Engagment only shoot - Help?

Hey guys,


I have always been an event shooter, mostly sports and just inanimate objects.

However my sister in-law is getting married next year and is still seeking out her photog for the wedding however she really had her heart set on doing her engagement shots this year during our fall (over the next 2 weeks) and she really can not find anyone who is willing to just do her engagement shots and no one is available to do it on such short notice.

So she has really been pushing on me to help her out and take them for her, knowing I am not one who does this kind of work but she feels that anything I can produce will still be better than nothing.

So, Where do I start I have been checking out all the threads of other peoples work and I have many ideas who to shoot them, I have my gear which will be suffice for the work and they have a couple of locations picked out. I have not told them Yes as of yet however have been leaning towards doing it.

So what I would like is,

Contract? Can someone share there contract for engagement shots that I could get a gander at to see what most include?

Cost? I know when I got married the engagement shots where included? What would be a standard price for this we would be looking at a couple of hours, so would I charge a sitting fee like I would do at my sports events and then charge per print set out in the contract?

Best regards,
Michael

PORTRAIT CONTRACT

Date of Shoot:_______________
Time of Shoot: _______________
Location: _______________
_______________
Portrait Type: _______________



Contact Information
Name: _______________
Phone: _______________
Address: _______________
_______________
e-mail: _______________



Package Selected



Sitting Fee:
$
Additions:
$
Travel Cost:
$
Tax:
$
TOTAL:
$
Deposit Paid:
$
Balance Due:
$

Remaining balance due on ___/___/___ the day of the photo shoot in the amount of $______________.
*Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order (written to OpieFoto LLC).

THE PARTIES ARE HEREBY KNOWN AS:
OpieFoto LLC (hereinafter referred to as “The Photographer”)
_______________ (hereinafter referred to as “The Client”) THE CLIENT affirms that THE CLIENT is at least 18 years old and has the capacity to enter into a contract with THE PHOTOGRAPHER.

1. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: 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 change or add to this agreement is to do so in writing, and providing the document is signed by all the relevant parties.

2. RETAINER: 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, a retainer of $50 is non-refundable, even if the date is changed or the shoot canceled for any reason; including acts of God, fire, strike and/or extreme weather. The retainer is to be paid at time of signing the contract. The retainer is applied towards the contracted portrait photography package. THE CLIENT understands and agrees that the entire amount owed for the portrait photography described in the contract is due on the day of the photography shoot.

3. CANCELLATION: In the event that THE CLIENT cancels the contracted services for portrait photography outlined in this contract before the portrait session takes place, THE CLIENT agrees to pay THE PHOTOGRAPHER liquidated damages equivalent to the retainer deposit. THE PHOTOGRA
PHER agrees to refund all additional paid money, if any, (less expenditures for which receipts will be provided) to THE CLIENT.

4. DIGITAL NEGATIVES, PRINTS and COPYRIGHTS: The photographs, digital negatives or prints produced by THE PHOTOGRAPHER are protected by Copyright Law (all rights reserved) and may not be reproduced in any manner without THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S explicit written permission. THE CLIENT must obtain written permission from, and compensate THE PHOTOGRAPHER prior to an event where THE CLIENT, THE CLIENT’S friends or relatives publish or sell the photographs for profit.

5. MODEL RELEASE: THE CLIENT hereby assigns and grants THE PHOTOGRAPHER and its legal representatives the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of THE CLIENT or in which THE CLIENT may be included, for editorial, trade, advertising or 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 its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs. It is agreed that THE PHOTOGRAPHER may display and use the photographs taken for advertising, display, website and internet promotion, photographic contests, public display such as in malls, photography books, photography instructional books, store fronts, window displays, studio display, television advertising, magazine advertising and any other purpose thought proper by THE PHOTOGRAPHER.

6. METHOD OF PAYMENT: Payment may be made by cash, check (written to OpieFoto LLC) or money order. Returned checks are subject to a $25.00 returned check fee.
PROOF OF PAYMENT TO BE PROVIDED ON REQUEST

7. PURCHASE OF DIGITAL NEGATIVES: If THE CLIENT desires a copy of the additional digital negatives (images not included in one of the paid packages) in high resolution, these images may be purchased at a specified cost and will be supplied on CD.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. AMENDMENTS: This contract has been freely negotiated and shall be recognized as the entirety of the agreement. Only those changes or modifications specifically placed in writing, attached, dated and signed by THE CLIENT and THE PHOTOGRAPHER at the time of acceptance of this contract shall be recognized as amendments to this contract.

11. PRICE GUARANTEE: The prices listed in this contract expire one year after the portrait session date and orders placed after this time will be at THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S current rates.

I have read and understood the terms above. I hereby agree to the terms of this agreement.


Signed: _______________ Date: _______________
(Client)


Signed: _______________ Date: _______________
(OpieFoto LLC)

I posted my general portrait contract, I have clients sign this one for anything not involving the wedding. Families, seniors, engagements, boudoir, etc etc

Since this is your first engagement session I probably wouldn't charge a sitting fee but if you really want to then look around at your local wedding photographers and see what they charge. In my area an engagement session is $100-$150 for the session. Also, grab some engagement pictures you like and print out a "Cheat sheet" with thumbnails of the images. When you get stumped just look at that sheet.

Thanks,

I know its hard one that i have never done this kind of thing, and two its family. I have allways say i would not do work for family however being that its my wife sister and she is truely in a jam here i really feel a family obliglation to do what i can. However like i made it clear to my wife it has to be done on a professional level i will not treat her any different than i would treat any of my other clients.

In this area, I've seen them separately for about $200+. I wouldn't charge my sister-in-law that, though. I'd probably do what MrsOpie said and not charge the session fee, but then charge for the prints or CD. Call it an engagement gift