From the point of view of most wedding photographers the contract that they sign with the bride and groom is essential. It defines the terms on which they're undertaking a job and it sets boundaries in regards to what is needed from them from the couple and also what's reasonable and what is not.
Some photographers will undertake work without a signed contract. When they do this they're taking a chance and they should understand the level of risk. If the event is a wedding then it is not something that will be repeated if mistakes are made. The risk is that the shutter-bug can be dragged to court if the customer thinks that he hasn't performed the work in the right way.
Some things that a contract should define:
- How many hours are going to be worked
- What's the date and start time of the event
- What are the results from the photographer
- What is anticipated from the client
- What are the payment terms
- Is a substitute photographer allowed
- What will happen if the customer fails to meet the payment terms
- What happens if adverse weather or other surprising events prevent some pictures being taken.
- Under what conditions is the customer, or the snapper allowed to cancel a contract and what penalties are involved if this happens.
The contract should be signed and dated by both parties, the original should ideally be kept by the snapper and a duplicate kept by the couple. By setting everything out plainly in this fashion, many disputes can be skipped. If disputes do arise and action is brought to court, then the contract should provide a clear framework for the court to set a plan.
Always consult a pro lawyer when making a contract or duplicate one from an existing pro photographer that you know and respect and have a counsel review it for any issues before using it in your business.
Some photographers will undertake work without a signed contract. When they do this they're taking a chance and they should understand the level of risk. If the event is a wedding then it is not something that will be repeated if mistakes are made. The risk is that the shutter-bug can be dragged to court if the customer thinks that he hasn't performed the work in the right way.
Some things that a contract should define:
- How many hours are going to be worked
- What's the date and start time of the event
- What are the results from the photographer
- What is anticipated from the client
- What are the payment terms
- Is a substitute photographer allowed
- What will happen if the customer fails to meet the payment terms
- What happens if adverse weather or other surprising events prevent some pictures being taken.
- Under what conditions is the customer, or the snapper allowed to cancel a contract and what penalties are involved if this happens.
The contract should be signed and dated by both parties, the original should ideally be kept by the snapper and a duplicate kept by the couple. By setting everything out plainly in this fashion, many disputes can be skipped. If disputes do arise and action is brought to court, then the contract should provide a clear framework for the court to set a plan.
Always consult a pro lawyer when making a contract or duplicate one from an existing pro photographer that you know and respect and have a counsel review it for any issues before using it in your business.
About the Author:
Clwyd is a wedding photographer woking in London for Pixcellence photography. He runs wedding photography courses for photographers in England.
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