Amy G.
I chose Sparks because Tom had so many if not all great reviews. I also looked through his photos and they seemed like professional, quality shots. I spoke with Tom on the phone before booking him, and he seemed thoughtful and professional as well. He told me he would probably be the one to shoot my daughter's Doljanchi (major Korean event to celebrate 1st birthday). A couple of days before, he messaged me and told me one of his photographers, Monet would be coming instead. I started to feel unsure about it, since I had only spoken to Tom about what my expectations were and which shot (s) were most important. I specifically hired a photographer for a single shot of my daughter sitting on a table with all her 'blessings'. This is a costly table that is carefully set-up for this specific portrait photograph. This photo is a photo I was going to send out to friends and family as well as a photo for my daughter to look back on to understand her heritage. I reiterated in email and on phone that this was the shot I needed. I also specifically asked for 'no flash' because the entire space was surrounded by windows and natural light (not knowing the photographers abilities to shoot in this condition). The settings were so off, that every single shot (130+) came our blurry regardless of pixels per inch. There was also not enough exposure so all the white surfaces were dark and gray. Side note: You can not edit a photo to have more light, that was not taken with enough exposure. I am not a pro photographer, but I am also not a novice. Even I know how to shoot in these conditions. If you are a paid photographer that is not familiar with no flash photography or you feel there is not enough light to produce quality shots; it is your job to make the professional decision to use a flash; perhaps with a diffuser.
Not only were the settings on the camera off, the photos were framed so poorly, and I didn't get all of the shots I requested. The one shot I did request, she took ONE single photo of with half the table cut off. It was so bad I cried when I saw it because I was so upset. I cried because my baby will never be one again. I cried because we spent weeks getting all the table objects, some from Korea. I cried because I knew I would never get my squirmy baby in that Hanbok ever again with far away family watching. Lesson learned: I should have spent more time on a photographer or given myself time to do it.
Monet also did not greet me when she came in, I had to walk up to her in the midst of setting up and talking to friends and family who flew in from across the country. She didn't say a single word to me except to ask me what a certain object was. She did not smile once, did not say anything really. Tom clearly did not communicate to her what we had discussed. Knowing now, I would have hired a professional photographer three times the cost, to get the one photo Sparks missed. I do blame myself too, but wanted to communicate that anyone else that decides to choose Sparks - speak DIRECTLY to the photographer coming to your event (not just Tom). What a disaster!!! PS. Tom was very professional in responding to my dissatisfaction and refunded half of the charge. He also offered to re-shoot with everything set-up which was not possible. It was nice of him to offer.
