you have to take with you through the road of life (asside from memories). I haven't corresponded with Randy in months but I certainly will to help you out. Please do not give up. Im sorry you were disappointed. Im sure you looked amazing!

MAGGIE!!!!

It's so good to hear from you my wedding twin except I was a year late

I never see anything from the brides that were here when I first came on the DIS - Yours & Tiffany's pics are what made me decide that I HAD TO HAVE RANDY - this was not even an option as far as I was concerned. I even told him during our first phone conversation to put a note in my file that I wanted my pics to be "just like Maggie's".

I think that is why the situation is/has been so frustrating This was the one thing I was sure of & didn't worry about. I agonized over menus & lost sleep over shades of flowers but I was so confident & sure of myself about the photography.

I will agree with your "one in a millon" comment - Even while I was researching Randy I made the comment to someone that "I'm sure someone's wedding day was messed up by Chapman Photography but, I can't find it" & I know this has to be a VERY rare case & I am not saying that the day was messed up - just the situation.

Thank you for you kind words - they mean alot.

 

[caryndisneydiva]

i definitely think that you should keep calling him, emailing him, send a certified letter if you have to.

they didn't send me photoshopped prints, i had to call and ask for them and linda sent them separately.

as far as the 276 unusable pics, i had many many many closed eyes, etc on the dvd's that he sent me. i wasn't mad about that though because i've heard time and again that usually only 10% of the pics are album worthy, so i was happy with what i got. now, that being said, i had him for about 5ish hours and got upwards of 1800 pics on 4 dvd's, so you obviously should have gotten more than what you did...

let us know how this turns out for you, i'm sure that they'll make the situation right for you!

 

[mystiichell]

i definitely think that you should keep calling him, emailing him, send a certified letter if you have to.

they didn't send me photoshopped prints, i had to call and ask for them and linda sent them separately.

as far as the 276 unusable pics, i had many many many closed eyes, etc on the dvd's that he sent me. i wasn't mad about that though because i've heard time and again that usually only 10% of the pics are album worthy, so i was happy with what i got. now, that being said, i had him for about 5ish hours and got upwards of 1800 pics on 4 dvd's, so you obviously should have gotten more than what you did...

let us know how this turns out for you, i'm sure that they'll make the situation right for you!

Thank you so much for the advice - BTW your pictures were AMAZING - very classic/timeless

 

[Lynn5700]

Yeah I would keep calling..call every hour if you have to until you speak with somebody..that is a shame about not getting a lot of images...we had him from 9 to 1 and have over 1400 pictures. I did recieve photoshopped pics in my proof album and I got the B&Ws too so he sent over 600 proofs to me with the 4 cds 1 of photoshopped pics,2 of regular pics and 1 with the proo.

Sorry bout this let us know what happens..I'm sure they will take care of it.Good Luck.

 

[Chilly]

Good luck sorting it out. I've just booked Randy so will be interested in finding out what happens.

 

[PRPrincess1081]

I have been mostly a lurker here for a couple of years – I never got around to a PJ or TR My DFTW was in Nov 07

I learned so much from you ladies about vendors & I am ever so grateful for the advice. I have debated on if I should post this but, I have tried to resolve the issue on my own & I am now at a loss. I would like to start by saying that this is in no way shape or form intended to be a bash. I loved Randy Chapman & even with the situation I am in now, I still think I received a much better deal than using DPS. So, I would like to just list the facts & hopefully maybe you guys can give me some advice.

I hired Chapman photography soon after finding the DIS – in fact I told my then DF this was a MUST – after seeing all of the amazing work & his pricing how could I not . I had some issues early on with being able to reach Randy or Linda, calls not being returned, emails not answered, etc….. but; I had read that they were disorganized & besides I figured they were artists & knew it wouldn’t matter in the end because my pics would be AMAZING.

My wedding was at the WP with a WH room & patio reception followed by an Illuminations dessert party. We had unlimited coverage that started around 10:00am-10:00pm.

We had problems on that day – both my now DH & myself are EXTREMELY light sensitive so I didn’t think the usual pics he takes on the GF Beach would be a good idea especially with a 2:30 ceremony – we didn’t see each other prior to the wedding so there were pre pics around 1:00pm & after pics with DH & I until about 4:30pm. I reminded him that I had discussed this with him but, he assured me that they were looking great & that I would be very happy.

This is what we received shortly after Christmas:

(3)Hi-Res DVDs which contained about 847 color images & 154 B&Ws – we also received a proof album containing about 400 pics.

We also had are engagement pics done 4 days after our wedding & received 69 color images from that session were included on one of the wedding DVDs

Again, I would like to point out that I am aware that this is already much more than I would have received with DPS & that I know the Chapman contract does not specify an exact amount of images that you will receive. Here are my specific issues:

(1)We paid them almost $4000 for 12 hours of coverage. I have read MANY TR & even Intimate brides are posting they are receiving well over 1000 pics.

(2)Out of my 847 images 276 are completely unusable – these are the pics from the GF beach – are eyes are completely closed or very squinty – there are a few far away shots of us walking, etc that are good for scenery but for the most part we can’t do much with them – even the pics that are of other wedding party members/guests (which are not light sensitive) are not usable because they are so squinty.

(3)We received no photoshopped images either on the DVDs or as prints – my contract does not state that we will receive these types of shots but it seams to be pretty standard – Randy even mentioned during our engagement shoot a few days later about some of the special effects he was already working on.

(4)Our engagement pics were taken @ 11:00am & not knowing the results of the previous shots I didn’t think anything of us being out – we also received no B&Ws or photoshopped images from this shoot although I’m not sure photoshopped images are standard with the engagement shoot.


I understand that we cannot do over the day. I think at this point I would be happy with the rest of my original & photoshopped images.

I have called & left numerous messages with Chapman photography & sent several emails – I have not received a response to any of them over the last 6 months.

We still have a flush mount album, 2 parent books, & a bunch of prints to pick out. I would like to have everything that was taken on that day to make these decisions.

Should I just give up at this point & make due with what I have?


Any advice or suggestions would be MUCH appreciated

My wedding is not till 2009 and so far each time that I have called him or sent him an email he has responded. I usually try to call as early as 9 am and Linda seems to answer each time. I would just continue trying.

 

[calismic]

I don't know if theres another telephone number, but I have his cell phone # and out of the 3 times I've had to call him, twice he's answered and once he called me back within the hour. Good luck, I'm sure everything will work out!

 

[dmslush]

I was able to reach Linda by calling at 8am on a friday morning. Someone else on the board suggested this to me when I had some issues.

 

[Dreamer24]

First, make sure you have the correct number. Try the office and Randy's cell. I've always either gotten him on the first try or gotten a phone call back within hours.

I specifically requested photoshopped and black and whites. With that being said, it is something that can be done at any point and i am sure if you talk to Randy about your situation, he will do that for you. He is a great guy and customer satisfaction seems important to him.

One last tidbit, check your dvd and the numbers of the photos. Are there pictures missing? When we first got our dvd, it was missing every photo that was put on the website, the b&ws and the photoshopped. A quick call to Linda and I had a new dvd within a week!

 

[PrincessBride010103]

First let me say I'm very sorry you're dealing with this . I find it's easiest to reach Linda from 7-2 at the office number. I had Randy from 11:30am to almost 10 pm and I received 800 color proofs, 200 b&ws, no photoshop prints. I have 6 DVDs full of pics, I think somewhere in the neighborhood of 2000. My DH squinted his eyes on purpose outside because it was hot and he thought Randy would take him inside faster if he was squinting . I think you should definately give Linda a call during the office hours and see what she says. I just talked to her the other day about choosing pics for my albums. Keep us updated

 

[mystiichell]

Yeah I would keep calling..call every hour if you have to until you speak with somebody..that is a shame about not getting a lot of images...we had him from 9 to 1 and have over 1400 pictures. I did recieve photoshopped pics in my proof album and I got the B&Ws too so he sent over 600 proofs to me with the 4 cds 1 of photoshopped pics,2 of regular pics and 1 with the proo.

Thank You - BTW - your pics are FAB

Sorry bout this let us know what happens..I'm sure they will take care of it.Good Luck.

Thank You

Good luck sorting it out. I've just booked Randy so will be interested in finding out what happens.

Thank You - You will be very happy you did

I don't know if theres another telephone number, but I have his cell phone # and out of the 3 times I've had to call him, twice he's answered and once he called me back within the hour. Good luck, I'm sure everything will work out!

Thank you

First, make sure you have the correct number. Try the office and Randy's cell. I've always either gotten him on the first try or gotten a phone call back within hours.

Thank You

He is a great guy and customer satisfaction seems important to him.

Yes it Is

One last tidbit, check your dvd and the numbers of the photos. Are there pictures missing? When we first got our dvd, it was missing every photo that was put on the website, the b&ws and the photoshopped. A quick call to Linda and I had a new dvd within a week!

Thank You

First let me say I'm very sorry you're dealing with this . I find it's easiest to reach Linda from 7-2 at the office number. I had Randy from 11:30am to almost 10 pm and I received 800 color proofs, 200 b&ws, no photoshop prints. I have 6 DVDs full of pics, I think somewhere in the neighborhood of 2000. My DH squinted his eyes on purpose outside because it was hot and he thought Randy would take him inside faster if he was squinting . I think you should definately give Linda a call during the office hours and see what she says. I just talked to her the other day about choosing pics for my albums. Keep us updated

Thanks so much - your pics are great - I'm sure you & Eric are going to have quite the looker on your hands when your prince arrives

 

[PrincessBride010103]

I'm so glad you got everything worked out

 

[Keira1387]

I'm glad to hear it worked out!!!

 

[Maggimus]

Im glad it worked out too!!! YAY for nearly 2000 pics!!

 

[DecemberBride]

I just got caught up and I'm soooo glad it worked out... that just didn't sound like Randy at all! YAY for being persistant!

 

[BaBeeCee14]

Yay! Glad to hear everything worked out!!

 

[Lynn5700]

Aww good!!! See it will be fine!!!!!!!! I knew it would Isn't Linda a doll I love her!

 

[BayouPrincess]

OH how wonderful! I'm so glad things are working out for you.