Recently, a last minute audition came up that required a professional headshot, so I searched for headshot photographers in the area and I found Paul Pruitt Photography. I called Paul, and he told me he could fit me in the next day at 5:30/6PM. Unfortunately, when the time of the appointment came, all contact was lost with him. I tried calling, texting, e-mail, he simply would not reply to any of them. Then, I went to his studio in Wilmington, and there was nobody there. It wouldn't be until two days later, only after I tracked down his personal Facebook and messaged him there, that I managed to get in contact with him. His reply was a simple, "I am having family issues, please find someone else." And that was it.
Family issue or no, it was highly unprofessional of him to not give me the courtesy of at least letting me know that he would be unavailable so that I could find another headshot photographer in time. My only option became to submit a homemade headshot, which will most likely significantly decrease my chances of getting noticed by the casting directors. And the worst part is that he didn't even apologize. He might as well have said "f*** off."
This man is unreliable, untrustworthy, inconsiderate, and clearly does not care about his customers. He had the audacity to set an appointment and completely shrug me off until it was too late. I can't even tell if his "family issues" story is real, as his Facebook wall suggested he was happily watching the Super Bowl while I was desperately trying to contact him.
Regardless, the simple fact of the matter is that I relied on him, and he screwed me over. My audition might as well be ruined. This is simply not good business practice. If you want a trustworthy photographer who cares about his customers and who will keep his appointments, I highly recommend you find someone else.