A family photography contract template is used by a photographer to ensure receiving fair payment and to show clients how their photographic needs will be filled. This type of contract provides a protective shield for both the photographer and the client family, and it makes sure everyone involved in the transaction understands and agrees on the basic details of the work.

When to Use a Photography Contract

Use the family photography contract template when:

  • Hiring or being hired to take pictures of an event like a wedding or any type of private session.
  • The need exists for the photographer to provide a contract to clients.
  • With all clients, even when they are friends or family members.

Using a template makes it easy to prepare this kind of contract, and it's suitable for many photography business needs.

Other Names for a Photography Contract

As a written agreement, a photography contract reduces the chance of communication problems coming up, including reducing the chance of last-minute changes to a session or a client not paying promptly for services rendered. Other names for the document include:

  • Photo Contract
  • Photographer Contract Agreement
  • Wedding Photography Contract

Regardless of the name assigned to the contract, it details what the parties involved are agreeing to do, including:

  • How long the photographer will spend taking pictures and editing them
  • The deposit amount
  • Payment details
  • What will happen in the event of a cancellation

What Needs to Be Included in a Photography Contract

There are some basic pieces of information that need to be included in any photography contract. This data includes:

  • Contact information for the photographer
  • Contact information for the party hiring the photographer
  • Dates
  • Time the service will be provided
  • Location where the service will be provided
  • How long the photographer will spend taking and editing photos
  • How long the photographer has after the session to produce the final proofs
  • How many days each party has to make changes to or correct issues with photos
  • Deposit amount
  • The total amount of payment
  • Information on what happens if the session is canceled

For new photographers, it's also advisable to research common problems photographers encounter and include how those things will be handled in the contract terms from the beginning of negotiations.

Plan Ahead in Case Other Photographers Will Be Present

Other people taking pictures can get in a professional photographer's way at an event. Those other photographers can even completely block the professional's view so it's hard or impossible to get the planned, and paid for, pictures. Plan ahead by including terms in the contract about limiting photographers with mobile phones who may crowd in front of the camera. Also, plan ahead by setting boundaries so guests can't get to the photo's subjects during the shoot.

Time Scheduled and Overtime Charges

One common piece of advice from professional photographers is to be firm on the photo session times in the contract. It's also advisable to add information on overtime fees in case the event takes longer than originally planned. Planning ahead and including overtime fees in the contract terms makes it easy to handle the situation if a client requests an extended session.

Avoid Undercharging

When just starting out as a photographer, it's common to bid too low without adding in additional costs that may be incurred. Remember to list fees to cover expenses like the cost of travel, digital storage devices that will be delivered to the client as part of the photo package, editing time to enhance photos, and reshoots. It's also recommended to require a deposit that pays for all upfront expenses incurred.

Note Delivery Time in the Contract

When it comes to delivery time, include a bit of extra time for proof delivery and for producing the finished photos. That way, if any problems come up, it's still possible to deliver on time without defaulting on the contract.

Contracts that contain fairly basic information and terms are sufficient for some photographers, while other photographers include a detailed summary of terms for clients. It's typically ideal to provide the most detailed summary of terms possible so clients are informed of all possibilities up front.

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