So, you thinking about photography or film coverage or both on your special day and it’s a good investment, yes it certainly is! However, there should be a few questions that come to mind and things to consider…So in light of recent events with Launch Films thought would put a little post up for couples to consider and keep in mind. I am not going to cover the areas such as equipment, styles, hours etc – this is another area alone ???? The same event happened about 2 – 3 years ago no in Perth with another film person called Enchanted Films and countless couples came unstuck – after much advice and recommendations from the ACCC including a media release it was only months later and couples were falling for the same trap and becoming unstuck again very sadly…
Please keep in mind this is really to help you understand what you should consider looking for or keeping in mind when selecting. Unfortunately, this is a very unregulated market and anyone can pick up a camera and call themselves a professional! You don’t need special licenses or qualifications like most trades and professionals. So, what are things to keep in mind and maybe consider asking and engaging? Feel free to take these on and use as you feel.
Cost?
Be very mindful that cheap or cheapest is not always best! There is a VERY good reason why someone is cheap and you will need to understand why this is and if it’s a once in a lifetime investment for most couples is it worth really cutting back on the memories that last a life time?
Payments?
Be very wary of anyone that demands payment up front of full amount. A small percentage booking deposit is common with most.
Accredited?
Are they associated or accredited with any organisation or backing? If they have nothing behind them then you should start to wander why not? Because I don’t feel like it or I am too good for it or counts for nothing don’t really justify a reason. Majority of businesses today will have some sort. The ACCC strongly recommends that you do not use anyone that is not part of the AIPP. They will tell you this over the phone, on the website and media releases.
http://www.capturemag.com.au/latest/aipp-receives-accc-approval-for-accreditation-standards
ABN?
Are they an actual registered business and how long have they been operating for? You can easily do a bit of a look up if you not sure and get some ideas online through the government website. A large portion are not even registered as a business and operating illegally doing cashys on the side and hoping not to get caught.
Public Liability Insurance?
This is major one also. As per most businesses and setups you would not hire, recruit or work for an employer that does not hold public liability insurance. If you are have some coverage for your day and they are working around family and friends, ceremony and reception setups etc best make sure they carry this and have it.
Recommendations and Reviews?
Not always a bad thing, but keep in and be wary of reviews that can be loaded by friends. Or the opposite where reviews are blocked or turned off.
These are just a few tips and things to keep in mind and use how you will. For me one thing I strongly recommend is when couples book and if you are paying anything from a few thousand up to maybe $8000 or more make sure there are tick boxes. If not you will go into this blindly and if they disappear or go under you will not have a leg to stand on. If they claim to be professional and a professionally run business they should be able to provide and back all the above and more no problems.
So when you consider booking someone and departing with a lot of hard earned invested money, ask yourself a few questions and whether you are handing all that money over to a complete stranger with a website or a professional business. Its not hard to get scammed out now days! If you don’t feel right about it, don’t risk it. Not worth losing all that money and the special day you planned. The ACCC will have further reading on their website and if not sure call them up to do a check on the supplier.
All the best and please do some basic homework, ask some questions and do not let yourself or friends come unstuck. This is happening about every 2 – 3years now because couples are not making educated decisions, so lets educate and combine for a better result and less stress ????
You are all welcome to comment, ask any questions or advice. We hope as the end result it helps couples to understand things a little better and to make those decisions or really ask those questions if needed. Do not be scared to as it’s a big investment of money and a life time experience. Cannot imagine anything more frustrating and saddening then what couples have to go through!
Handing all your money over to a random stranger is not much different to a phone scam…if you would not do that, then why hand over to someone who has a website and says they are professional without being able to back it. Certainly a risk I would never take!
Thank you,
Mark