What should a photography contract include?
Dates, times, hours of coverage, specific deliverables (edited photos, albums, prints), payment terms, cancellation policy, image usage rights, and a backup photographer clause. A written contract covering all of these protects both you and your photographer.
Solid photography contracts cover: specific date and times, hours of coverage, primary photographer and second shooter names (if applicable), what you're getting (edited images, albums, prints), number of final edited photos, delivery timeline (when you'll receive finished images), payment schedule (deposit, final payment due date), cancellation/refund policy, late delivery fees if applicable, image usage rights and restrictions, backup photographer clause (what happens if the primary photographer gets sick), travel fees (if applicable), and any additional services like engagement sessions or albums. Review the contract carefully before signing and ask about anything unclear, a vague deliverables line is where most disputes start.
