**Update** Photographer Advise

Well I chose my photographer about 2 months ago, and I absolutely LOVE her!! Here is my dilemma, we gave her a $1000 deposit over the phone in order for her to “hold our date” until we could meet to sign the contract. I called her last week to arrange a time to sign the contract and meet, and she informs me that she will need a total of 50% down payment (in cash if we want to save on taxes which is about $800). Now I feel like that is a big down payment for an independent photographer. Our wedding isn’t for another year, and I am not so comfortable just handing her all this money now. Especially with the whole scandal that just happened with Celebration Studios. How am I supposed to know that I will be able to even find her next year. Even though she’s very reputable, but she works out of a small office in Chinatown, she could pack up and leave whenever. I would feel better giving her a little bit of a payment over time, like maybe another $1500 before we do our engagement shoot, and then some more by the time of the wedding. I don’t think I should give her 100% until at least I receive my proofs.

Instead of talking about this over the phone, I thought FH and I would show up to our scheduled appointment with her on Wednesday and tell her how I feel. I have no intentions on bringing any cash with me, and if she’s not willing to compromise I may have to give up my dream photographer.

What do you girls think?? What are your payment plans with your photogs??

TIA


**UPDATE**

So I just came back from meeting with Autumn, and she was so understanding. We came to a payment plan that worked for both of us. I am so relieved bc I was afraid I was going to have to pick a new photog and I really fell in love with her work. We decided on 3 additional pmts to the deposit which we gave, and the last wont be until she gives us our proofs.

I completely agree with you. I think that is a little crazy since you just gave her $1000 over the phone just to hold the date.

I would meet with her on Wednesday and let her know how you feel, tell her your concerns about horror stories when it comes to photograhers and see if she can work out another payment plan with you. I think a lot of vendors come up with an amt or payment plans just so they can tell people what they expect, but I def. think most will work with you!

I would hate for you to loose your dream photographer over something like payment plans. I hope it all works out for you!

Good luck!!

wow that is a lot of money to put something on hold. I have heard of maybe 10% 20% but I do not know what her cost is. I think a down payment should be a partial payment thats all I have ever heard of. $1000 seems like a lot to just put down on something.

If she is independant then it is just sketchy to me that she wants so much money.

That sounds like a lot of money to lay out upfront. Maybe she can work out a payment plan with you?

We just had to give $1000 for both photo and video. We pay half of the remaining deposit one month before the wedding and the other half when we pick up the proofs.

wait what was the scandal???????

---

Posted by aliska21

wait what was the scandal???????

---

Click link below to read story

Bride gets burned by Studios meltdown

that sounds fishy. i did deal with 1 photographer who asked for 50% of the package without album prices factored in, so it was really only a 3rd of the total cost. the place we're booking with wants 1/3 to hold the date, 1/3 just before the wedding, and the final third in the album stage.

i think you're right to feel uncomfortable.