Eurolux Loc: NYC

I'm not a professional photographer but I have dealt with literally a few thousand contracts in my business. I've seen just about every possible situation over the past 30+ years, including a few deaths (try dealing with that!).

You have already received 2/3 of your fee. Keep the law and integrity on your side. Great advice given by others here....send them the certified letter, return receipt requested by registered mail. Send another copy via overnight service (FedEx or Express Mail, etc...). If the client lives nearby I would absolutely pay them a visit and keep your cool. Hopefully nothing truly bad is brewing behind the scenes.

If the above doesn't yield a positive outcome then, obviously, there is something wrong. Hopefully, it's merely a matter of the client running short on funds and they're just burying their heads in the sand. Many people who get married spend much more than they can afford and realize that too late into the process. Maybe, on their wedding day they will receive enough money in gifts from their guests to allow them to pay your invoice.

If it were me, I would go ahead and provide the service contracted for, but not release one shred of any finished product until you are paid.

Ultimately, people want what they want. I can't imagine the client wouldn't try hard to get those photos. You will be in the driver's seat and remain in the clear legally.

Best of luck!

nekon Loc: Carterton, New Zealand

That shouldn't happen-My contract asks for 50% on signing contract (as booking Fee) and the balance 7 days before the wedding-you cannot afford to go chasing after non-payers.

Solomon Loc: Australia

I did wedding for over 30 years for 25 I never charged a booking fee, deposit, etc, I turned up on the day she handed me the agreed amount IN FULL, then all of a sudden I got people ringing me 2 days before saying they had to repair the car or something and couldn't afford to have photos taken, I offered to take the photos and they could pay me in time .no no I don't want that . I found out after that ''uncle Harry ''who just got a entry level camera asked how much deposit they had paid .when he found out no deposit had been paid he said he would take the photos as a wedding present AFTER ALL HE WAS A PROFFESSIONAL'' their karma came back all photos were taken on the wrong settings and he cut most peoples heads off for some reason.
so after that I wouldn't put film into camera until I had cash in hand. from here '' down under'' wedding cars are fully paid 6 months before the date ,same with catering ,and now photographers as well cos we have all been stung. I had one bride die on me about a month before the wedding (she had many health problems) I gave their money back, the only refund I have given

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

You received 2/3 payment. That should cover the shooting time. I would go there take the photos and give nothing till full payment is received. In court you could be a big looser.

PhotoshooterNJ Loc: NJ

Good luck and keep us informed please.

LaMaCh Loc: Parkville Md USA

I'd shoot the wedding, and hold the pics until final payment. Due your job and it will look better on you if it ends up in court, and your reputation will be kept in tact. Who knows when you show up to shoot there may not be a wedding and you will be 3 grand to the good.

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Make sure you get a return receipt with your certified letter. That way you have their signature that the letter was received by them. Good luck. Gary

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

You don't mention if the engagement photos were delivered. If they were perhaps they were not satisfactory to her. I think a face to face conversation needs to take place.

Personally, I would not sign such a contract. I would expect to pay a small deposit and then the balance when the goods are delivered at the conclusion of each event.

I would also want an escape clause that treated both parties equitably.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Japakomom may be right or they have changed their mind, selected another photographer and don't mind losing their deposits. I would NOT under any circumstances show up. By not paying they have breached the agreement.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You call your self a professional. Then act like one!!!!!!!!!! A professional does not ask others to help him out. They act, out of experience, dedication and professionalism. They do not run to a web site and hang out their laundry. Sir, you are no professional.

ScottB Loc: Westlake, OH

There is no discussion of any default provisions in your contract. Is total payment due even if the event is canceled? Are deposits surrendered? Are there any situations that can result in any amount of a refund?

The high road would be to complete the job and withhold the photos. I wouldn't even release watermarked proofs without final payment, but without seeing the actual contract even a lawyer can't give sound advice.

Leitz Loc: Solms

:thumbup: So it would appear.

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

I'd send a certified letter advising that she had until X date to pay the balance, and if not the contract will be ended and her deposits returned.

You should be able to deduct something, but probaly not worth it.

PhotoshooterNJ Loc: NJ

I like that!!!!! :lol:

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

The clients failed to abide by the terms of the contract so you should be off the hook. They should also forfeit any deposit which was given for wasting your time. Doctors expect payment for missed appointments if you do not cancel within 24 hrs of the appointment and they do bill for it.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, just voicing my opinion.