to be wary about giving her the deposit?

[PurpleOctober]

Currently looking for a photographer to cover a special occasion next year. The date is quite popular and a lot of photographers have said no as they are covering big weddings/holding that day for weddings, but finally found one who was available for the hours we required for a reasonable price.

I sent her an email back asking for booking information, no response. A week later I sent another email, no response. I then called her, she answered and said she was really busy but she would email me. Two weeks went past, nothing. I sent another email, thinking this is the last time I'd try. A week later she emailed back with a booking form, asking for £300 deposit to secure the date.

I sent the booking form back, and asked her to email me back after she's received this, and I will send the deposit. That was a week ago, and she hasn't replied.

If she does reply, AIBU to be slightly wary of giving her money given she finds it so hard to reply to emails? If it possible some photographers take deposits and never show up? That's what I'm afraid of Would you go ahead with her or should I try and find another?

Not sure if deposits are a normal thing or not. But the fact she is so unreliable would mean I wouldn't use her. What if she doesn't reply nearer to the wedding? Might be too late to replace her then

She wouldn't be my first choice, no. It's not very professional to not respond for such lengthy periods. Maybe keep looking?

I would find another. She’s not responsive enough for me. Has she ever offered a reason for not responding to your emails?

She says she's too busy

go somewhere else - if shes flakey now , she'll be a nightmare later