Photography Contract Template (Updated)

Christopher Lin

By popular request, we’re providing you with a Free Photography Contract.  It’s written primarily as a wedding photographer contract, but it can be used as an event photography contract as well. It’s modified from the contract we use in our photography studio, Lin and Jirsa, Wedding Photographers in Los Angeles, so there are going to be things that don’t apply to your studio.

There are also going to be things that you’ll have to add to make it fit your business model. Nevertheless, it should serve as a good sample photography contract to get you started.  If you enjoy this resource, you may also want to check out our Free Model Release.

Download The Free Photography Contract Here

The full text is listed below in this article, but if you want a Microsoft Word Version of the photography contract, fill out the form below.  Just sign up for our Newsletter to download the FULL contract bundle for free, including three different contract samples

  1. The Client Contract
  2. The Model Release
  3. The Second Shooter Contract

Simply download below, scroll through to find which contract best suits your needs, select and save, and modify! These free contract samples are designed to help you pave your way to professionalism.

Photography Contract Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The following free photography contract contract has not been reviewed by a lawyer. It is provided for free to the community and is intended to be a guideline rather than a comprehensive, complete contract. Furthermore, many of the provisions may not be applicable depending on the type of studio you operate and the location in which you operate. It may also be missing provisions applicable to your type and location of photography. SLR Lounge is not responsible for any damages, lawsuits, or disputes that may arise from the use of this contract template.

Other Great Photography Contract Resources:

  • Lawtog –  Lawtog is a great resource for photography legal topics , including contracts
  • Template.netContracts Templates for all types of small businesses, from photographers to maintenance to IT.
  • Best Templates – See their Photography Contract
  • Honeybook – Honeybook members receive many benefits, including free contract templates.
  • Eforms – Eforms is another contract template site that provides premade contracts for a reasonable price.
  • Other Studio Management Software – Sites like Sprout Studio, Shootproof and others provide contracts as part of their subscriptions.

Included Provisions

While it is recommended that you download the Word Doc, here are the main provisions in the contract. We would love to hear your thoughts. What modifications would you make? Are we missing anything?

This Agreement is made effective for all purposes in all respects as of ____________ (current date) by and between ________________, herinafter referred to as “the COMPANY” and _____________, hereinafter referred to as “The CLIENT” relating to the event(s) detailed below, hereinafter referred to as “The EVENT(S).

ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This agreement contains the entire understanding between the COMPANY and the CLIENT. It supersedes all prior and simultaneous agreements between the parties. The only way to add or change this agreement is to do so in writing, signed by all parties. In the event that any part of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this agreement shall remain valid and enforceable. Any agreement to waive one or more provisions of this agreement or any failure by one or both parties to enforce a provision of this agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any other portion or provision of this agreement.

RESERVATION: A signed contract and retainer fee are required to reserve the dates and times of the EVENT(S). If the EVENT(S) are rescheduled, postponed, or cancelled; or if there is a breach of contract by the CLIENT, the retainer fee is non-refundable and shall be liquidated damages to The COMPANY. The CLIENT shall also be responsible for payment for any of the COMPANY’s materials charges incurred up to time of cancellation.

EVENT SCHEDULE: The client agrees to confirm the schedule one-week prior to the EVENT(S). Notification of any changes in schedule or location must be made in a timely manner and confirmation of receipt must be obtained from the COMPANY by the CLIENT.

SAFETY: The COMPANY reserves to right to terminate coverage and leave the location of the EVENT(S) if the photographer from the COMPANY experiences inappropriate, threatening, hostile or offensive behavior from person(s) at the EVENT(S); or in the event that the safety of the photographer from the COMPANY is in question.

SHOOTING TIME / ADDITIONS: The CLIENT and the COMPANY agree that cooperation and punctuality are essential to accomplish the goals and wishes of all parties. Shooting commences at the scheduled start time and ends at the scheduled end time. If the CLIENT does not arrive at the appointed time for the EVENT(S), shooting will commence at the scheduled start time and end at the scheduled end time. All additional time beyond the scheduled end time will be billed to the CLIENT.

EXPENSES INCURRED: When applicable, the CLIENT is responsible for all travel, accommodation, meal and transport costs unless provided by the CLIENT.
TRAVEL EXPENSES: All travel expenses are based on the distance between the EVENT location(s) and the COMPANY studio address. For all EVENT(S), the first __ miles roundtrip of travel are included. All miles in excess of ____ miles roundtrip are charged at $__.____ per mile.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The COMPANY is not responsible for compromised coverage due to causes beyond the control of the COMPANY including but not limited to obtrusive guests, lateness of the CLIENT or guests, weather conditions, schedule complications, incorrect addresses provided to the COMPANY, rendering of decorations, or restrictions of the locations. The COMPANY is not responsible for backgrounds or lighting conditions which may negatively impact or restrict the photo coverage. The COMPANY is not held liable for missed coverage of any part of the EVENT(S). The COMPANY will not be held accountable for failure to deliver images of any individuals or any objects at the EVENT(S).

VENUE AND LOCATION LIMITATIONS: The COMPANY is limited by the rules and guidelines of the location(s) and site management. The CLIENT agrees to accept the technical results of their imposition on the COMPANY. Negotiation with the officials for moderation of guidelines is the CLIENT’s responsibility; the COMPANY will offer technical recommendations only.

PERMITS: The CLIENT is responsible for acquiring all permits and necessary permission for all locations on which the COMPANY will be performing services.

FILM and COPYRIGHTS: The photographs produced by the COMPANY are protected by Federal Copyright Law (all rights reserved) and may not be reproduced in any manner without the COMPANY’s explicitly written permission. If the CLIENT has purchased an “Image DVD” from the COMPANY, upon final payment by the CLIENT, limited copyright ownership of the resulting images will be transferred to the CLIENT. If the CLIENT has purchased an “Image DVD” from the COMPANY, the COMPANY grants the CLIENT permission to share the images on social networking websites, with family and friends, and on vendor websites as long as the images remain unaltered and textual credit is explicitly given to the COMPANY. The CLIENT must obtain written permission from the COMPANY prior to publishing or selling the photographs.

MODEL RELEASE: The CLIENT hereby assigns the COMPANY the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the CLIENT or in which the CLIENT may be included, for editorial, trade, advertising, educational and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; to alter the same without restriction; and to copyright the same without restriction. The CLIENT releases all claim to profits that may arise from use of images.

LIMIT OF LIABILITY: In the unlikely event that the assigned photographer from the COMPANY is unable to perform to the guidelines of this contract due to an injury, illness, act of God, act of terrorism, or other cause beyond the control of the COMPANY, the COMPANY will make every effort to secure a replacement. If the situation should occur and a suitable replacement is not found, responsibility and liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the EVENT(S).

In the unlikely event that digital files have been lost, stolen, or destroyed for reasons beyond the COMPANY’s control, including but not limited to camera, hard drive, or equipment malfunction, the COMPANY liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the EVENT(S). The limit of liability for a partial loss of originals shall be a prorated amount of the exposures lost based on the percentage of total number of originals. The COMPANY is not liable for the loss of images beyond the lesser of the final delivery of all products included in the package or one year.

CAPTURE AND DELIVERY: The COMPANY is not liable to deliver every image taken at the event. The determination of images delivered to the CLIENT is left to the discretion of the COMPANY.

POST PRODUCTION AND EDITING: The final post production and editing styles, effects, and overall look of the images are left to the discretion of the COMPANY.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: The aforementioned _____% non-refundable retainer fee is due at the time of signing of agreement. The remaining balance is payable in full prior to or the day of the EVENT(S). In the event the CLIENT fails to remit payment as specified, the COMPANY shall have the right to immediately terminate this agreement with no further obligation, retain any monies already paid, and not attend the EVENT(S). Returned checks will be assessed a $_____ non-sufficient funds fee.

PRICING: Services or merchandise not included in this initial contract will be sold at the current price when the order is placed. All prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Credit vouchers have no intrinsic cash value and may only be applied toward merchandise purchased from the COMPANY.

Things Left Out That You Might Add in Your Photography Contract

Exclusive Photographer – I’ve seen photography contracts that include an “exclusive photographer” provision which basically ensures that you’re the only photographer that they hire for the day and that you have the right to ask uncle Bob to put down his camera.

Rescheduling Policy – I’ve seen contracts that include scenarios where rescheduling a wedding or event does not forfeit the retainer fee if the photographer is able to book another client on the original date.

Harassment Policy – Maybe more for those female photographers, but I’ve also seen contracts where coverage will terminate if a guest of the wedding or event is acting inappropriately towards the photographer.

Reproduction Policy – If you don’t include image DVDs with your packages, a reproduction policy might be necessary. This would restrict clients from reproducing your work without your permission.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The preceding free photography contract has not been reviewed by a lawyer. It is provided for free to the community and is intended to be a guideline rather than a comprehensive, complete contract. Furthermore, many of the provisions may not be applicable depending on the type of studio you operate and the location in which you operate. It may also be missing provisions applicable to your type and location of photography. SLR Lounge is not responsible for any damages, lawsuits, or disputes that may arise from the use of this photography contract template.

Other Resources

Wedding Photography Contract by Best Templates – Here’s another inexpensive contract template for you to consider. Click here to view.

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