Photographer payment question

Original post by mybluelove1

May 15, 2009 04:40 PM

I haven't signed my photographer's contract yet because I noticed he wants the remaining payment of $2,000 on the wedding day in cash. Is anyone else paying their full amount before receiving their photos? Doesn't sound right to me and would love to know what payment plans are out there so that I can go back to him and work something else out.

Thank you!

asg450 Posted: May 16, 2009 12:06 AM

Re: Photographer payment question

Our last payment for the photog is after the wedding when we receive our photo's.

I've met with other photog's that wanted the balance paid in full before the wedding; a lot of vendors are like this. But I'm very glad we don't need to finish paying the photog until I see my pictures.

Cassie15 Posted: May 16, 2009 12:17 AM

Re: Photographer payment question

We worked with Duet and we paid by official bank check on the day of the wedding. This ensures both parties for security reasons. Since it's an official bank check, the bank won't type up an official check unless the funds are available from your account. And this way, the photographer you're working with will feel secure knowing that the check you're giving him won't bounce. I think if you bring that up as an alternative to cash it should not be a problem. The only concern with paying your photographer by cash is you can't dispute it once he gets the full payment. Even though you get the receipt indicating that you have paid by cash, there is no official record of it meaning they can go back into the computer or invoice records and change it. Just be careful if you do decide to go with that direction.

Sweeteey51 Posted: May 16, 2009 01:25 AM

Re: Photographer payment question

Posted by Cassie15

Even though you get the receipt indicating that you have paid by cash, there is no official record of it meaning they can go back into the computer or invoice records and change it. Just be careful if you do decide to go with that direction.

Well that can happen with any vendor to be honest. lol

Cassie15 Posted: May 16, 2009 01:40 AM

Re: Photographer payment question

Posted by Sweeteey51

Posted by Cassie15

Even though you get the receipt indicating that you have paid by cash, there is no official record of it meaning they can go back into the computer or invoice records and change it. Just be careful if you do decide to go with that direction.

Well that can happen with any vendor to be honest. lol

That is true. For all of the vendors particularly with venues, photography, make-up, dress, etc. it's never really safe to pay by cash unless you know that is exactly what you want or you receive the product. I would be wary of any vendor that ask for payment in full by cash esp if it's a business in a store. This is why I'm suggesting an official bank check which is what I did for my wedding to secure both parties. This way it's not a total loss and you have actual proof of the payment even if the vendor has no record. In this case, since it's with a photographer, he or she can say that they never received the payment esp if they're a staff member and pocket the money. However with an official bank check it states the business name as well as your name on the check. Just to be on the safe side.

lucamon Posted: May 16, 2009 01:48 AM

Re: Photographer payment question

We paid in full with cash 3 days before our wedding. We didnt' want to be bother with all that cash on the day of. But my photog is big company and they have a good reputation. If you don't feel comfortable with this photographer, write them a check 1 week before the wedding so it will clear by your wedding day.

lissylissa Posted: May 16, 2009 07:50 AM

Re: Photographer payment question

we pay the final when we get the pics after the wedding!!!!

FutureMrsG Posted: May 16, 2009 12:11 PM

Re: Photographer payment question

We have to pay the majority of the payment before we get our photos only $400 is due at p/u of the photos/video

Tracey1979 Posted: May 16, 2009 12:41 PM

Re: Photographer payment question

Posted by MC127

Posted by RitasEngaged

my remaining payment is when i receive my proofs

thats what I am expected to do.

me too.

MrsCtoB Posted: May 16, 2009 04:33 PM

Re: Photographer payment question

I wouldn't give all the money before getting the proofs back. What if you never hear from them again.

ANT-N-BON-09 Posted: May 16, 2009 05:20 PM

Re: Photographer payment question

i think i should read my contract! I have noo idea!

Nina1010 Posted: May 16, 2009 06:41 PM

Re: Photographer payment question

I pay most of the balance before the wedding and the remaining 20% when I pick up the pictures and video.This just makes sense to me, but its their standard practice. I don't know if I would have signed otherwise. Most places make you wait 5 -6 months for your pics... my place less than a month. I guess the balance is an incentive to get the work done, which keeps a good work flow going. My friend wait a year for her TY cards and album and she didn't even have rights to her own pics. Make sure you have the rights before you sign.