From the perspective of most wedding photographers the contract that they sign with the bride-to-be and groom is very important. It sets out the terms on which they're undertaking a job and it sets boundaries as regards what is wanted 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 going to be worked
- What's the date and start time of the event
- What are the results from the photographer
- What is anticipated from the client
- What are the payment terms
- Is a substitute photographer allowed
- What will happen if the customer fails to meet the payment terms
- What happens if adverse weather or other surprising events prevent some pictures being taken.
- Under what conditions is the customer, or the snapper allowed to cancel a contract and what penalties are involved if this happens.
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 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 going to be worked
- What's the date and start time of the event
- What are the results from the photographer
- What is anticipated from the client
- What are the payment terms
- Is a substitute photographer allowed
- What will happen if the customer fails to meet the payment terms
- What happens if adverse weather or other surprising events prevent some pictures being taken.
- Under what conditions is the customer, or the snapper allowed to cancel a contract and what penalties are involved if this happens.
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 professionals in the United Kingdom.
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