Should You Be Taking Booking Deposits for Wedding Photography?

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PHOTOGRAPHER + EDUCATOR

My goal with every single shoot is to preserve your unique relationship in its most authentic and adventurous form, creating memories that resonate and stories that last a lifetime. After all, you only get one life, so fucking live it 🤘🏼

But my passion doesn’t stop there. I also love sharing my expertise and insights with fellow photographers, helping them grow and elevate their craft. Whether it’s through mentorship, behind-the-scenes guidance, or sharing tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years, I’m here to support others in capturing moments that matter just as much. Let’s create, learn, and live boldly—together.

CHANTEL ZETTEL

FREE PDF GUIDE

GET IT HERE

The answer is YES. Let me tell you why.

When I first dived into lifestyle photography as a side hustle in 2020, it was all about fun, and the extra cash was a nice bonus. But let me be clear—I had NO CLUE about running a successful photography business.

My first year was chaotic. I was booking like crazy, unaware of how quickly my overhead expenses would add up. My initial wedding gigs were priced at $500, and I worked my way up to $1600 for weddings that were booked 2-3 years in advance. Huge mistake.

One major lesson I learned the hard way was the importance of taking deposits—no, not deposits, but retainers! I vividly remember booking a wedding for September. We set the date, chatted a bit, and then didn’t communicate again until a few months before the wedding.

This was a Saturday in September, a date on which I had turned down multiple inquiries because I was holding it for this wedding. When I finally reached out to confirm details, I was informed that they no longer needed my services.

I was left with nothing but a thank-you note. They had no obligation to my services. I hadn’t sent a signed agreement, I didn’t ask for a retainer, and I didn’t communicate thoroughly. It was a mistake entirely on my part, not the clients’.

This experience was a hard lesson. I lost out on other opportunities but gained invaluable knowledge. I saw a pattern of last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and ghosting. That’s when I realized I needed to change if I wanted my business to thrive.

During the off-season (the winter months in Canada), I dedicated myself to learning my CRM software, HoneyBook. If you’re not familiar, HoneyBook is a fantastic tool for managing your photography business. I started using it to build agreements, set up invoices requiring a 30% retainer, and implement a scheduling link to streamline communication.

HoneyBook was a game-changer for me. It made managing my bookings and finances so much easier. Every session showed up because clients had invested money, eliminating the risk of ghosting or last-minute cancellations. The retainer set clear boundaries and expectations, making clients take me seriously.

Here’s the best part: if you use my link to sign up for HoneyBook, you’ll get 25% OFF for a full year!

Check out HoneyBook and claim your discount here.

There have been many big pivots in my business, but this was the most impactful. By requiring deposits for every booking, I was able to quit my other job, go full-time, and build a sustainable business.

In conclusion, take the leap. Whether it’s $50, 30%, $500, or 50%, it doesn’t matter. As long as the client invests money, they’re serious about booking you. And if you want to streamline your booking process, I highly recommend HoneyBook. It’s been an essential tool in my business and could be a game-changer for you too!


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PHOTOGRAPHER + EDUCATOR

My goal with every single shoot is to preserve your unique relationship in its most authentic and adventurous form, creating memories that resonate and stories that last a lifetime. After all, you only get one life, so fucking live it 🤘🏼

But my passion doesn’t stop there. I also love sharing my expertise and insights with fellow photographers, helping them grow and elevate their craft. Whether it’s through mentorship, behind-the-scenes guidance, or sharing tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years, I’m here to support others in capturing moments that matter just as much. Let’s create, learn, and live boldly—together.

CHANTEL ZETTEL

FREE PDF GUIDE

GET IT HERE

Join My Mailing List!

* indicates required

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