Best way to tell a vendor you’re going with someone else?

"I'm very sorry, however we have decided to go another direction"

You don't owe them anything past not letting them wonder where you went.

Just something like "Thank you SO much for working with me and talking with me through your photography business. We decided to go with another vendor, but I'll keep your name for future referrals to friends and family!" then maybe leave her a nice review if she was good to work with.

If you liked them enough to consider them in the first place, all you can do is be honest. Tell them you really enjoyed speaking with them, they do great work, etc. Thank them for their time. Be gracious and positive, but ultimately just let them know that you found someone who better fit your vision and decided to go with them. As long as you haven't signed any contracts or put down a deposit, there should be no hurt feelings and they should know how to deal with "not being chosen." They're a business - they've probably heard "no" a few times Also, it's always a good move to mention that you would love to give their information to friends and family for future bookings.

This is a business transaction. Deal with it as so. Just send out an e!and Mao politely telling the photographer you choose another vendor. People do it all the time.