Create a Photography Contract Template

What Is a Photography Contract?

A Photography Contract is a document you would use if you are a photographer seeking to formalize your relationship with a client or you need to hire a photographer for your event or private photo shoot. Enter into a written agreement to avoid last-minute changes, non-payment issues, and communication problems.

Browse our library of forms below to find the template you need or create your own Photography Contract with our online form builder .

1. Use a General Photography Contract to establish the parameters of the job – the requirements, duration, and photographer fees.
2. A Wedding Photography Contract is signed by the photographer and the client to outline the details of the work of a professional photographer during a wedding.
3. Draft an Event Photography Contract if you require a photographer’s services for a planned social or public occasion.
4. Businesses that have proper education and experience working with different species and breeds can take pictures of animals – these specific situations are also covered by photography agreements. Sign a Pet Photography Contract to protect the safety of the client, pet, and yourself.

How to Write a Photography Contract?

When you sign a contract for photography services, you ensure that everyone agrees on the basic characteristics of the job. This document will allow the photographer to get paid fairly and assures the customer that their needs will be met. A simple Photography Contract has to include the following details:

1. Names and phone numbers of both parties.
2. Full description of the photography services to be provided. Negotiate the time and location and write them down. Indicate the number of hours for capturing photos and deadlines for editing.
3. Payment information. List the amounts and dates of installments, indicate the refundable or non-refundable deposit. You may additionally record the transaction between the parties by specifying the terms of the deal in an invoice. Include all the information a client might need later – your contact information, payment details, the total amount due, and the date of the project.
4. Copyright information. Decide who will own the images. Generally, the photographer reserves the copyright while the client may display and reproduce the images for personal use. Once the signature of the photographer is obtained, the client is entitled to use the photos privately and indefinitely.
5. Additional terms and conditions. If the photographer has breaks, meals, and assistants, list them fully.
6. A cancellation clause. Either party can cancel the agreement; however, note that the photographer may be entitled to a deposit.
7. Signatures of the parties and the date of the signing.

If you are planning to use the photos later – not only for commercial purposes but also for personal use, including private portfolios, - the photographer must obtain authorization to purchase these images to do it. A Photo Release Form must be signed by the individual(s) present in those photos, as they have a right to request payment or royalties.

If you are a professional model who grants the same kind of authorization to a photographer during a professional photoshoot, use a Model Release Form. This document mainly benefits the photographer; however, it is recommended to sign both forms to firmly secure the legal rights of both parties, especially if the model’s resemblance will be used in the stock images.

Check out these related tags and templates:

• Graphic Design Contract;
• Interior Design Contract;
• Decorating Contract.