*Transparency on Reviews: A Reflection by Paul D Manke, Wedding Photographer for 24 Years*

When I first started my journey as a wedding photographer, reviews weren't even a consideration—word of mouth was the ultimate review. And, not to brag, but after a decade of hard work, business was booming. We were shooting 40 to 50 weddings a year, which, at the time, was a testament to the quality of our work. The early 2000s were simpler times when recommendations came from friends, not strangers on the internet.

It wasn't until around 2010, when Instagram started to eclipse Facebook, that reviews became part of our culture. At first, reviews were mostly for products, restaurants, and cars—not services like wedding photography. Even the psychological aspect of leaving reviews was different. People didn't naturally write positive reviews, and honestly, writing a bad one wasn’t our first instinct either. If something went wrong, we might mention it, but overall, leaving positive feedback wasn't something that crossed people's minds in the way it does now.

Fast forward to today, and reviews have become one of the most significant factors in someone choosing to hire, buy, or try an experience. As a photographer who built his business during an era where reviews weren’t part of the conversation, I’ll admit—I haven't asked for them consistently. It’s a shortcoming on my part, especially after having captured hundreds of weddings, family sessions, and senior graduations. 

But let’s be transparent here—that’s my fault. I’ve let countless opportunities for clients to share their feedback pass by. Now, looking back, I understand just how valuable those reviews would be, not just for future clients but for me as a business owner. 

However, there’s a side of reviews I think is important to address, especially in the context of weddings. Weddings are highly emotional events, and sometimes, the clients you meet in the consultation are not the same people on their wedding day. Stress, family dynamics, difficult wedding parties, and even challenging vendors can impact the day. 

There have been situations where I wish I could leave a review on clients, too. Sometimes, the day doesn’t go as planned due to factors beyond anyone’s control—like a location that didn’t work well, background choices that weren’t ideal, or family members creating tension. Yet, when a review comes in, those details are often missing. Instead, I’m the one who ends up being blamed for circumstances I had no control over.

It’s not easy to get a negative review. It stings. But there are always two sides to every story. What would be ideal is a little transparency from clients—a review that shares the full picture, not just one that points a finger. 

I understand the importance of reviews now, and I’ll be making them a more integral part of my business. But, as we move forward, I hope there’s a shift towards more balanced, thoughtful feedback from both sides of the lens.