Photography Contract Template

Professional Photography Contract Template

Protect your photography business with a comprehensive contract covering shoots, deliverables, licensing, and usage rights.

Contract Template

1. Parties & Agreement

Identifies the photographer and client.

This Photography Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [DATE]:
Photographer: [YOUR NAME/STUDIO], located at [ADDRESS] ("Photographer")
Client: [CLIENT NAME/COMPANY], located at [ADDRESS] ("Client")

2. Photography Services

Defines the shoot details and deliverables.

Type of Photography: [e.g., Portrait, Commercial, Event, Product]
Shoot Date: [DATE]
Location: [ADDRESS/VENUE]
Duration: [X] hours (additional hours billed at $[RATE]/hour)
Deliverables:
  - [X] final edited images
  - Delivered as [FORMAT: JPEG, TIFF, RAW]
  - Resolution: [WEB / PRINT / BOTH]
Delivery Timeline: [X] business days after shoot

3. Fees & Payment

Specifies pricing and payment terms.

Session Fee: $[AMOUNT] (covers photography time and basic editing)
Payment Schedule:
  - [X]% retainer ($[AMOUNT]) due upon booking (non-refundable)
  - Remaining balance due [BEFORE SHOOT / UPON DELIVERY]
Additional Services:
  - Extra edited images: $[AMOUNT] each
  - Rush delivery: +$[AMOUNT]
  - Extended editing/retouching: $[RATE]/hour
  - Travel beyond [X] miles: $[RATE]/mile

4. Image Licensing & Usage Rights

Defines how images can be used.

License Granted: [PERSONAL USE ONLY / COMMERCIAL USE / UNLIMITED]
Personal Use includes: social media, personal website, prints for display
Commercial Use includes: advertising, marketing, products for sale
NOT Included (requires separate license):
  - Resale of images
  - Use by third parties
  - Stock photography submission
Photographer retains copyright to all images
Photographer may use images for portfolio, marketing, and contests

5. Image Editing & Retouching

Specifies editing services included.

Standard Editing Includes:
  - Color correction and exposure adjustment
  - Basic skin retouching
  - Cropping and straightening
NOT Included (available for additional fee):
  - Advanced retouching (body modification, extensive skin work)
  - Composite images
  - Background removal/replacement
Photographer's editing style will be consistent with portfolio work

6. Cancellation & Rescheduling

Terms for changes to the scheduled shoot.

Client Cancellation:
  - More than [X] days notice: Full refund minus retainer
  - [X]-[Y] days notice: [X]% refund
  - Less than [X] days notice: No refund
Rescheduling: One reschedule permitted with [X] days notice
Weather: Outdoor shoots may be rescheduled due to weather at no charge
Photographer Cancellation: Full refund if Photographer must cancel

7. Model & Property Releases

Provisions for releases when required.

Client is responsible for obtaining model releases for all subjects
Client is responsible for property releases for private locations
Photographer will provide standard release forms upon request
Commercial use requires signed releases from all identifiable subjects

8. Image Storage & Backup

Photographer's retention policy.

Photographer will store images for [X] months after delivery
After this period, images may be deleted without notice
Client should back up delivered images immediately
Re-delivery of images after storage period: $[AMOUNT] if available

9. Liability

Limits Photographer's liability.

Photographer's liability limited to fees paid under this Agreement
Photographer not liable for images not delivered due to equipment failure, loss, or circumstances beyond control
In case of total failure, Client's remedy is full refund of fees paid
Client responsible for insuring event/products being photographed

10. Signatures

Execution of the agreement.

Both parties agree to the terms above.
Photographer: _________________ Date: _________
Client: _________________ Date: _________

Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend having a qualified attorney review any contract before use to ensure it meets your specific needs and complies with applicable laws in your jurisdiction.

Pro Tips

Always get a non-refundable retainer to secure the booking date
Be very clear about usage rights—this is where most disputes arise
Keep backup copies of all delivered images for at least a year
Include travel fees for shoots beyond your local area
Specify your editing style to manage expectations
Get model releases BEFORE the shoot, not after

Key Features of This Contract

Shoot Details

Comprehensive sections for shoot date, location, and duration.

Image Licensing

Flexible licensing terms for different usage scenarios.

Model Release Integration

Built-in provisions for model and property releases.

Cancellation Policy

Clear terms for shoot cancellations and rescheduling.

Image Delivery

Specifies delivery timeline, formats, and editing included.

Print Rights

Terms for print usage, reproduction, and commercial use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the copyright to photos I take for a client?

Unless your contract explicitly transfers copyright, you own it. What you sell is typically a license to use the images, not ownership. This is standard practice and allows you to use images in your portfolio.

Should I give clients RAW files?

Generally, no. RAW files are your digital negatives and represent your working process. If clients insist on RAW files, charge significantly more—these are valuable assets.

What's a reasonable cancellation policy?

Common terms: retainer non-refundable, 50% refund with 2+ weeks notice, no refund within 1 week. Adjust based on your market and booking demand.

How long should I keep photos?

6-12 months is typical for client images. Clearly communicate your policy and encourage clients to back up their images immediately.

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