Contracts and Agreements

[Karl Johnston]

Would it be too much to ask or too private a question to ask if I could view somebody's standard photoshoot contract or licensing agreement? I'm wondering if mine is too vague or too long, or what kind of format everyone else chooses to write in.

Just curious how other people word their contracts.

Myself, for photoshoots I bring along a standard model release, a contract along with the invoice and methods of payment available illustrating their rights to the photos and options for printing or ordering more. I think this is pretty all encompassing...it suits me, but what about you lot? What do you do for paperwork?

For commercial assignments, especially recently I have been doing a seperate licensing agreement with the terms, explanation of the license and its usage, along with the type and time. I'm a bit new to this kind of stuff, so this is the part that I would like the most guidance on wording, length, topics to cover, etc.

It also blends in as a contract for the specific type of work done, a disclaimer. It is followed up by a model release and an invoice.

So is this a pretty good way to handle the paperwork ? Any more efficent ways? What do you all do?

[elysium]

Depending on the shoot.

I like to structure my signings differently. I like to include a consultation period where they can go over the contract properly and ask questions. If they chose not to sign, I do not need to shoot and have time available to book something else. Release forms are usually done on the day.

This gives me time to meet my potential clients, get to know them and work with them better rather than meeting on the day itself. The only downside, you either choose to include this additional travel to the final quote or you throw it in as goodwill. I tend to put this as a hospitality thing from me.

[PhotosGuy]

You used a "good" title, so be sure to look at the "Similar Threads" links at the bottom-left of this page, too.

[Karl Johnston]

Yup, been doing that too :D