Photography Contract Template

What is a photography contract template?

A photography contract template is a legal document that defines the provision of photography services between a client and a photographer. A simple photography contract template is used to outline:

• responsibilities of both parties;
• fix the client’s expectations regarding the photos;
• set up clear payment dates and methods;
• define force majeure;
• set up the process of a contract’s termination.

In fact, a contract for photography services template protects both parties and helps to avoid misunderstandings along the road.

Photography contract templates can be used for various types of events. For instance:

• wedding or engagement;
• family or newborn photoshoot;
• commercial advertising (e.g., food or products);
• sport competition; or
• social media posts (e.g., Instagram or Facebook), etc.

The parties to a photography contract template are the photographer and the client, which can be both businesses and individuals.

How to write a photography contract template?

Creating a clear and effective photography contract template from scratch might be a challenging task. Below we prepared a list of the most essential elements all photography contract templates should have:

Parties and Signatures

This section basically defines who will sign the contract. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure that all the details are provided correctly. Even minor mistakes in the name may lead to unpleasant legal consequences in the future. In this section you would need to include the following information for both the photographer and client:

• full legal names and addresses;
• contact details (e.g., phone number or email address);
• signatures of both parties (e-signatures are acceptable as well).

Delivery of Photos

This clause should clarify the following essential elements every contract for photography services template should have:

Number of edited photos

Edited photos are also known as edited originals. This is a number of final photos a photographer is supposed to deliver to the client. If a client wishes to get a few extra edited originals, in that case a client will need to pay extra fees.

Format of delivery

The parties have to agree on how the edited originals are to be delivered to the client. There are plenty of options the parties may pick up from—online sharing platforms like WeShare, USB disks, prints of originals, etc.

Editing scope

This particular clause helps to measure a client’s expectations regarding the final photos. The parties have to decide the type of edition a photographer may apply—e.g., basic correction, advanced retouching, no Photoshop, etc. For example, when creating a wedding photography contract template, the client may wish for a photographer to apply more correction and retouch rather than for a normal family photoshoot.

Timeline of delivery

Time usually is of the essence for this type of contract. Depending on the number of edited originals and the complexity of a photoshoot, the delivery period may vary from a few days to a few months. For instance, for an event photography contract template with a big number of guests, a photographer may need more time for photo editing than for a newborn photoshoot.

Payment Terms

This is one of the most critical sections of any photography contract template. The parties have to consider the following elements:

• type of payment (e.g., fixed fee, hourly rate, or combination of both);
• retainer or deposit (e.g., a sample wedding photography contract template might require a 30% non-refundable retainer to secure the specific date);
• payment method (e.g., cash, bank transfer, PayPal);
• payment dates (e.g., 50% on the date of the photoshoot and the rest upon the delivery of edited originals);
• cancellation fees (e.g., a client makes a cancellation of a photoshoot 10 days before the agreed day without penalties).

Location and Dates

Another key element for every photoshoot is exact dates and times. Therefore, the photography contract template shall include the exact dates and times the photoshoot will take place.

A client is required to make sure in advance that the desired location is available on the agreed date and time. As well as the client has to obtain all required permissions and authorization to use the agreed location for a photoshoot.

The parties may additionally decide on compensation of travel expenses for a photographer during a photoshoot.

Termination and Disputes

Every strong photography contracts template should provide clear termination terms. As a rule of thumb, a photograph contract template can be terminated by either party provided a prior written notice is sent at least 5 days before the agreed photoshoot date. Another option is when both parties may terminate the same contract by a mutual agreement.

However, it is wise to consider the list of circumstances during which the delivery of services is not possible. Such circumstances may include weather conditions, unavoidable circumstances (illness of a photographer), etc. Every contract for photography services template should address all those circumstances well in advance as well as possible solutions for their mitigation. For instance, the parties have to agree on another date, or a photographer has to compensate the client for the inability to do a photoshoot on the agreed date or time.

Customize your photography contract template at Faster Draft

In order to get your personalized photography contract template, follow the few steps below:

1. Click the button “Create Document.”
2. Answer simple questions.
3. Select a document’s format—photography contract PDF or Word.
4. Make a payment.
5. Your customized template is ready for download.