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 try work without a signed contract. When they do this they are taking a risk and they should understand the level of risk. If the event is a wedding then it's not something that can be repeated if mistakes are made. The chance is that the cameraman can be brought to court if the client thinks that he has not performed the work in the correct way.
Some things that a contract should define:
- How many hours are to be worked
- What is the date and start time of the event
- What are the products from the paparazzo
- What's demanded from the customer
- What are the payment terms
- Is a substitute cameraman authorized
- What will occur if the client fails to meet the payment terms
- What occurs if bad weather or other unlooked for events stop some photographs being taken.
- Under what conditions is the client, or the paparazzo permitted to cancel a contract and what penalties are concerned if this occurs.
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 professional solicitor when making a contract or take one from an existing professional snapper that you know and respect and have a lawyer review it for any issues before using it in your business.
Some photographers will try work without a signed contract. When they do this they are taking a risk and they should understand the level of risk. If the event is a wedding then it's not something that can be repeated if mistakes are made. The chance is that the cameraman can be brought to court if the client thinks that he has not performed the work in the correct way.
Some things that a contract should define:
- How many hours are to be worked
- What is the date and start time of the event
- What are the products from the paparazzo
- What's demanded from the customer
- What are the payment terms
- Is a substitute cameraman authorized
- What will occur if the client fails to meet the payment terms
- What occurs if bad weather or other unlooked for events stop some photographs being taken.
- Under what conditions is the client, or the paparazzo permitted to cancel a contract and what penalties are concerned if this occurs.
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 professional solicitor when making a contract or take one from an existing professional snapper that you know and respect and have a lawyer 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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