Stop Darien Small
Co-worker Sarah Coates passes along the sad story of her dealings with Darien (Dare) Small, a photographer who’s made it his business to ruin wedding days.
She is among many people who have fallen victim to Small, a photographer who has ruined so many weddings there’s a Web site devoted to him where victims can vent.
Sarah’s story began when she received a card in the mail advertising Small’s services. Such direct marketing usually results when an engaged couple fills out a door prize, raffle slip or other coupon at a bridal show or a store. A lot of legitimate businesses do this to form a potential customer database and sometimes those lists are sold to other companies for legitimate marketing purposes. But sometimes, they fall into the hands of unscrupulous firms.
Sarah was pleasantly surprised by the cost Hall’s outfit quoted – it was $500 less than others. Besides that, he came to her home, was very pleasant, showed off a beautiful sample wedding book, and offered a formal contract. She paid more than $3,000 for a photo package.
Small subcontracted the job to another photographer, who attended the wedding and took the shots. She has a book of thumbnail-sized proofs, but the photographer won’t produce the photos because he hasn’t seen any of the money Small took from Sarah. And it’s not likely he will. Small has been the subject of hundreds of consumer complaints and various investigations across the country. He’s lately been tracked shooting sporting events and trying to sell the photos.
Sarah probably can sue in small claims court, but collecting on a judgment from Small probably will be pretty difficult. He seems to be always on the move.
Meanwhile, she suggests that brides-to-be be wary of low-ball pricing, insist on solid references, and ask friends, family, co-workers and others to recommend a reputable photographer.
The Better Business Bureau also has tips for choosing a wedding photographer.