When making commercials for advertising agencies, it used to be the standard to charge 1/3 on signing the contract, 1/3 on completion of photography, and 1/3 on delivery of the edited master. Actual payments often dragged on and on and on.
In your case, you have established a relationship of (I hope) mutual trust. But you can point out that for you to wait until the end of the season is bad business on your part. Therefore, how about 1/3 at the start, another 1/3 half-way through the season, and final payment when you deliver at the end?
Or some such formula. This is something to negotiate in a way that doesn't get everyone's panties in a bunch. In other words, be friendly but clear and simple about a "fair" solution. Maybe you will have to flex a bit more, but something along the above guidelines should be reasonable to all.
Rick
Rick Wise
director of photography
Oakland, CA
http://www.RickWiseDP.com
email: Rick@RickWiseDP.com
