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Archive 2012 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?

  
 
sic0048
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p.1 #1 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


I am a photographer who is just beginning to look for professional work. We are in the process of setting up the LLC, getting insurance, etc. But I don't really know where to start with regard to the different contracts.

I know there are some good resources like PPA, but I was also curious if photographers will generally share their contracts? I'm not looking to simply copy a contact because I realize it tends to be fairly custom for the photographer it is written for. But I also know that experienced photographers have seen and experienced more and they constantly add to their contracts based on those experiences. Therefore I think it may be helpful to see some contracts or even just some sections of contracts to help me build a "must have" list of clauses for my contracts.

I am acquainted with a couple local photographers, but I don't want to ask them for a copy of their contacts if it isn't generally OK to do so.

Likewise, if anyone on the forum would be willing to share all or part of their contract, I would really be appreciative.

Thanks for the information!

Brian



May 14, 2012 at 01:56 PM
unblinkable
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p.1 #2 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


Okay... so I'll post mine here for you to see. I'll preface it with saying that I pulled together what I thought was a pretty good contract, then took it in to my lawyer for him to check for the legalities. He found several loop holes for me and shored them up. Several of my students have taken a copy of mine to their own lawyers and just had them use that as a basis for theirs, adjusting what needed to be adjusted in order to fit the laws of their particular state, or the policies of their particular studio. So... with that said...



On the date of ___________ this contract was entered into by Fresh Photography and :

(financially responsible party) ________________________________

regarding the wedding of :

________________________________ and ________________________________
Bride Groom

for the date of: __________________ at the time of: ______________________

located in (town/state): _______________________________________________

There is no understanding between the parties verbal or otherwise than contained in this contract. The contract 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 the parties.

If there is failure to perform by Fresh Photography due to a fire or other casualty, act of God, illness or other cause beyond the control of the parties, then Fresh Photography shall return all funds previously paid by the clients, but shall have no further liability with respect to the agreement. This limitation on liability shall also apply in the event that photographic materials are damaged in processing, lost through camera malfunction, lost in shipping, or otherwise lost or damaged without fault on the part of Fresh Photography. In the event that Fresh Photography fails to perform for any other reason, they shall not be liable for any amount in excess of the retail value of the client's order. (initial) _____

Binding Arbitration by an accredited service is required should any problems occur which cannot be resolved by discussions between the clients and Fresh Photography. All parties agree to attend binding arbitration before moving forward with any legal proceedings. Notice of Arbitration by return receipt mail is required.

House rules of ceremony official or reception site management will be followed by Fresh Photography. Clients agree to accept the technical results of the location's imposition on the photographer. Negotiation with the officials for modification of guidelines is Client's responsibility; Fresh Photography will offer technical recommendations only. (initial) _____

Upon initialing by the client, Portraiture by Melanie agrees to provide all services laid out in the follow package:

_____ Option 1: $5,500

_____ Option 2: $7,500

_____ Option 3: $10,000


Please list out all customized additions and the price of each you'd like to have included:



Package price will be settled at the time of choosing the package, not at the time of signing the contract (if the two are mutually exclusive). The signing of the contract firms the date only. Initialing a package locks in the price of the package. In case of cancellation, the choice made will indicate the balance owed. If no choice has been made at the time of cancellation, the smallest current package offered will dictate the balance owed. Print prices and materials used to complete the packages are subject to change based on availability. (initial) _____

All retainers, partial payments and fees are non-refundable. The balance of the contract (less the retainer) will be due one month before the wedding day. If payment is not received by the time-frame listed above, a single late fee of $50 will be added for up to 7 days past due. Each additional day after that will incur a $10 fee until the balance is received in full. The clients are fully responsible for assuring that all payments are paid to Fresh Photography as specified in this contract, even in the event of a cancellation. Failure to make a specified payment will be considered a breach of this contract, unless clients make payment arrangements agreeable to Fresh Photography and those agreements are added to this contract and initialed by both parties. In the event of a change of wedding date, the client forfeits the original deposit and a new deposit will be required for the new date. In the event of a cancellation, the date will become available for reservation by another party. The client may be released from this contract, at the discretion of Fresh Photography, if the date is reserved for another wedding. (initial) _____

A pre-wedding consultation will be scheduled approximately a month before the event date in order to finalize the actual shooting times and locations. During this consultation both the bride and groom and Fresh Photography will agree upon a photography schedule to complete special requests. Should the client not provide enough time to complete all of the requests, not follow Melanie’s scheduling recommendations, or run late, Fresh Photography will not be responsible for missed photographs. Fresh Photography is also not responsible for missed images due to details not revealed beforehand (e.g. surprises). (initial) _____

The client hereby grants to Fresh Photography irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the bride and groom, for editorial, trade, advertising, web site promotion and any other legal purpose and in any manner and medium; and to copyright the same.

In the event any term or provision of this Agreement shall be found invalid or unenforceable due to applicable law, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby. The clients have certified that they have read and understand the entire agreement between Fresh Photography and themselves. The clients have had the opportunity to review this contract, the terms and conditions have been explained and the clients fully understand them.


Client’s Signature: ____________________________________________

Photographer's Signature: ______________________________________




May 14, 2012 at 03:51 PM
g-money
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p.1 #3 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


Melanie, thanks for sharing. I do have a question. I normally deal with the bride and usually bride only no matter who hands me a check the bride signs contact and all matters of money run through the bride.

Looking at your contract you have a section to separate the financially responsible party and the bride. Then at the bottom you have a space for clients signature. Who in this case do you consider your client? The bride or the financially responsible party?

If Mom is paying for the services do you have her sign the contract and then deal with her on all money matter? I am by far no lawyer but it seems you would need both parties to sign at the bottom if bride and financially responsible party were different, what am I missing!

Thanks, Greg



May 15, 2012 at 10:56 AM
sic0048
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p.1 #4 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


Thanks for sharing Melanie!


May 15, 2012 at 11:40 AM
RobertLynn
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p.1 #5 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


So I'm reading that and saying, wow thats pretty close to what mine is, then I kept reading. Much more thought out and worded much better. I'll be talking to my attorney soon.


May 15, 2012 at 12:20 PM
Patrick Elliott
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p.1 #6 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


Cool of you, Melanie.

I am wondering about something, though. Everywhere in your contract, you refer to yourself as Fresh Photography, except at the Package Option section, where is says Portraiture by Melanie.



May 15, 2012 at 12:39 PM
collierstudios
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p.1 #7 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


Here's another question about contracts. How do you handle it if they do not know the package they want at time of booking? Sometimes clients only want to secure me for their date but might not at that time know their final budget or what specifically they want in terms of books, etc.

Anybody have insight in relation to that?



May 15, 2012 at 01:43 PM
othfilm
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p.1 #8 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


collierstudios wrote:
Here's another question about contracts. How do you handle it if they do not know the package they want at time of booking? Sometimes clients only want to secure me for their date but might not at that time know their final budget or what specifically they want in terms of books, etc.

Anybody have insight in relation to that?

I would probably say that you could sign them up for your absolute minimum package, and that they could add on from there. Handle it just how you would handle any couple wanting more services or end product if they end up wanting more than your minimum.

It covers you (since you wouldn't do it for less than your minimum), and since I imagine many have had customers want more in the future, that's not a big deal either. Anything less and you are potentially missing out on booking other weddings for that rate on the same day.



May 15, 2012 at 03:06 PM
AlexF
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p.1 #9 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


Mine is a bit more encompassing. Its a 3 page document - page 1 provides full info on me and collects info about the couple and the event basics (location, start time, end time) and also deals with the selected package and the cost.
Page 2 and 3 are all legal and signatures

Here are pages 2 and 3 ( formatting gets all screwed up here so sorry if its messy)

Agreement Terms & Conditions

1. Purpose
This agreement contains the entire understanding between the Photographer 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 the parties.

2. Reservation
Upon your signature, the Photographer will reserve the time and date agreed upon, and will not make other reservations for that time and date. For this reason, the Reservation Deposit is non-refundable, even if the date is changed or wedding cancelled for any reason, including acts of God, fire, strike, and extreme weather. The Reservation Deposit is to be paid at time of signing the contract. The Reservation Deposit is applied towards the contracted Wedding Package. Client understands and agrees that the entire amount owed for the Wedding Package described in the contract is due on the day of the Wedding Day, or, on the Outstanding Balance Due date (if specified). Client agrees if the balance is not paid by this time, the Photographer will not photograph the Wedding Day described on the contract, with a loss of Reservation Deposit by Client, and no liability to the Photographer.

3. Pre-Event Consultation
The parties agree to a pre-event consultation before the Wedding Day in order to finalize the actual shooting times, locations, and Client’s request list (in writing) for specific photographs. The Client will be responsible for, or have someone designated, to identify people of whom specific photographs are desired. The Photographer will not be held accountable for not photographing desired people if there is no one to assist in identifying people or gathering people for group photographs. The Client agrees to set aside at least 30-minutes of time before the ceremony commencement of the wedding and a 45-minute time frame afterward for photographs that cannot be obtained during the wedding including group shots. If the bride’s or grooms late arrival prevents this 30-minute window from occurring, the Photographer shall not be held liable for failure to take desired photographs.

4. Wedding Party Cooperation
Both parties agree to cheerful cooperation and communication for the best possible result within the definition of this assignment. The Photographer is not responsible if key individuals fail to appear, fail to co-operate during photography sessions, or for failure to capture images due to details not revealed to the Photographer. The Photographer recommends the Client designate an ‘event guide’ to point out important individuals for informal or candid photographs to the Photographer (see above) during the Wedding Day.

5. Shooting Time / Additions
The photography schedule and selected methodology are designed to accomplish the goals and wishes of the Client in a manner enjoyed by all parties. The Client and the Photographer agree that cheerful cooperation and punctuality by all members of the wedding party are essential to that purpose. Shooting commences at the scheduled start time agreed by both parties. Should additional photography and/or travel time, that is not included in the agreed package, be requested by the Client, it will be charged out at the rates specified in the Wedding Package, rounded to the nearest half hour.

6. House Rules
The Photographer is limited by the guidelines of ceremony officials or reception site management. Client agrees to accept the technical results of their imposition on the Photographer. Negotiation with the officials for moderation of guidelines is the Client’s responsibility; the Photographer will offer technical recommendations only.

7. Digital Negatives, Prints and Copyrights
The photographs, digital negatives or prints produced by the Photographer are protected by International
Copyright Law (all rights reserved) and the Photographer retains the copyright to all photos and images produced. The Client may receive a copy of the digital photographs on a disc, if it has been agreed upon as part of the Wedding Package. If so, the Client may reproduce any images in any manner they like for sharing and enjoyment of friends and relatives. However, the Client must obtain written permission from the Photographer prior to the Client or their friends and relatives publishing or selling the photographs for profit.

8. Model Release
The Client hereby grants to the Photographer and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the Client and Guests, or in which the Client and Guests may be included, for editorial, trade, advertising, stock, commercial and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; to alter the same without restriction; and to copyright the same. The Client hereby releases the Photographer and his legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs.

9. Exclusivity / Guest Photography
It is understood that the formal photography time is for the express use of the Photographer to capture the formal wedding portraits. Because of time constraints and the need for subjects to give full attention to the professional Photographer, guest photography cannot be permitted during the formal photography time. If time permits, the Photographer will make opportunities throughout the formal photography for guests to take photos. Otherwise, guests are welcome and encouraged to take photos at any time throughout the wedding and reception.

10. Co-operation of Guests and Other Service Providers
The Client is responsible for the conduct of their guests. Coordination with other service providers is necessary to complete all the photography as scheduled. The Client should share the photography schedule with other service providers to make sure that there are no conflicts with times. In addition, events during the wedding day should be planned to make the best use of time for all vendors. The Photographer will not tolerate verbally or physically abusive behavior, nor will the Photographer share its time or compete with guest photographers for the attention of the subjects. Unchecked guest conduct that interferes with photography will seriously affect the quality of the photographs taken and increase the number of photos that must be created. If the Client is unable to control the conduct of their guests or if the conduct of any of their guests damages any of the equipment of the Photographer, it will result in the early or immediate departure of the Photographer. The Client understands that in such an event, no refund will be given.

11. Completion Schedule
The Client agrees that no part of the Event Package, including previews (if any) will be delivered until the Outstanding Balance is paid in full. Digital processing takes approximately two(2) weeks. A digital proof album will be given to the Client no more than fourteen (14) days after the Event, in the form of an Online Photo Gallery, or other medium, assuming the Outstanding Balance and any Additions have been paid. Once the Client selects the photos for the wedding album (if one is included in the selected package) it takes from 2 to 4 weeks for the initial layout to be presented to the Client. It takes anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to have album printed and delivered (to the studio) after Client’s approval of the digital proof.

12. Payments
The Client agrees that the Reservation Deposit is required at the time of signing the contract and the Outstanding Balance is due on the Wedding Day, or on the Outstanding Balance Due date in the Wedding Package Summary, if specified.

13. Penalty Fees & Charges
There is a $ 75.00 charge for payments returned by the bank for any reason. There will be a $150.00 late payment fee for any payments that are not postmarked or delivered to the Photographer by the required date.

14. Right of Withdrawal
The Photographer’s discovery of new information, changes, or other factors tending to circumvent its policies could result in its withdrawal. Non-cooperation; changes of locations, facilities or times available; missed appointments; bad or returned checks, or late payments are examples of contributing factors. Should the Photographer initiate the withdrawal, all fees and deposits will be returned, excepting fair market value for all services/products already provided. In case of withdrawal, $100.00 an hour is billed for all photography services already provided. If the Photographer withdraws -- the Client will not be billed for any services in excess of their deposits (except if deposit was in form of returned checks).

15. Limit of Liability
In the unlikely event of severe medical, natural, or other emergency it could be necessary to retain a different photographer. The Photographer will make every effort to secure a skilled replacement photographer. 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 package. The Photographer takes the utmost care with respect to exposure, transportation, and processing the photographs including using professional grade equipment and professional grade backup equipment. However, in the unlikely event those photographs have been lost, stolen, or destroyed for reasons within or beyond the Photographer’s control, the Photographer’s liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the event package. 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.

16. Non-Guarantee
Although every possible care will be taken to produce photographs of all important and special moments during the wedding, the Photographer cannot place an unconditional guarantee on the above. The Photographer will not be held responsible for any ruined photographs due to guests’ (or any other) flashes; or any other ruined photographs due to any other cause in or outside of the Photographer’s control.

17. Performance
The performance of this contract on behalf of the Photographer shall be contingent upon acts of God, flood, fire, warfare, government laws or regulations, electrical failure, strikes by suppliers, and / or conditions beyond its control.

18. Severability
If any provision of this agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable under the law, the validity of this agreement as a whole shall not be affected, and the other provisions of the agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

19. Amendments
This contract has been freely negotiated and shall be recognized as the entirety of the agreement, and only those changes or modifications specifically placed in writing, attached, signed and dated by the Client and the Photographer at the time of this signing shall be recognized as amendments to this contract.

20. Reprint Orders
If a disc of the digital photos is not part of the agreed Event Package, reprints (or additional prints) of photos and other products may be ordered by the Client and/or Guests, through the Photographer, or Online Photo Gallery, if included in the package, at listed prices.

Agreement Declaration
I have read and understood the terms above. I hereby agree to the terms of this agreement.
Signature (Bride): _____________________________________ Name: ___________________________ Date: _______
Signature (Groom): ___________________________________ Name: ___________________________ Date: _______
Signature (Photographer): _____________________________ Name: Date: _______



May 15, 2012 at 03:25 PM
AlexF
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p.1 #10 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


Also I make a point to make sure that the bride and the groom are the ones that sign - irregardless of who is paying for my services and I make sure to stress that no matter who is paying the bride and the groom are my main clients and their wishes supersede everyone else.


May 15, 2012 at 03:27 PM
sic0048
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p.1 #11 · Do photographers generally share their contracts?


Thanks Alex. That is exactly the type of information that will be great to take to my attorney.


May 16, 2012 at 11:17 AM





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