i want to Cancel my Photographer

That's what an engagement is for really. If you don't vibe with your photographer or you don't like their work it is best to know now. Tell them you have decided to go another direction for photography and you understand the deposit is non-refundable.

Does the deposit cover the engagement shoot or was it free? Hopefully they don't ask for more money to pay for the engagement shoot. Also check your contract for cancellations. It might have a clause to pay in full if you cancel without enough notice.

Definitely check your contract, the one I’m looking over now for our potential photographer would require me to pay in full if I cancelled less than 6 months before the day, and 50% if more than 6 months. I think you should definitely change photographers if you didn’t get what you wanted and the quality you are paying for, but you might be out more than $100. Good luck!

Be honest in a nice way. Say things like "the photos were not the look we were hoping for", "we want to go in another direction "

Hey Ashley, that's ok, if you're polite and professional I'm sure you can get this message across. Check your contract first and then send them an email saying that while you enjoyed working with them and appreciate their time you are going to have to cancel your contract, and you understand that means you forfeit $X, and wish them all the very best. But before you do is your second option already booked? It's short notice and I wouldn't want you to find yourself stuck with no photographer