Writing: How to Make Photography Contract ( Photography Contract Template)

Writing, # contract, photography, template,

A Photography Contract is a document that helps make sure everyone is clear on what they agree to when it comes to photography services. It’s important to have a contract even if you’re hiring a friend or family member because it can prevent misunderstandings and problems in the future.

The contract will explain what services will be provided, what the final product will be, who owns the photos, how much the client will pay, and other important details. The contract will be between you as the photographer and the person or organization that you are taking photos for.

It outlines what the photographer will do, what they need from the client, and how much the client will pay. The contract covers things like the services provided, how much it will cost, how long it will take, who owns the pictures, when and how payments will be made, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Having a contract makes sure everyone is on the same page about what to expect from the photography services. Even if you’re taking photos for a family member, like at a wedding, it’s still important to have a contract with both the couple and the person who is paying for the services.

Table of Contents

Why is a Photography Contract Important?

Having a good photography contract is important for professional photographers, but it’s also important to make sure each contract covers all the specific details for each event. You can either get help from a lawyer or use an online template, but there are certain things that should always be included in the contract

Photography contracts are like a map for a photography project. They help you and your client know what to expect and what’s expected of you. It’s a legal document that protects both you and your client in case something doesn’t go as planned.

Think of it like this: if you’re hiring someone to take photos for you, you want to know what kind of photos you’ll get, when you’ll get them, and how much they’ll cost. And if you’re the photographer, you want to make sure you know what the client wants and what they’ll pay you. That’s where a photography contract comes in!

Having a contract helps you avoid misunderstandings and disputes. It makes sure everyone is on the same page and knows what they’re agreeing to. Plus, it shows your clients that you’re professional and trustworthy.

Overall, a photography contract is important because it sets clear expectations, protects both parties, and helps build trust. Having one can make your photography business more successful and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Parts of a Photography Contract

When you’re a photographer, it’s important to have a clear agreement with your clients to avoid any confusion later on. Here’s what you need to include in your photo contract. Let’s go through each part carefully.

The Parties & The Date of Contract

The first part of your photo agreement tells who will be involved in the photo shoot. This is you, the photographer, and the person or company who wants the photos taken.

You will need to put down both your names, titles, and addresses so that everyone knows who is who. If it helps, you can also write what you want to call each other in the agreement instead of using the whole name.

The date is also important and should be included in this section.

It’s important to use the right name and address for both you and the client. If you run a photography business as an LLC or corporation, make sure to use that name instead of your personal name in this section.

The same goes for the client. If the photos are for a personal event, the client is likely to be a person. But if the photos are for a business, the client is likely to be a company instead of a person you have been working with.

Details: Make sure to include your full name, address, phone number, and email, along with your business information if you have a separate work space. Do the same for the client.

The Scope and Date & Time of Service

When you make a photo contract, it’s important to let your client know exactly what they can expect from you. This part of the contract is all about what work you’ll be doing and what you’ll need to do it. Here are some things to include in this section:

What kind of photos you’ll take (full day or half day shoots, for example)
What tools and equipment you’ll use (professional cameras and lenses, professional lighting, etc.)
What you’ll do to the photos after you take them (editing, retouching, etc.)
What the client will get at the end (how many photos, what they’ll look like, etc.)

It’s important to be clear about what you’re offering so there are no surprises later on. If there are any specific shots that your client wants, make sure to include that information too. This way, everyone knows what to expect and there won’t be any misunderstandings.

Other things you might include in your contract:

When you’ll start and end your work
A timeline for when you’ll do different parts of the work
Details about any extra services you offer (consultations, styling, printing, etc.)

Remember, the more specific you can be, the better. That way, you and your client can make sure you’re both on the same page.

Deliverable

When you do a photoshoot, it’s important to have a plan for what you’ll give to the person who hired you. You might take a lot of photos, but you won’t give all of them to the client. Instead, you’ll choose the best ones to give them.

Your agreement should say how many photos you’ll give, who gets to pick them, and other details like what format they’ll be in and if they’ll get prints or a photo album.

Before you sign a contract, make sure you both understand what you’ll each get out of the photoshoot. You’ll talk about this when you figure out how much you’ll charge, but make sure to put it in the agreement too. As the photographer, you should say what you’ll give to the client and what they need to do in return.

For example, you might say you’ll give them the unedited photos on one date and they’ll pick which ones they want on another date.

The Payment

When you’re a photographer, it’s important to have a plan for how you’re going to get paid for your work.

Before you sign a contract, you and the client should agree on how much you’re going to get paid and when. Writing down the payment details in your contract is just making sure you both remember what you agreed on. The payment details should include the total cost of your services, any deposits the client has already paid, if they need to pay a retainer, the payment schedule (if you have one), and what will happen if they don’t pay on time.

This section of your contract should cover all the details about payment, like:

When you need to be paid.
If you need a deposit or payment upfront, or just a final payment.
What methods of payment you accept.
If you’ll be paid in one big payment or in smaller payments over time.
Who will pay for any extra costs, like services or equipment you might need.

If your work involves editing and fixing up the photos, it’s a good idea to also talk about what happens if the client wants changes. Most photographers include some free revisions in their offer, like if the color correction isn’t what the client wanted. Your contract should explain how you’ll decide on the style and what it will cost if the client wants extra retouches.

Having an “approval window” can also be helpful. You can give the client a certain amount of time to decide if they like the photos you took and edited. If they don’t say anything within that time, it means they’re happy with your work and you can’t make any more changes. It’s important to have a clear definition of what “approved” means in your contract, so both you and the client know what’s expected.

Intellectual Property & Usage Right

This part of your deal is about who gets to keep the pictures you take at a photoshoot. It’s important to make sure the client knows that you own the photos and they can’t just keep them because they paid for the photoshoot.

In your deal, you should say who gets to keep the photos and how that can change if needed. You might have to charge extra if the client wants to use your photos in their marketing or forever. You should also make sure you can use some of the photos in your portfolio to show off your work to others. And if you’re using photos of people, you need to get their permission first.

You need to decide what you want to happen with the pictures. Do you want the client to be able to use them however they want, even if that means changing them? You need to decide this before you start working with the client.

Cancelation

If either you or your client need to cancel the photoshoot, it’s important to have a plan in place. This plan should explain who is responsible for what and when, and how much notice needs to be given.

This can help avoid confusion and protect both you and your client. Make sure you have a contract that covers everything you need, including what happens if the contract needs to be cancelled early.

Write down the rules for cancelling, such as how much notice needs to be given and what happens if the client cancels early. This way, you can have peace of mind and be sure you’re protected.

Force Majeure & Liability Release

It’s good to have a plan in case something unexpected happens that stops you from being able to do your photography job. This could be things like natural disasters or getting sick. You can put a clause in your contract that says what will happen in these situations. This might include finding a replacement photographer or giving back some or all of the money paid by the client.

This is another clause that can protect you while you’re doing your photography job. If something goes wrong, like your camera breaking, this clause can say that you don’t have to give all the money back to the client. It’s important to be prepared for unexpected events in your photography business.

Photography Contract Template Example

Simple Photography Contract

Photography Contract

This contract is made between [photographer’s name] (hereafter referred to as “photographer”) and [client’s name] (hereafter referred to as “client”) on [contract date].

Services: The photographer will provide photography services to the client on [event date and location]. The photographer will deliver a minimum of [number of images] edited images within [timeframe].

Ownership: The photographer retains the copyright to all images taken during the photoshoot. The client will receive a limited license to use the images for [specified purpose, e.g. personal or commercial use].

Cancellation: If either the photographer or client cancels the photoshoot, they must provide [notice period, e.g. 7 days] written notice. If the client cancels within [time period, e.g. 14 days] of the event, they will forfeit [percentage of deposit, e.g. 50%] of their deposit.

Liability: The photographer is not responsible for lost or damaged images due to technical malfunctions. The client releases the photographer from any liability for any images that are lost or damaged.

Force Majeure: In the event of any causes beyond the control of the photographer, such as acts of nature or personal illness, the photographer may be unable to perform their duties. The photographer will provide a full or partial refund or a replacement photographer at their discretion.

Terms: This contract represents the entire agreement between the photographer and the client. Any changes to this agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties.

Signed by:
[Photographer’s signature]
[Client’s signature]

Date: [contract date]

Short Form Photography Contract

This agreement is between _____ (hereafter “PHOTOGRAPHER” and _____ (hereafter referred to as “CLIENT”).

Services & Products:

PHOTOGRAPHER and CLIENT to arrive at agreed at (time) ___ at (place) ____ for the photography shoot.

PHOTOGRAPHER to provide a minimum of _____ photos for CLIENT to view after the shoot. Basic post-processing will be performed.

Fees:

In exchange for photography services, CLIENT agrees to pay the agreed sum _____.

Initial payment of 50% of total price due upon signing contract, non-refundable.

Balance of payment due 7 days after shoot, full payment required. If purchasing photos separately, payment due immediately upon delivery.

Work Product:

PHOTOGRAPHER to deliver proofs to CLIENT no later than 30 days after shoot.

All photos delivered to CLIENT are licensed for personal use only.

Quantity and resolution of photos included in the price, if any, to be agreed upon. Quantity and specifications of included prints also to be agreed upon.

PHOTOGRAPHER must deliver photos in a reasonable time after CLIENT’s final order.

Indemnification:

PHOTOGRAPHER not obligated to capture specific moments/poses/persons during shoot.

If unable to perform services due to cause outside of control, CLIENT indemnifies PHOTOGRAPHER.

CLIENT indemnifies and holds harmless PHOTOGRAPHER for technological failure, including data loss.

PHOTOGRAPHER not required to maintain copies of photos 60 days after delivery.

CLIENT holds PHOTOGRAPHER harmless for any personal injury during shoot.

PHOTOGRAPHER not required to cater to specific aesthetic preferences.

Duty of CLIENT:

CLIENT to obtain necessary permissions for PHOTOGRAPHER to photograph shoot.

PHOTOGRAPHER has no duty to obtain permission for locations.

CLIENT takes responsibility for ensuring no one interferes with PHOTOGRAPHER during shoot.

Exclusive PHOTOGRAPHER:

Only PHOTOGRAPHER may take pictures during shoot.

CLIENT responsible for ensuring no one interferes with PHOTOGRAPHER.

Model Release:

CLIENT grants permission to PHOTOGRAPHER and its assigns to use CLIENT’s images for advertising and promotion.

CLIENT releases PHOTOGRAPHER from any liability for use of images.

Limitation of Liability:

PHOTOGRAPHER not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

PHOTOGRAPHER’s total liability to CLIENT cannot exceed total payment received from CLIENT.

Dispute Resolution:

Any disputes between parties to be resolved through arbitration.

Any judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

Governing Law:

This contract governed by the laws of the state in which the photography services take place.

Entire Agreement:

This contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements between parties.

PHOTOGRAPHER Signature ________ Date: ___
CLIENT Signature: ______ Date: ___

Wedding Photography Agreement

Wedding Date and Time: ___

Groom and Bride’s Names (herein referred to as “Client”): ______
Photographer’s Name (herein referred to as “Photographer”): _____

Contact Telephone: _______
Contact Address:_____
Contact Email: _______

Approximate Time for Photography Session Start: _____ End: ____

Number of Guests: ___
Location of Wedding Service: _______
Location of Wedding Reception: ______

[FEE]

Agreed Photography Fee: $ ____

A non-refundable deposit of $___ is required upon signing of this agreement.
___% of the total fee is to be paid ___ months prior to the wedding date and
the remaining ___% of the balance is to be paid upon receipt of the proof photographs on CD, DVD, or electronic communication.

The Photographer’s travel within a ___ mile radius from the city of ____, state of ______, USA is included in the fee.

Travel costs beyond this area will be subject to a $ per mile surcharge. The client is also responsible for reasonable accommodation costs for distances beyond ___ miles.

[WEDDING PACKAGE AND INCLUDED SERVICES]

Custom Package:

Pre-wedding meeting : [YES/NO]

Attendance at wedding rehearsal: [YES/NO]

Preparation photos of the bride: [YES/NO]

Informal reportage photos: [YES/NO]

Register signing (as allowed by officiant): [YES/NO]

Service photos (as allowed by officiant): [YES/NO]

Formal reception photos: [YES/NO]

_______ (Other custom package)

Printed Photo:

4R : ___ photos

6R: ___ photos

12R: ___ photos

Other size: ____, quantity ___ photos

Medium Photo books: ___ (quantity)

Large photo books: ____ (quantity)

[FULL AGREEMENT]

This agreement is a result of a mutual negotiation between the Photographer and the Client and supersedes all prior and simultaneous agreements between the parties. Changes or additions to this agreement may be made, but must be in writing and signed by all relevant parties.

[RESERVATION AND PAYMENT TERMS]

Signature and receipt of the non-refundable deposit will secure the agreed-upon date and time for the Client and the Photographer will not make any other reservations for that time. The deposit will be applied towards the contracted wedding photography package.

The Client understands and agrees that the remaining balance for the wedding photography package, as described in the deposit amount, is due ___ days before the wedding date and the final payment is due upon receipt of the proof CD, DVD, or electronic communication. Payment can be made by check or electronic means, with account details to be provided by the Photographer.

[PRE-EVENT CONSULTATION]

The Client and Photographer agree to meet before the wedding to finalize shooting times and locations.

CANCELLATION

In the event that the Client cancels the contracted wedding photography services, the deposit will be forfeited. If the cancellation occurs within ___ days of the wedding, the remaining balance is still owed.

In the unlikely event that the Photographer is unable to attend due to circumstances beyond their control, such as illness or accident, the Photographer will not be held responsible and will return any monies paid. In this case, the Photographer will make every effort to compile a CD, DVD, or photo book from photographs taken by guests.

[WEDDING DAY RULES]

The Photographer will be restricted by the guidelines set by the ceremony official or venue management. The Client agrees to abide by these guidelines and acknowledges that the Photographer will produce the technical results based on them. If any negotiations or modifications to the guidelines are required, it is the Client’s responsibility, not the Photographer’s.

The Photographer will not tolerate any abusive or disrespectful behavior, either verbal or physical, and will not compete for attention with other photographers at the event. If guests disrupt the photography process and affect the quality of the photos, or if their actions result in damage to the Photographer’s equipment, the Photographer reserves the right to leave the event early without providing a refund.

[SAMPLE CD/DVD DELIVERY]
After the wedding, the Photographer will provide the Client with a high-resolution sample CD or DVD with all the photographs taken at the event, in color and with a watermark to prevent unauthorized use. The Photographer will also provide a low-resolution sample CD for sharing with family and friends.

The Client must provide a list of 50 to 100 desired images for printing, enlarging, or editing within the number of prints agreed upon in the contract, specifying the color or black and white preference for each image. Printing cannot commence until the list is received.

[COPYRIGHT & DIGITAL IMAGES]

The photographs, images, and prints produced by the Photographer are protected by Copyright Law and may not be reproduced without written permission. If the Client wishes to have high-resolution copies of the images, they can purchase them at an additional cost and receive them on CD or DVD, along with a document granting permission to reproduce the images. The Photographer reserves the right to use these images for lawful purposes such as publicity, advertising, illustration, and web content.

I have read and fully understand the terms outlined in this agreement. I hereby agree to abide by these terms.

Signed ____ (Client)
Date ____
Signed ____ (Photographer)
Date ____

Model Release Contract

Model Release Agreement

Between:

Photographer:
Full Name: _______________
Company Name: ____________
Contact Information:
Phone: _______________
Email: _______________

Model:
Full Name: _______________
Contact Information:
Phone: _______________
Email: _______________

This Model Release Contract (the “Agreement”) outlines the terms and conditions of the Model’s agreement to allow the Photographer to use the photographs and images taken during the session (the “Photographic Materials”).

Copyright:
The Photographer retains the sole, copyrighted, intellectual property of all Photographic Materials. The Photographer has the right to reproduce, use, and distribute the Photographic Materials for any personal, business, marketing, or studio purpose.

Release of Interest:
The Model acknowledges and agrees to release any personal or proprietary interest in the Photographic Materials that result from the session. The Model grants the Photographer the right to showcase, sell, or otherwise distribute the Photographic Materials from the session, including those depicting the Model.

Permission to Use:
The Model grants the Photographer permission to use the Photographic Materials for the purposes outlined in this Agreement. The Model waives any right to inspect or approve the finished Photographic Materials or the advertising or other materials that may be used in conjunction with them.

Entire Agreement:
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, or agreements, whether written or oral. This Agreement may not be amended except in writing signed by both parties.

Signatures:
_________ (Model)
Date:_________

_________ (Photographer)
Date: _______________

Photo Release Agreement

I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I have participated in a photo shoot on ____ (specified date) with ____ (name).

I grant them and their authorized representatives, licensees, legal representatives, and transferees the unrestricted right to use and publish photographs, pictures, portraits, or images of me and/or my work/product, in any and all forms of media, including composite or distorted representations, for the purpose of publicity, illustration, commercial art, advertising, publishing (print, TV, web), for any product or service, or for any other lawful use as determined by ____ . This authorization and release shall be perpetual.

I waive any and all rights to review or approve any uses of the images, written copy, or finished product, and I acknowledge that I am of full legal age and have fully read and understood the terms of this release.

In return, shall credit me and my work and provide me with copies of the images post-publication for my marketing purposes. If the scheduled shoot is cancelled due to circumstances beyond control, the project will be rescheduled.

I agree to properly credit all parties involved in the shoot, including but not limited to:

Photographer: ____
Planning: ____
Models: ____
Hair and Makeup: ____
Design: ____

I understand that failure to credit the proper parties may result in legal consequences.

(Signature)
___________