Photographer Question

tasseyd

Hi Ladies,
    I'm in the beginning stages of planning my wedding and have met with four photographers. It was completely overwhelming, but I think we found the one we like. The only thing is he wants 50% of the bill now, which is no problem, but he wants the other 50% 45 days before the wedding. Is this normal?  The other photographers we met with, had final payment the day of or after the wedding. I do know someone who used him 6 years ago and that was not part of the contract. Should I be eerie of this?
                                                    Thanks so much,
                                                                 Diane

Nina9

It is a little unusual to ask for the balance that far ahead, Diane.  Most photographers require the balance on or by the wedding day, or whenever they deliver the final images.

If it's putting you off and is a potential dealbreaker, I'd suggest asking the photographer whether you can pay the balance the day of or send a post-dated check in advance.  They will likely be amenable to one of those as it's not something worth losing a potential client over.

Ally55

Yes, that is weird. I would really consider not going with this photographer for this reason. 

Caterers need to be paid before your wedding because they are buying food, photographers on the other hand don't have a reason to ask for the remaining balance 45 days prior. 

What happens if you pay and he isn't able to preform his duties for any reason? 

AnnaScarlett

This is not unusual.  I think the standard is 30days, not 45.  This gives your check time to clear and prevents bounced check issues among other things.  I think it varies from 30 days to day of.  Ask the photographer why he wants it 45 days, I'm sure he has a good reason.

If hes been in biz over 6 years, he sounds reputible and probably has hundres of references for you to check out.

slwilliams84

Hi I'm a fellow wedding photographer just from Texas and that is quite normal with the photographers here.  30-45 days out is when we normally collect.  This means the check can clear and the day after the wedding the photographer can start working on your photos with no worries.  If the photographer has to collect on the day of the wedding that means they have to approach someone asking for payment and that is very difficult and sometimes awkward.  I'm sure your photographer just wants the logistics out of the way so that he or she can focus on your wedding and getting the perfect shots, not with collecting money and hoping it doesn't get lost.  Hope this helps some!

inkulio73

30 days is typical.  Not sure why he wants the balance 45 days out.  I'd ask them about it.

If any vendor needs to be paid in order to buy ingredients or flowers or whatever, they should not be in business or need to take an accounting class and learn about managing their cashflow.

tasseyd

Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it.

Haring

I don't think that is normal. Be careful!

Haring

I am also a photographer and I have received three inquiries where the couple hired a photographer who disappeared with the money before even doing the engagement photos. It happened in the Miami area. They opened a criminal investigation already. The bottom line only give the other half after he shows up (at least) at you wedding. 

blackfin5024

if you feel strange ask to break it uo in thirds...... with the last one due by day of wedding... thats the easiest if you ask me....protects you and him/her...because they have to be at the wedding to get the final payment

TxMensan

It's perfectly normal.  30 days prior is more common, but 45 is reasonable for a good photographer. 

The comparison with the caterer is silly...  Photographers can only be in one place at a time - so they're turning away work once you book.  Also, no one wants to be dealing with paying vendors on the wedding day - and no vendor wants to deal with tracking down money on the wedding day.

gingerbride2011

Best thing to do is just ask them if they are flexible and if you can work out something where you both are happy.  If they want the business... they will and they should be flexible with you.

Don't be shy... just ask.