Photography guide
How to set a photography deposit policy
A deposit turns an enquiry into a booking. It pays you for holding a date you could have sold to someone else, and it filters out clients who are not ready to commit.
By TRYSA Editorial · Published · Updated
Choose an amount that covers the risk
A common range is 25–50% of the fee. Use the higher end for dates that are hard to resell, such as weekends in wedding season, or shoots that need upfront spending on assistants, props or location fees.
Decide whether it is refundable
Many photographers make the deposit non-refundable but transferable to a new date within a set period. Whatever you choose, write it in the contract and repeat it on the invoice.
Set the balance due date
Ask for the balance before the shoot or before gallery delivery. Before the shoot is simpler for small sessions; before delivery suits larger projects with longer editing.
Automate the reminders
Send the deposit invoice with the contract, and schedule a balance reminder a few days before it is due. Automated reminders remove the awkwardness of chasing payment personally.
Handle changes consistently
Apply the same rules to every client. If you make an exception, record it on the booking so the next conversation is based on facts, not memory.