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Photographer deposit

MBunch2013MBunch2013 member
First Comment
in August 2013 Weddings
Hi all! I was wondering what the average deposit for a photographer that you have experienced anyways and when it was due. Our photographer asked for 500 now and our wedding is still 9 months away. One friend commented that this was a lot and early too. The photographer is my old friend also. I just was wondering other people's experiences to see if i should go to her with concerns about it. Thanks!
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Re: Photographer deposit

  • audubonbride2013audubonbride2013 member
    500 Comments 100 Love Its Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    I believe our deposit was $400 and our photography package is only $1900.  The photographer needs a decent amount of money up front so they don't secure your date and have you back out.  Make sure all payments are spelled out in your photography contract.
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  • Xstatic3333Xstatic3333 member
    250 Love Its 500 Comments Third Anniversary First Answer
    Oh wow, ours was 1000. I was told that fifty percent is standard in my area. Maybe check on your local board? I was actually glad to get that spending over with, the amount of things due day of is starting to scare me!
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  • sparkellyysparkellyy member
    100 Comments Second Anniversary
    My deposit was $750 on a $1500 package & I paid when the wedding was more than a year away! I think half is okay - my mom said the same thing, but they need to be guaranteed they will have work on that day too. I wouldn't be nervous with a deposit of $500, just be sure there is a very clear contract and you have a copy!
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  • Tnt082013Tnt082013 member
    100 Comments 25 Love Its Name Dropper First Anniversary
    We paid $500 on 2000 package and the rest on the wedding date. Most in our area asked for anywhere from $1000-half down upfront. Hope this helps. 
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  • emeejeeayenemeejeeayen member
    1000 Comments 25 Love Its Name Dropper First Anniversary
    we paid 25% over a year out. 
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  • Ashelton09Ashelton09 member
    100 Comments First Anniversary
    edited November 2012
    I think mine is a unique situation, but I only had to pay a $100 deposit on a $1,000 package, but I've been making monthly deposits since the beginning of the year. That being said, $500 does seem like a lot, especially from a family friend.
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  • sarahk620sarahk620 member
    10 Comments
    We had to pay half of the total cost, which was $900 to secure the spot. However, we worked out a deal where we payed $450 at first, and then another $450 before our engagement pics. I don't think that $500 sounds like too much, they have to know that you aren't going to cancel on them. I would just make sure you have a contract with all of the details. 

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  • mrsrutkowskimrsrutkowski member
    Third Anniversary 100 Comments 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    seems normal - we put down $500 for photo when we booked; that's their standard deposit regardless of the package price. Also, $500 for video.
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  • RailWayWifeRailWayWife member
    1000 Comments Second Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    Our deposit was $1000 on a $3000 package.
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  • TiffanyT816TiffanyT816
    100 Comments Name Dropper First Anniversary

    Our deposit is $500, however, she's allowing us to make it over a few payments. This secures the date otherwise, the date would still be available (even though it was over a year out, photographers book pretty early).

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  • MBunch2013MBunch2013 member
    First Comment
    Thank you all for your input. :) makes me feel better. I am excited to get these initial deposits out of the way.
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