Senior Portrait Contract?

[Muskydave22]

I will be getting into the business of taking senior pictures and what not this coming spring and summer and I have a few questions for the pros out there. Would it be a good idea to draw up a contract for them to sign before they have their pictures taken? And if so, what should that contract include? I am very new at this whole thing of making money off of taking pictures and its all a bit nerve racking really, trying to get everything set up and what not.

Any other tips would be GREATLY appreciated.

Dave

[asysin2leads]

I have a contract for everything. Keep in mind that if you are shooting a minor, they cannot enter into a legal binding contract w/out parental/guardian signature. Also, get the contract signed before you shoot anything. Have them sign a model release if you plan on using them as advertisement or posting online. There are a lot of resources on the net (and POTN) for contracts. You really don't have to have a custom contract for every situation. A standard contract w/ minor changes will work just fine. Also, don't forget, get a lawyer to look over the contract. States vary on what language needs to be included.

[Gatorboy]

I'm curious, what would be the purpose of a contract for a portrait shoot? Are they committing way in advance (as a wedding) and giving you a retainer?

You only need a model release if you are going to use the images for advertising or to promote a product.

[Muskydave22]

Well I more than likely will be advertising with their pictures on facebook, website etc.

Dave

[dsmPhotoCompany]

Would it be a good idea to draw up a contract for them to sign before they have their pictures taken?

It's not a good idea, it's pretty much something you absolutely should do, it's as important as removing the lens cap from your camera lens.

I get a signature for everything - seniors, families, corporate jobs, etc. I even have my family members sign my contract. The contract is signed digitally as it's within my studio management system (ShootQ). Within my contract is a section about allowing me to use the images for self promotion (aka, model release). The contract is signed and 100% of session investment is paid before my camera leaves the bag.

If you're not getting a contract signed or think "I don't need one unless I want to use it for advertising", you're leaving your business open for abuse. Plus, if you're business is getting abused (aka, your work stolen or printed without approval), you have no leg to stand on as you didn't have a contract.

My advice? Only take your advice about contracts from either a lawyer or other professional photographers.

As far as resources to get your contract created, the ASMP is a good place to start, as is this book (which contains a CD with a ton of contracts/forms).

http://www.amazon.com/Business-Legal-Forms-Photographers-CD-ROM/dp/158115206X

[MadisonPhotography]

I'd be curious to see what people are putting into their contracts or anyone that is willing to share. I shoot sporting events, senior portraits, family portraits and lately getting requests to do commercial and landscape shots.

Nick

[Mike30D]

I'm curious, what would be the purpose of a contract for a portrait shoot? Are they committing way in advance (as a wedding) and giving you a retainer?

No, they're not committing in advance like a wedding but this way they know exactly what they are getting with their session/package. This gives you solid ground to stand on when they come back to you and say "oh, I thought we were getting this also".

[Gatorboy]

No, they're not committing in advance like a wedding but this way they know exactly what they are getting with their session/package. This gives you solid ground to stand on when they come back to you and say "oh, I thought we were getting this also".

Thanks Mike, that was helpful. I originally thought the OP was needing a model release and not a contract, but this explains the need for one.

[Muskydave22]

Alright I drafted a senior portrait contract for regular clients and a contract for my senior models/reps as well. I will also have them sign a release just so I can put the images on facebook and my website once that gets off the ground. Thanks a lot for all the help guys!

Dave