What to include in photography contract?

[KimmyG]

I found an awesome photographer that will shoot our wedding for the cost of travel. We're in the process of putting together a contact. For those of you who have gone thru this, what were the most important things you think need to be added in the contract? What do you wish you would have included?

[litl_april]

I'd say that the most important, would be that if unforseen circumstances on their don't allow them to come with you, that they will have another photographer of similar experience and style on hand for backup or will provide you with a full refund.

My original photographer was 7 months pregnant at the time of our wedding and a week before she got the no-go from her doctor, who up to that point had said she was okay to travel. However she has another photographer that she works with who was ready and on hand to fill in! Everything turned out fine. But that's what I would say is pretty important.

[MissyR]

If they are staying for more than the wedding day - I would think about what other pics you might want. Welcome Dinner? Trash the Dress? and the amount of time for each of those. We had a specific amount of time alotted for each. I would also consider putting in how/what you will receive in terms of images - will they be a high res DVD with all pictures, just edited pictures etc.?

[hockeymom97]

I haven't signed a contract just yet, but here's some things that I would think should be included -

 

1) How many hours, or what events the photographer will be covering (i.e. are they shooting the rehearsal dinner the night before, how many hours the day of the wedding, are they doing a TTD the following day). 2) Will they have a second shooter or is it just them. 3) What kind of equipment they'll be using and what if anything breaks/isn't working -what is the back up plan. 4) How many prints are included, are they doing a photobook, are they touching up the photos, are they posting them online for viewing, and the turn around time expected for the prints. 5) Detailed outline of the fees and what the cost covers, along with what deposit is required. 6) Cancellation clause, and what happens if you need to cancel - do you lose your deposit, do you still owe the photographer a portion of their fees depending on when you cancel. 7) If you are having a videographer, make sure that is outlined as well.

 

And I'd definitely have the clause that litl april mentioned about what happens if the original photographer can't make it - what's the back up plan?

[amynjoe]

I am in the process of looking for a photographer, so this is very helpful . Thank you

[KimmyG]

Has anyone brought a videographer with them? That's an interesting concept!

 

For other people who are just paying the cost of the trip... you pay 100% to the travel agent up front for the photographer? So no exchange of money with the photographer himself? It's strange to me to pay it all upfront, wish there was a way to just pay the deposit, then the rest after the events.

[TammyB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimmyG I found an awesome photographer that will shoot our wedding for the cost of travel. We're in the process of putting together a contact. For those of you who have gone thru this, what were the most important things you think need to be added in the contract? What do you wish you would have included?

Hmm, question for you. Is the photographer new? The reason I ask, is because your photographer should already have a contract for you to sign.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimmyG Has anyone brought a videographer with them? That's an interesting concept! For other people who are just paying the cost of the trip... you pay 100% to the travel agent up front for the photographer? So no exchange of money with the photographer himself? It's strange to me to pay it all upfront, wish there was a way to just pay the deposit, then the rest after the events.

I did a free wedding give-a-way, last year and sent the client an email from my travel agent on what the travel costs were, they paid me that amount and then I sent it to the travel agent. The reason you can't pay them the remaining balance until after the wedding, is because usually the travel fees are due 45 days before the travel date, so they need those funds in order to pay for the remaining balance.

I know it's a little scary for some of you to hand over thousands of dollars to someone you might not have met before, but if you get a contract from the photographer you should be protected. Just make sure you read it throughly. I had a destination wedding as well, and just had faith that it would work out in the end. :-)