BetterPhoto Q&A
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Douglas Easton		Unpaid Wedding Pictures Hi I took some wedding pictures at a friend of a friend's wedding back in September, and at the time agreed a price of £100. He now has the thumnails for the photographs, but he still hasn't made his final choices, and more importantly hasn't yet paid me. I've contacted him several times and basically just gave up! Is there anything I can do to get him to pay me? Thanks, Doug To love this question, log in above January 04, 2005

Vince Warwick		Hi Doug did he sign a pre-wedding contract if so then you have something to fall back on? Wedding bills can be high and with Christmas come and gone this could have also empted his pocket. Send them a letter saying you understand this however you have costs which need to be paid. Very difficault. Vince To love this comment, log in above January 04, 2005

Douglas Easton		No he didn't sign anything - the only proof I have is that I still hold the actuall pictures - but I think you are right - if I write to him in a month or so just after he has been paid I may be able to curve him round to paying! Thanks for your answer, Doug To love this comment, log in above January 04, 2005

Bunny Snow		That's a photographer's age-old problem. Some 35 years ago before digital photography came in, my former mentor had lost all of his money when he delivered wedding pictures prior to receiving payment. Turned out, the couple became divorced before the wedding pictures were delivered, and therefore the money was never paid; his costs were never covered. I had similar problems, but learning from his error. I demanded 75% of a said fee upfront before any pictures were taken. And before the proofs were delivered, I demanded another fee in advance. This meant I could cover my costs, even if the person skipped out on paying. Use this experience to rewrite your prices and in the future, cover your costs up front before delivering any pictures, or even taking any pictures. Additionally, get a contractual agreement signed, so that you have a legal ground to stand upon. Show the digital images (with copyright watermarks across the images) on a screen in your studio (home) but avoid giving any away without additional dollars being paid. Price and get reimbursement for every picture they take out and inform them of such in advance. When they return all pictures, they will receive part of money back for those they don't want. But, be certain your time and expenditures are covered when you set your prices. And, never, ever, do friends or family a favor by photographing their wedding, children, or family group. It's a good way in which for them to take advantage of you. This is the voice of experience, speaking. Good luck. Bunny To love this comment, log in above January 04, 2005

Douglas Easton		Thanks Bunny for your voice of experiance. I think you are right I do need to in future make them sign a contract, it was my first wedding and because I am still at college studying photography, I can use the pictures I took in my project, so it wasn't all bad! Thanks very much, Doug To love this comment, log in above January 05, 2005

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