Photography contract template.
A photography contract should state the coverage hours, what the client receives and when, who owns the images and how they may be used, whether a second shooter is included, meal and break needs, the deposit and cancellation terms, and your backup plan if you cannot attend. Copy the clauses below and have a lawyer review them.
Updated
Coverage, deliverables and rights.
PHOTOGRAPHY AGREEMENT. This agreement is between [Your business name] ("Photographer") and [Client name] ("Client"), dated [Date], for [Event or session type] on [Date] at [Location].
1. Coverage. Photographer will provide [Number] hours of coverage from [Start time] to [End time]. Time lost to a delayed start is not made up. Extra time is available at [Rate] per [hour / half hour] if Photographer is free. Coverage includes [Moments, locations or shot list] and a reasonable effort at the group photos on Client's list, which Client provides by [Date].
2. Second shooter. A second photographer [is / is not] included. If included, the second shooter works for [Number] of the hours and works under Photographer's direction. Photographer remains responsible for the final images.
3. Deliverables and delivery time. Client receives [Number or approximate range] edited digital images in an online gallery within [Number] weeks of the event, or [Number] weeks if the event is in a busy season. The gallery stays online for [Number] months. Prints, albums and other products are [included / sold separately at [Rates]]. Unedited or raw files are [not provided / provided at [Fee]].
4. Ownership and usage license. Photographer owns the copyright in all images. Client receives a personal license to print, share and post the delivered images for non-commercial use. Commercial use needs written permission. Photographer may use selected images in [portfolio, website, social media, advertising] unless Client asks in writing, before the event, that certain images not be shared.
Meals, payment, cancellation and backups.
5. Meals and breaks. If coverage runs longer than [Number] hours, Client will provide Photographer [and second shooter] with a meal and a break of at least [Number] minutes, or the time is [counted as coverage / adjusted].
6. Access and conditions. Client will tell Photographer about venue photography rules, lighting limits and restricted areas before signing. Client will make sure Photographer has access to the locations and people needed. Photographer is not responsible for missed shots caused by a delayed schedule, restricted areas, weather or guests blocking the view.
7. Fee and deposit. The total fee is [Total amount]. A non-refundable retainer of [Retainer amount] is due when Client signs, and holds the date only after the retainer and signed agreement are received. The balance of [Balance amount] is due [Number] days before the event. [Travel, parking, lodging] is [included / billed at [Amount]].
8. Cancellation and rescheduling by Client. If Client cancels more than [Number] days before the event, Photographer keeps the retainer. If Client cancels [Number] days or fewer before, Client owes [Amount or share of the total fee]. Client may move the date once if Photographer is available and asked at least [Number] days ahead.
9. If Photographer cannot attend. If Photographer cannot attend because of illness, an emergency or another cause outside Photographer's control, Photographer will tell Client right away, [arrange a qualified replacement photographer where possible,] and refund all payments for services not delivered.
10. Backups and loss of images. Photographer shoots with [dual card slots / backup equipment] and backs up images after the event. If images are lost for reasons beyond Photographer's control, Photographer's liability is limited to a refund of fees paid. Photographer keeps the final edited images for at least [Number] months and recommends Client also saves a copy.
11. Liability. Photographer is responsible for performing with reasonable care. Photographer is not responsible for [injury, loss or damage caused by guests, venue conditions or events outside Photographer's control]. Photographer's total liability is limited to the fees Client paid.
12. Entire agreement. This is the full agreement. Changes must be in writing and agreed by both. It is governed by the laws of [State].
Signed: [Client name], [Date]. [Photographer name], [Date].
Spell out delivery time and usage in plain words.
Most photography disputes are about when the photos arrive and what the client may do with them. Put the delivery window in clause 3 and the license in clause 4, and repeat them on your quote and booking page.
If you shoot sessions rather than events, adapt clause 1 into a session length, location and number of looks, and drop the meals clause.
Have a lawyer review it.
This is a starting point, not a finished legal document. Copyright and licensing terms, retainers and liability limits are treated differently by state. Have a lawyer in your state review your final version once, then reuse it. This page is not legal advice.
Get it signed before the retainer is paid.
- Attach your contract to a package or quote so the client signs it before they pay.
- Clients request a date from your packages and pay a deposit online, and the balance can be charged automatically.
Common questions.
What should a photography contract include?
Coverage hours and location, a shot list or main moments, deliverables and delivery time, image ownership and usage license, second shooter, meals, fee and retainer, cancellation, backups and liability.
Who owns the photos in a photography contract?
By default the photographer usually owns the copyright, and the client receives a license to use the delivered images. Say this clearly in the contract and spell out what the client may do, such as print and share.
How long should delivery take after the event?
Choose a window you can keep, with a longer one for busy seasons, and write it into the contract. Clients want a date they can plan around, so keep to it or tell them early.
Should I include a second shooter in the contract?
State whether one is included, for how many hours, and that you remain responsible for the final images. If a second shooter costs extra, list the add-on fee in your quote and contract.
What happens if the photographer cannot attend?
Include a backup plan: tell the client right away, arrange a qualified replacement where possible, and refund payments for services not delivered. Also describe how you back up images.
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