Why do we take a £50 deposit...

Why We Ask for a £50 Deposit (And Why It Actually Protects You Too)

Nobody likes being asked for a deposit, especially when you're already excited about booking a photoshoot. I wanted to explain precisely why we do this, and honestly, why it's actually a good thing for everyone involved.

The Reality of Running a Small Photography Business

Here's the thing - we're not some massive corporate studio with dozens of photographers and endless time slots. We're Mark Swinford Photography, a small family-run business. When you book a session with us, we're literally blocking out hours of our day just for you. We turn away other potential clients, prepare all our equipment, plan your session, and get genuinely excited about creating something amazing together.

What Happens When Someone Doesn't Show Up

But here's what used to happen (way too often): Someone would book a session, we'd block out 2-3 hours for them, turn away other clients who wanted that same time slot, and then... nothing. No show. No call. Radio silence.

Or they'd call 2 hours before their session to cancel because "something came up."

Each time this happened, we'd lose income. Not just the money from that session, but also from the other clients we could have booked instead. As a small business, those losses really hurt. 

The Deposit Changes Everything

When we introduced the £50 deposit, something magical happened. Suddenly, people started showing up. They started taking their bookings seriously. They'd call with proper notice if they needed to reschedule.

Why? That £50 made the booking feel real and vital to them, too.

But Here's the Best Part - You Get It All Back

This isn't some sneaky way for us to make extra money. We don't want to keep your £50! 

Show up for your session as planned, and we'll hand it right back to you at your viewing appointment, every single penny.

We only retain it if you're a no-show, arrive more than 30 minutes late without prior notification, or cancel without providing at least 7 days' notice. And even then, we hate doing it. But it helps cover the costs of that empty slot in our diary.

It Actually Protects You Too

Here's something most people don't think about - that deposit protects you as well. How? Because it means we're serious about your booking too. We're not going to double-book your slot or cancel on you at the last minute for a "better" client. That deposit represents a commitment from both sides.

Plus, it ensures you're working with a professional business that values everyone's time. Would you rather work with a photographer who lets anyone book without commitment (and might be unreliable themselves), or one who runs their business professionally and treats every booking with respect?

We're Not Trying to Be Difficult

I wish we lived in a world where everyone kept their commitments and we didn't need deposits. But after years of no-shows and last-minute cancellations, we had to make a choice: either start charging deposits, or risk going out of business.

We chose to stay in business so we can keep creating beautiful photos for wonderful clients like you.

What This Means for You

When you pay that £50 deposit, you're not just securing your time slot - you're investing in a professional experience with a business that takes your session seriously. You're ensuring that when you arrive, we'll be 100% prepared and focused on you.

And remember, it's completely refundable. Show up, have an amazing session, and get your money back. It's that simple.

Still Not Sure?

Not everyone is comfortable with them, and that's completely fine. We'd rather be upfront about this now than surprise you later.

If you decide the deposit requirement isn't for you, please let us know. We completely understand, and we wish you all the best in finding a photographer who works differently.

But if you're ready to book with a professional team who'll treat your session with the respect and preparation it deserves, then that little £50 deposit is just the first step toward creating something truly amazing together.

Ready to Book?

If you're comfortable with our deposit policy and excited to work with us, just get in touch. We'll walk you through the simple booking process, and before you know it, you'll be in front of our camera creating memories that'll last a lifetime.

Thanks for taking the time to understand why we do things this way. It really means a lot.

Mark & The Team

Mark Swinford Photography