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How can I research a videogrpher and photographer? making sure they are not scammers?

Melimeli1Melimeli1
First Comment
in Wedding Photography and Videography Forum
Hi,

It took me a while to find a photographer and videographer. They want a 50% deposit which if fine but the other 50% I have to pay it the day of or prior to the wedding. I feel uncomfortable doing this. He has sent me a contract but even with a contract I've heard horror stories of people paying everything upfront and never getting their pictures.
I understand if I need to pay in full the florist, the food, the musicians the day of the wedding. But is it right to pay in full for photography and cross my fingers that I'll get my pictures? He says that's their policy but it just doesn't sound right. It's not like they need to buy film or buy materials to shoot the wedding so why all tihs money upfront. The way I see it, is if I pay everything by the time they shoot my wedding they will have spent the money and there isn't an incentive to things right or the proper editing of the video.
Most of the photographers I checked wanted to be fully paid by the day of the wedding, only 1 told me I would pay the remaining balance the day I received everything from her.
What should I do? I would hate to have to start my search again.

Thanks :)
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Re: How can I research a videogrpher and photographer? making sure they are not scammers?

  • shannonp10shannonp10
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Is your florist and caterer and venue allowing you to pay them after the wedding?  The photographers time and equipment don't cost anything?  Do you know how many people decide to NOT pay their photographer and then end up ripping them off?  Most legitimate photographers require all fees to be payed at least 30 days in advance.

    I think you do need to start your search again and let this poor guy get hired by a bride who trusts him and who values his work...
    Report Reply
  • fallbride1109fallbride1109 member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    Paying your vendors (including the photographer) before the wedding is standard practice.  Believe me, the wedding day is filled from start to finish and the last thing you want to be doing is worrying about paying people.  Vendors know this.

    To answer your question, I would look up ANY vendor I was considering on Wedding Wire, Google them and look for reviews, ask them directly for references, and also if you have an active local board here on TK, that is a great place for recommendations.
    Planning the Meal
    With All the Trimmings
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  • SJBNJBSJBNJB
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    It is very standard to pay your photographer and videographer up front.  They have to put in a lot of work after your wedding to edit, color balance, etc., and sometimes the bride and groom can't afford to make the final payment when the time comes to pick up their pictures, which means they end up holding onto a product that they've put the time into, but aren't sure they will get paid for.  It is for their protection as well....most vendors don't want to put their reputation on the line by not delivering a good product after they've been paid for it.

    As long as you've done your research on the front end, and have contracts, you should be fine.  Congratulations and good luck!
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  • GolfChick78GolfChick78 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I agree, it's common to have to pay in full the day of or just before.  A deposit of half, though, seems awfully excelssive.  Our deposit works out to less than 25%.
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  • Melimeli1Melimeli1
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thank you all for your feedback. I really appreciate reading the different points of view and why they ask for the monies. I will move forward with these guys. As far as the other vendors, yes, I'm having someone pay them the balance the day of the wedding since their job by then will be complete. My only hesitation was the video and photography. I was just very concerned because it did happen to my best friend a few years ago.

    Shanon, I do value their work but business is business. Most of the time we don't do business based on trust. I've never needed photography and video services before and didn't think it would be right to pay for everything upfront and just cross my fingers that I would get the pictures and video back. This is not very usual in any other type of business but I guess in photography it is.

    Thank you and good luck to everyone :)
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  • JwedphotoJwedphoto
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Hello! I am a wedding photographer and have all my couples pay my final bill one week before the wedding. Not only do some people forget to pay you on their wedding day, some people also run out of money by their wedding day. Others also decide not to go through with their wedding and leave you holding bag ! Paying your photographer ahead of time let's them have nothing in their mind but getting you awesome images! If you've hired a reputable and established photographer and you have a strong contract, you have nothing to worry about!:) best wishes for your wedding!
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