Brother or Photographer at fault - or both?

[tofu]

thanks...the info is sketchy but Mum said the photographer was taking their photo the other day(so I assumed he contacted them and told them he was taking photos(as he is a friend of theirs) and then the photo that we paid for was a surprise gift...still unsure...but brother didn't elaborate when I asked him if he received it..not sure what it is..maybe he didn't want a photo..maybe you are right. Photographer said he was giving it to them on the night of the bbq. Only found out there was a birthday celebration from photographer otherwise didn't know. Me thinks brother is moving on and doesn't want anything to do with us..(mum is ageing) and he has a young wife and family...(I know she doesn't like the fact that my mum is very elderly) and visually impaired, etc

[Livinthedream]

I think your brother should have said thankyou, and is rude for not doing so.
As for the photographer, I would have sent a quick txt to you to say that the job had been completed.
I often do things like this (supply surprise gifts from hubby's) and although I only send a tax receipt if its asked for, I always let them know the status of the order, and when it has been delivered.

[surprised]

If you're wondering, why not send a quick polite email to the photographer asking how the shoot went and if he was able to give the photo to your brother yet? Thank him for his time and effort, especially since you live so far away and weren't able to give the gift to your brother in person. Tell him you're excited to see the shot and look forward to getting a copy from him, and that if he prefers he can email it to you and you'll pass it on to your mum.

Don't over-complicate it hun. Xo

[tofu]

If you're wondering, why not send a quick polite email to the photographer asking how the shoot went and if he was able to give the photo to your brother yet? Thank him for his time and effort, especially since you live so far away and weren't able to give the gift to your brother in person. Tell him you're excited to see the shot and look forward to getting a copy from him, and that if he prefers he can email it to you and you'll pass it on to your mum.

Don't over-complicate it hun. Xo

That is a brilliant suggestion - thankyou!!!