Our Photography Services

Trading Standards

Abraxas Photography is Trading Standards Approved (TSA)


What is TSA and how does it benefit you?
Trading Standards Approved is run by Bedford Borough Council Trading Standards Service.

The aim of the scheme is to improve business standards and increase customer confidence in member businesses. Each year the Trading Standards Service receives thousands of complaints about local businesses.

The scheme is a positive move to improve the way in which traders deal with consumers. There is no place in it for rogue traders who do not care for customer satisfaction or compliance with the law.

By joining the scheme businesses are demonstrating a commitment to customer care and fair-trading.

Trading Standards will continue to work closely with scheme members, and will carry out monitoring exercises to help make sure high standards are maintained.

Why are we Trading Standards Approved and what does it mean to you, the consumer?
In 2010 Abraxas Photography applied to become members of the Trading Standards Approved Scheme. Following an audit carried out by Bedford Borough Council we know that we are demonstrating a commitment to customer care and fair-trading.

After 15 years of trading as professional photographers we are faced with an ever increasing number of part-time amateur photographers attempting to offer a professional service. In a time where websites are easy to design and market it is very difficult for the consumer to know exactly who they are trusting for their wedding day photography.

In a time where job cuts are very high many ‘keen photographers’ are looking to supplement incomes by earning money at weekends shooting weddings. As a company we cannot and do not attempt to compete with part timers on service and price.

Becoming a member of the scheme is more important to some consumers than photographers who have letters after their name. Some photographic associations offer qualifications by assessing a small number of images and taking a yearly subscription.

Having shot over 1000 weddings in 20 years demonstrates more than just exceptional photographic skill, it demonstrates that we are both reliable and professional.

Recently we received two calls from couples who’s Milton Keynes based photographer is no longer trading. Having paid a deposit they lost their money and were without a photographer.

In 2010 we received several enquiries from couples whose photographer had let them down very close to their wedding day. The reasons included; being unwell / expecting / feeling out of depth and equipment failure.

The above reasons are all perfectly valid; no photographer can ever guarantee that he/she will personally be able to attend your wedding. Illness or other unforeseen circumstances may occur, resulting in your chosen photographer not being able to cover your wedding day. However an established professional photographer will have the ability to provide adequate back up without it causing you unnecessary concern.

Naturally many people shop on price alone and you may find our rates more expensive than some photographers whilst less than others. However we can assure you our prices are very competitive, fair and not misleading in any way (part of the TSA criteria).

Finally if you are looking for a wedding day photographer and decide not to use us, please ensure that regardless of who you choose, the first questions to ask include:

• Are you a full-time professional photographer?
• How many weddings have you been commissioned to shoot professionally?
• Do you have adequate back up in case of illness or unforeseen circumstances?
• Are you part of a recognised scheme which monitors the standard of your service?

If you aren’t immediately filled with confidence, go to somebody else. Regardless of the price or the value of what is being offered choose a professional photographer.