Photographer Contracts

[ronsoliman]

Just like Dmitri, I usually ask for 2 weeks final payment before the wedding. But sometimes at the couple's request, I can be a little flexible if they want to give it to me when we show up at the destination wedding a day before the event.

[Nora]

Quote:

Originally Posted by negrildreamer i met with several photographers and it was pretty standard to get payment in full before the wedding. there was also a deposit that was required. i am sure some newer photographers looking to get started in the business would be more flexible. maybe a student?

I too require payment in full prior to the wedding especially for DW but in the US as well. If couples want to order additional products (i.e. albums, prints, canvas prints, etc), stuff that is not included in their package, they can definitely do so and pay at a later date. So I would say if you're worried then go with a low package and add stuff later (you may pay more).

Also, see if if the contract states that the photographer guarantees the pictures delievered within a certain period of time. Most photographers are the ones that supply the contract but I don't think it's unreasonable to request that an addendum be added stating the expectation of the couple of the turnaround time for the pictures. If a photographer quotes you a certain amount of time and sticks to it then he/she should not have a problem putting it in writing.

Newer photographers I'm sure are more flexible as well but be careful since you may get what you pay for. When I travel and have to hire a second photographer who I hardly know I have the same reservations (i.e. will the show, be on time, etc) so I always look at quality of the website, equipment and basically ask myself, does this person have anything to lose (i.e. reputation) if they flake the day of? If the answer is yes then I feel a lot more confident than hiring someone who emails me pictures they took at a relatives wedding that they uploaded on smugmug. Make sense? Professionals have their reputations to protect.

[Cheri]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTurner51410 Hey Guys.. I am having some trouble finding a photographer in Mexico for my wedding.. Im getting Married at Dreams Tulum... I was wondering if anyone has any ideas?!? Also if anyone has any ideas on a DJ?! Thanks....

Hey Danielle! After much back and forth, I went with Samuel Luna as my photographer --he's terrific and reasonable!! And for DJ, I went with DJ Doremixx. So far, I'm very happy with my choices. They both have gotten great reviews and are affordable!!Good luck!

[Mark Romine]

I have been shooting as a full time wedding photographer for eleven years and as a commercial photographer for 15 years before that. To my knowledge I'm one of the few that are left that allows my clients to pay the final payment roughly one third of their total package cost after the wedding once the photos have gone live and their proofs are available for shipping. I allot of confidence in the product and service that I deliver and I guarantee it. For me it is an act of trust and I want my clients to trust me in return. It's just the way that I like to do business with my clients. To date I have never been stiffed or had a problem with payment.