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.net – Contracts 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.

In previous articles, we’ve discussed Model Release Forms, when you need them and why you need them. We also provided you with a model release template. You can find it in our Photographer’s Resources, under Contracts and Forms.

When Do You Need a Crowd Photo Release Form?

Whenever you are in a public area where you are shooting with the intent of commercial use, for the purposes of trade or advertising, and there are people in the background that may be recognizable, you should post Crowd Release Notice Forms. In public areas, everyone gives up their “reasonable right to privacy,” but if you use a person’s likeness for the purposes of selling a product, you are infringing on their rights and could be held liable. It’s good practice to post the notices at all entrances and take photos of those posted notices at each entrance.

Why Do You Need a Crowd Photo Release Form?

Posting a Crowd Photo Release notice can help you protect yourself and your business. It also makes it easier to sell the rights to your images/video.

Free Crowd Photo Release Form

The following is a sample Crowd Photo Release Form. It’s always a good idea to consult a lawyer for verbiage and information that is specific to you.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT BY ENTERING THIS AREA, YOU CONSENT TO YOUR VOICE, NAME, AND/OR LIKENESS BEING USED, WITHOUT COMPENSATION, IN FILMS AND TAPES FOR EXPLOITATION IN ANY AND ALL MEDIA, WHETHER NOW KNOWN OR HEREAFTER DEVISED, FOR ETERNITY, AND YOU RELEASE [insert company name] , ITS SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS AND LICENSEES FROM ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER OF ANY NATURE.

DO NOT ENTER THIS AREA IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING.

Free Crowd Photo Release Form Template

You can download a free Crowd Photo Release Form Template here: CROWD PHOTO RELEASE FORM

Disclaimer

The following free crowd photo release form 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 crowd release form template.

For more tools you can use for your business, here is our Photography Contract Template and our Model Release Form.

A model release form is a legal document between you, the photographer and the person or the person who owns the property you’re photographing). It is the written form of their permission allowing you to publish their image on your website, blog, and marketing materials. Model releases sometimes spell out the compensation for the model or photographer (given the situation).

When Do You Need a Model Release?

A model release is needed whenever you take an image of a recognizable person or identifiable feature (such as a tattoo). If you are photographing a property, you may need a property release form signed by the owner of the property. It doesn’t only apply to professional models, but to anyone who is being photographed.

Why do You Need a Model Release Form?

A model release form will protect you against civil liability lawsuit should an issue arise later on. It protects all parties involved, including the subject being photographed. It will also be needed if you decide to license at a later date. You should save all your release forms in case you need them in the future.

Model Release Download

For your convenience, we’ve created a download for you to edit (for free). Download below by subscribing to our newsletter.

In this download, you will find three different contract samples (a Client Contract, a Model Release, and our Second Shooter Contract). Simply download above, 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.

Free Model Release Form Template

Here is some of the verbiage I include in my model release form:

• I hereby assign full copyright of these photographs to the above-mentioned photographer (and the related representatives and assigns) together with the right of reproduction either wholly or in part.

• I grant to the Photographer or licensees or assignees the permission to can the above-mentioned photographs either separately or together, either wholly or in part, the perpetual and  irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish video and/or photographs of me, or where I may be included for editorial trade, product advertising and such other fashion /business purpose in any manner and medium.

• The Photographer and licensees or assignees may have unrestricted use of these for whatever purpose, including advertising, with any retouching or alteration without restriction.

• I agree that the above-mentioned photographs and any reproductions shall be deemed to represent an imaginary person, and further agree that the Photographer or any person authorized by or acting on his or her behalf may use the above-mentioned photographs or any reproductions of them for any advertising purposes or for the purpose of illustrating any wording, and agree that no such wording shall be considered to be attributed to me personally unless my name is used.

• Provided my name is not mentioned in connection with any other statement or wording which may be attributed to me personally, I undertake not to Prosecute or to institute proceedings, claims or demands against either the Photographer or his or her agents in respect of any usage of the above-mentioned photographs. I hereby release the photographer named above from all claims and liability relating to images, video or photographs taken of me.

Free Model Release Form

For your convenience, we’ve created a download for you to edit (for free). Download Here by subscribing to our newsletter.

Other Recommended Resources

Lawtog is a great place to find photography contracts.   See their offers here.

Disclaimer

The following free model release form 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 model release form template.

For more tools you can use for your business, here is our Photography Contract Template.

Photography permits are nothing new but the enforcement of commercial photography permits is getting stricter by the day, especially with new equipment like drones invading the privacy of residents located near popular shooting spaces, and thus permits are becoming more necessary than ever.

Don’t know where to start when it comes to permit acquisition or purchase? We answered a few commonly asked questions about photography permits that will help you out before your next shoot.

[REWIND: Photography Lighting Tips | Faking OCF With An On Camera Speedlight And A Silver Reflector]

1. When do you need a photography permit?

You can assume that regardless of what state/city you are in, if you are shooting in public or state parks/recreational areas that a permit is required for commercial use. The reason it’s not frequently discussed is because in most states/parks it goes fairly unnoticed, rangers aren’t out citing people or the park is big enough you won’t get caught.

If you live in high production areas or metropolitan areas then enforcement is going to be far more strict because there is money in production and they know that enforcing these laws will yield revenue in areas/cities where production frequently occurs.

We’d recommend always shooting with a permit, but if you are in high production cities/states it’s really more of a requirement than a suggestion. You can risk it, but the chances of getting penalized are far greater in these locations.

2. How much do photography permits cost?

They range from $50 to a whopping $1,000 depending on the location.  Sometimes the permits are free, but still required, so check the location before you go, but it’s safe to assume a permit is required.

3. where do i purchase a photography permit?

Research online to see who/what manages the property you will be shooting on. For state parks, they will have a link on their site and it will detail if you need to purchase a yearly, monthly, or daily permit.  For public/municipal parks they will often have a place where you can permit a certain number of local parks for a year. If applying online isn’t an option you can always call the facility if an office is available for contact.

For example, here is the Orange County Parks photography permit registration link, and you can see how easy the process is by testing the form out.

4. Do i need to carry my photography permit on my shoot?

Chances are locations that require permits will enforce the possession of them. Have them on hand in the chance an officer requests

5. Benefits of having a photography permit

Photographers are often disrespectful; parking illegally, littering, climbing and walking in areas they shouldn’t, etc. Those that permit are generally far more respectful of rules, thus, when you run into other photographers who have bought permits, it’s easier to work with them and share the location because they are more likely to be considerate.

Laguna Beach has become so busy with shoots that it’s often difficult to even find a place to shoot without having another photographer in the background. When you are working with paying clients and are paying for permits, this is a really crappy situation given most other photographers aren’t. Enforcement ensures that those with the right to be there can actually shoot and have a good experience.

Permitting cuts down on inappropriate public shoots. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to Laguna Beach with my clients (engagement, wedding, family, etc) and next to us is a bikini shoot, often in the nude. These are public beaches and family locations. No problem with boudoir/nude/bikini shoots, but they need to be done in the appropriate places.

6. if you don’t have a photography permit

Obviously obtaining a permit is best practice and the only legal means of shooting, but if you insist on flying under the radar then here is what we recommend:

1. Carry no more than 1 bag: this is a significant indicator that you are a pro photographer offering professional services. Keep your gear to a minimum.
2. No off-camera light modifiers (reflectors) or legs (flash stands/tripods): the more it looks like a production the higher than chances of the assumption that you are running a commercial shoot.
3. Don’t bring assistants or anyone other than you and the subjects: the more inconspicuous the better.

Hopefully this guide helps you navigate around permit purchasing for your next shoot. Post any questions you have regarding photography permits in the comments below.

Three Reasons Why Every Photographer Should Use Contracts

1. It Sets Expectations

It’s always best to be clear about expectations, what services will be rendered, what the client/subject gets in return, how the images will be used and to what extent, etc. Using a contract or a written agreement for all shoots paid or not, is highly advisable.
On the subject of free shoots: I like to attach to the contract or notate somewhere within the agreement the list of services being rendered along with their value. This goes for all my friends and family as well. By doing this the following concerns are eliminated:

• Will the client understand the value of my work?
• I don’t want to feel used.
• Will they expect more than I am willing to give for free?

2. It Educates Clients On Terms

We, of the photography community, are well versed in the code of ethics that apply to our work. The average person has no clue that they shouldn’t cut out the watermark or apply that oh-so-awesome Instagram-like post processing to our image. The contract can define those terms or at least provide you with a starting point for that discussion.

3. It Protects the Client-Vendor Relationship

I once invited a lawyer to come speak to my local photography community regarding contracts and how to write them and one of the first things he said was that contracts were more than just protection from lawsuits. We are in a service oriented industry and contracts set expectations clearly (if clients would take the time to read them). Upholding the letter of the contract is an option that vendors can exercise, but we have to measure the pros and cons of said action.
Take for example a situation where a client does not want certain images blogged. A good photographer’s contract should state very clearly that copyrights are owned by the photographer and a photographer can use the images for marketing mediums like blogs. Can the photographer in this example tell the client that they really have no say in the matter if the contract was signed? YES. But before being bullish about it, I would find out what the concern is and work with the client for alternative options. Referrals and future jobs are more important to me that upholding that particular section of my contract. I would point out, of course, that the contract allows me to exercise my rights BUT, I would be willing to compromise in the name of good will. I love sounding like a hero.

[REWIND: MODEL RELEASE LAWSUIT AGAINST GETTY IMAGES]

Where Do I Go From Here?

The problem most creatives encounter once they realize that they need contracts is knowing what contracts they need, what it should contain and whether or not the verbiage is legal and binding. That last part is probably the most challenging since you can find a lot of forums with information on the other two. Enter my recent find: The Law Tog.

In the past, I’ve had issues trying to find vendors like lawyers, accountants, business coaches that understand the nuances of photography and so I spent a lot of time getting my consultants up to date on my needs. Rachel Brenke is a photographer with a law degree. She runs the business consulting firm, The Law Tog, geared specifically towards photographers. Can you say perfect combination for all of us on a hunt for answers? I recently checked out her portrait bundle set that comes with the following documents:

• General Model Release
• Independent Contractor
• Minor Model Release
• Permission To Sell Photographs to Third Parties
• Print Release
• Product Delivery Agreement
• Portrait Photography Contract

Three Really Great Things About The Documents

1. They are flexible – the documents give you suggested verbiage and options to use based on your business model
2. Fill in the blanks – the form has areas to help you define a complete set of terms. It forces you to really consider how to handle the exceptions like late payments, cancellations, product turn times and expedite fees. There’s a great list of items that a new photographer may not have encountered yet (or even thought of), but a seasoned photographer would know to protect against.
3. They are Current – Most forms found online may not go into detail about digital file handling and social media but these forms have specific sections covering those areas.

The bundle is currently on sale for $319. Buy the whole set or find what you need in her extensive inventory of documents and purchase a la carte.

Rachel is also a mom to 4 kids, on top of being a lawyer, a photographer and a writer. We’ve reviewed her book, The Laundry List: A Mom’s Guide to Running a Successful Business and Home, and she’s on creativeLive this week! She’ll be chatting about Balancing Work, Family and Photography. Here are the details and how to RSVP:

Balancing Work, Family, and Photography with Rachel Brenke
Date : April 10 – 11, 2014
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM Pacific

Don’t miss out on this free live event by RSVPing HERE.

Even if you decide not to invest in this set, you should definitely invest the time to work on your contracts. Don’t let the excuse of not knowing what to write hold you back from peace of mind and a smooth sailing professional relationship with your clients.

In the past, we’ve brought you essential forms and checklists for photographers like the model release form and the photography contract. We wanted to continue this series by providing you with a Photography Equipment Checklist.

Why Use a Photography Equipment Checklist?

Forgetting a critical battery, filter, gel, or other piece of gear can have significant effects on your shoot. It’s easy to forget small, but important items. While we would not likely walk out of the door without our camera body, we might forget the all important Pocket Wizard Cable and thus be unable to execute certain off-camera lighting techniques.

What Makes This Form Different?

We’ve tried our best to make your life easy by creating an easily printable, 3 column excel spreadsheet. Simply replace our equipment items with yours and print out the page. Now you have a checklist that you can use for 3 shoots (one shoot per column).

Where can I download this?

–> Click here to download the Photography Equipment Checklist. It’s Free!

Photography Equipment Checklist

The following are items that we’ve included in our checklist

• Pelican 1510
• UNDFIND One Bag
• UNDFIND Waist Shooter
• Tripod/Flash Stand Bag
• Main Body | Canon 5D Mark III
• Backup Body | Canon 5D Mark II
• Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 Mark II
• Canon 70-200mm II
• Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II
• Canon 50mm f/1.2L
• Canon 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye
• Canon 100mm f/2.8L
• Canon 580 ex II (2x)
• Shoot Through Umbrella
• Off Camera Flashes (x3)
• Flash Stands (x2)
• Tripod
• Tungsten Flash Gels (x6)
• On Camera Flash bracket
• Quantum Blade & Cable
• Lowel GL1 Gun Light
• Gary Fong Lightsphere
• Pocketwizard Plus III w/ Caddys (x4)
• Pocket Wizard Cables (x6)
• 5 in 1 Reflector
• Eneloop AA Batteries (16x)
• Duracell AA Batteries (16x)
• 5D Battery (x4)
• Battery Charger
• Sandisk 64GB SD Card
• Sandisk 32 GB CF Card
• Sandisk 16GB CF Card (2x)
• Sandisk 8GB CF Card (2x)
• Putty for Ring Shots
• Business Cards
• Protein Bar
• Gum/Mints

What are we missing in our Photography Equipment Checklist?

Are there things that you carry on your shoots that you don’t see listed here? Let us know what we missed!