Q&A: What do I need to include in a photography contract?
Question by Display Name: What do I need to include in a photography contract?
Started a small photography business. Need a contract for clients to sign. What all do I need to include? Where can I find a good template? I want to make sure I cover all of my bases. Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by fire-hazzard
Contracts will change depending if you are doing on-site event photography, models, architecture or in-studio photography. Any good contract should list your obligations as the photographer and their obligations as your client.
The contract should list how long the photo session will last, how many images the client will have to chose from or can expect to receive, travel charges if they apply, the price of your deposit fee and when it is due, the full price of your services and when payment is due. If you are shooting events and weddings, consider adding some choices on how formal your dress should be.
One of the most important things to have in your contract is that you retain all rights to all of the images you shoot. Never sell anyone the copyright to any image, instead “license” them some of the rights to images.
one example contract can be found at:
http://www.printablecontracts.com/Photography_Contract.php
and a better one can be found a few posts down in this forum:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=130350
There are also a hand full of books you can pick up that are all about photographic law.
But I would urge you to make a list of what you expect to do, and what you expect your client to do, then visit a contract lawyer in your area. Local laws may vary and if you want a legally binding contract this is your best bet and actually worth the investment.
Add your own answer in the comments!