Rick, How is the client secured if you get paid in advance and you never show up or your gear fails you? You might tell me that you sign a contract that cover him, so by the same token he can tell you to pay after you deliver as the signed contract might state.

Stelios

Golden Rules:
1) Attend rehearsal (the actual rehearsal, not the rehearsal dinner).
> Look out for gotchas (e.g., line of sight, lighting, "extras" in the ceremony, officiant's druthers, ask about anything (portable archways, furniture, flowers etc) that may be added, moved or taken away between rehearsal and the day that might affect camera placement)
> Get a feel for the B & G's personalities (affects how I interact with them as well as what the final video will "feel like").
> Find out who is "in charge" on the day for greasing wheels, arbitrating IF there's a conflict between me and photographer, caterer, DJ, house staff, drunken groomsman, etc.
2) Check and test equipment before.
3) Charge all batteries (Then throw the marine battery and inverter in the vehicle "just in case"!)
4) Take more equipment than I need
5) Get there early on "the day"
6) Introduce self to photographer - try to work out how I and he/she will work together co-operatively
7) Make sure the customer gets a little more than they signed up for

Payment:
I haven't got burned yet with non-payment, but until I do, I ask for
> 10% to secure the date
> 40% on or before the day
> Balance to deliver DVDs