From the viewpoint of most wedding photographers the contract that they sign with the bride-to-be and bridegroom is exceedingly important. It outlines the terms on which they are undertaking a job and it sets limits as to what is expected from them from the couple and also what is reasonable and what's 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 to be worked
- What is the date and start time of the event
- What are the deliverables from the shutter-bug
- What's expected from the customer
- What are the payment terms
- Is a substitute shutter-bug permitted
- What happens if the client fails to meet the payment terms
- What will occur if inclement weather or other unforeseen events forestall some photos being taken.
- Under what conditions is the client, or the photographer permitted to cancel a contract and what penalties are concerned if this occurs.
The contract should be signed and dated by both parties, the first should be kept by the photographer and a copy kept by the couple. By setting everything out clearly in this manner, many disputes can be avoided. If disputes do arise and action is taken to court, then the contract should supply a clear framework for the court to decide a plan of action.
Always consult a professional counsel when making a contract or copy one from an existing professional cameraman that you know and respect and have a solicitor 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 to be worked
- What is the date and start time of the event
- What are the deliverables from the shutter-bug
- What's expected from the customer
- What are the payment terms
- Is a substitute shutter-bug permitted
- What happens if the client fails to meet the payment terms
- What will occur if inclement weather or other unforeseen events forestall some photos being taken.
- Under what conditions is the client, or the photographer permitted to cancel a contract and what penalties are concerned if this occurs.
The contract should be signed and dated by both parties, the first should be kept by the photographer and a copy kept by the couple. By setting everything out clearly in this manner, many disputes can be avoided. If disputes do arise and action is taken to court, then the contract should supply a clear framework for the court to decide a plan of action.
Always consult a professional counsel when making a contract or copy one from an existing professional cameraman that you know and respect and have a solicitor 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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