Photographer

Did you pay in full? Does your contract state you get the deposit back because many photographers do not have that option?

Honestly, I would at least email her (so it is in black and white) that you have decided to work with another photographer for the day of and that you are breaking the contract and do not want her services for the day of. I would really read the contract though so you know her terms.

View Quoted Comment We put down a 500.00 deposit and when we started talking about cancelling the contract we knew that there was a high chance we could lose it. We are hoping that since our wedding is still over a year away and she has provided no services for us at all that she would reconsider keeping the deposit but we will see. It's unfortunately been a very difficult journey with her as of late especially.

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Well not that I was ever going to cancel my photographers but I was going to reduce the hours and they were honest by saying that in the business they cannot make changes due to financial reasons which I basically interpret as we need to make as much as we can to sustain.

I can tell you right now with COVID many vendors are not quick to refund at all. Even though you did not render any services if her contract says that it is not refundable I sincerely doubt you will get it back. I am sure that if she finds out that she will be dismissed she won't be kind to give money back.

I am sorry to say this but at this point since you have communicated with her that you would like more communication and she is not I think you two need to take the loss and find a new photographer. Maybe you can email her stating that you have not been satisfied how she handles communication and it is concerning for the wedding day and that you have decided to no longer use her services. Either she will perk up or she won't respond and yeah it costs $500 which is a lot but you avoided a bad photographer. I interviewed on and was ready to book her then she kind of ghosted me and I am not going to beg someone to give them business but it was a good lesson for future ones I hired in the interview I asked about communication and stated that it was important to me. Some vendors are not good at business and customer service so you do not want something that important on your day.

Hmm I would just lose put on the deposit and start researching for other photographers. Just have proof that you emailed her saying you are no longer interested in her services.

Eat the deposit and look for another photographer

I agree with the previous comments, it's highly unlikely that you'll get the deposit back. I'd look for another photographer, but definitely send one more email (so it's in writing) saying that you don't need her services anymore.

I would definitely look for someone else. I think it's really important to be comfortable with your photographer, because the way you feel will come across in the photos. After choosing a new person, send her an email letting her know you've hired someone else and asking if she'll return your deposit. She probably won't, but at least you won't have to keep dealing with her. I would definitely read your contact over before sending anything to her though. If it says anything that makes it seem like you're obligated to pay your balance unless she cancels, or there's any ambiguity around the cancellation policy, ask a lawyer to look it over for you. One thing that could make this situation worse would be if she tried to sue you for breach of contract.

Typically, vendor deposits are non-refundable. I’d double check your contract to see if it states that any cancellations lead to a loss of deposit (which may be worded as a retainer). Honestly, I’d just eat the deposit and find a more communicative photographer.

If it’s in your contract that deposits are non refundable you may have to cut your losses and move on.

Also, she has performed services/work by meeting with you for consultations, drafting and issuing your contract, processing your payment for your deposit and also reserving your date and turning away other potential business.