Travel In Time Photography

I loved their website as it looked like they did beautiful clear photographs, however, they obviously put out their very best photography. So I decided to contact them as I was searching for a wedding photographer for my June 2011 wedding.
In the initial email, I complimented them on their photos and requested more information on their packages. They sent back a very comprehensive email that showed their standard (cheapest) wedding packages, which included 5 hrs, 2 photographers and a 20 page flush mount 8×8 album. I don’t remember what the price was, but I remember it not being cheap. So I emailed them back asking if they would be able to do something if I increased my budget. They replied that at my asking price of 1300, they could do 3 hrs of coverage, which would barely cover my ceremony and formal pictures. They informed me that their rate was 275/​hr and that they were increasing it for 2011-​12. If I could do something more along the lines of 1900 – 2000, then they’d be more than happy to discuss. They also explained that most people pay for too many hours (8 hrs), and that half of the pictures end up being «party» pictures — which is what I wanted since it shows people having a great time at your wedding.
I asked if I could see a full wedding (which is a typical question to ask, and brides, you SHOULD request this because that will showcase a photographer’s real talent) and then this is where they got really rude. They said that if I’d checked the blog and the slide show (again, a set of selected pictures), that those would be «reflective» of the whole day. Obviously, they cannot put up 750 images from a wedding and that they do not provide access to private wedding galleries. Many photographers I’d interviewed previously asked their previous clients if they could use their wedding photos to show new clients, this is standard. I was so taken aback and a little hurt by their curt reply, I did not contact them again. If they were rude in email to a potential client who obviously wanted to hire them, chances are very good that they are rude in person — not something I wanted during my wedding.

As I was looking for a photographer for my wedding this september, I came across Travel in Time Photography on WPJA (wedding photo journalist association). Checked out the website. looks pretty good. decided to meet them. I met the owner Derek and his wife Liqun, as they both will be shooters for the wedding.
The meeting was fine. derek talks a lot, reminds me of a used car salesman. He keeps bragging about WPJA and AG (Artistic Guild, which is a division within WPJA). they didn’t show any genuine interest in us (at least that’s how I felt when I left the meeting).
Nevertheless, I like the photos and they were flexible in creating a package that works within our budget. So we decided to book with them but first I need some references. He didn’t feel comfortable giving phone numbers so he provided addresses. He gave me 1 from 2007, 2 from 2008, and 1 from 2009 (3 out of these 4 couples are featured on his website. didn’t think i was going to get unbiased opinion but at least give me some recent weddings.) Anyway, I reached out to them, no one responded!!! So I emailed Derek back asking for some concrete references before we book, and he got offended and think that we question his integrity and cancelled our booking. Well yeah, if I were to invest thousands of dollars on photography for one day, i would need to speak to someone.
This is totally unprofessional and bad business practice. Though I love their work, the fact that he cannot provide concrete references makes me question his creditbility.
Only deserves 1 star. Not recommended