Jump to content

Photographer Contracts


lalanyc

Recommended Posts

Long time ago I used to ask for payment on the day the images are delivered. Now I ask for final payment 2 weeks prior to the wedding.

I only work with select number of couples per year and they all trust me to provide the absolute best photos possible. Never had an issue.

 

I changed the policy because a number of times when the images were ready, sometimes it would take an extra month to get paid(too busy,honeymoon,not enough funds,etc).

 

There are a ton of scammers out there so do your research before making your selection. Just last year alone I've caught 15 local photographers using some of my images in their own website. I can only imagine there are many more.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 23
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

My photographer is pretty lax and actually just told me that I could write out my own contract, what I expected (wedding day, TTD session etc) and then we would come up with a price based on that. I found it difficult to work with his at home wedding packages because a destination wedding is so different. As for payment, I have worked with him before, so I will likely end up paying him just after we return from the trip.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was just reading through my contract (have not signed yet) and it states:

 

Start/Stop Times: the hourly photographic fee starts when Company X arrives at a site to start setting up equipment. This starts 1/2 hour before the couple wants the first picture taken. The clock stops when the bride/groom states that Company X can depart and all equipment deployed has been packed away.

 

The way I am reading this I will have to pay $400 for them to set up and pack up. Does this sound typical/normal? If not, do you think I should be able to negotiate this?

 

Thanks for your thoughts

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by BeachBride10 View Post

The way I am reading this I will have to pay $400 for them to set up and pack up. Does this sound typical/normal? If not, do you think I should be able to negotiate this?

Thanks for your thoughts
That's part of it. It was very common in previous years and used by traditional photographers and those who do any kind of studio work. Many wedding photographer don't have that clause anymore though as it doesn't make much sense.
As in, if you are are doing say an family/engagement shoot and only need 1 hour. Do you get any shooting time or will it go towards your photographer's unpacking routine? :) Your photographer should be able to clarify this.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexsBride View Post
My photographer is pretty lax and actually just told me that I could write out my own contract, what I expected (wedding day, TTD session etc) and then we would come up with a price based on that. I found it difficult to work with his at home wedding packages because a destination wedding is so different. As for payment, I have worked with him before, so I will likely end up paying him just after we return from the trip.
Not to offend your photographer,but that's not very professional on his side. A lot of photographers use lawyers in creating contracts. They are there to protect both parties.
What happens if your photographers gets sick?
What if he/she loses your images?
What if you cancel
What if your photographers finds a new couple and cancels on you?
Who has the copyrights? - Actually in Canada the subject in the photo ALWAYS holds the copyrights unless photographers takes it via a release form. This is a new law). If your photographer does not specify anything in the contract, you can pretty much do anything you want with your pictures and at the same time forbid your photographers in using these images in any way)

9out10 wedding photographers are part timers and don't know much about contracts,laws and sometimes you need to make sure you are protected as a client too.

Because what happens if your $1000 photographer finds another couple 1 week before the wedding willing to pay him $3000? You can scream and yell,but without a proper contract you can't do anything(this happens quite a bit..)

Hope this helps :)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We paid 25% down and the rest is due within 1 week, seemed ok to me

 

Good points Dmitri - mind you I shuddered at reading the if the pictures get damaged and we get no pictures, limited liability on behalf of the photographer, yikes! Best not to think about that

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dmitri_Markine View Post
Not to offend your photographer,but that's not very professional on his side. A lot of photographers use lawyers in creating contracts. They are there to protect both parties.
What happens if your photographers gets sick?
What if he/she loses your images?
What if you cancel
What if your photographers finds a new couple and cancels on you?
Who has the copyrights? - Actually in Canada the subject in the photo ALWAYS holds the copyrights unless photographers takes it via a release form. This is a new law). If your photographer does not specify anything in the contract, you can pretty much do anything you want with your pictures and at the same time forbid your photographers in using these images in any way)

9out10 wedding photographers are part timers and don't know much about contracts,laws and sometimes you need to make sure you are protected as a client too.

Because what happens if your $1000 photographer finds another couple 1 week before the wedding willing to pay him $3000? You can scream and yell,but without a proper contract you can't do anything(this happens quite a bit..)

Hope this helps :)
Thanks for your info. I should have maybe been more clear. I didn't mean to indicate that we are not going to do a contract. He has a standard contract as far as that goes, its just not specific to destination weddings. So that's why I said that we are going to format one together with all of the legal aspects as well as what it is that I am wanting from him. He is not a part time photog, he works as a full time photographer, but is just getting back into destination weddings now that his kids are older.

But again, thank you for the info and I will absolutely make sure both parties are protected in the contract. Your photos are beautiful by the way.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • VIP Member

Hi Danielle!

This forum has a TON of awesome photographers who I'm sure would be willing to photograph your wedding in Mexico!

As for a DJ, I have heard of DJ Bijan being really reasonable.

Best wishes!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Best Destination Wedding Sponsors



    Facebook Pinterest Google+ Twitter
  • Posts

    • Hi everyone! I have been doing lots of research on various wedding venues all around Mexico, my fiance wants a destination wedding and I am happy to have a wedding wherever so long as the vibe is right and guests are happy!  I have been seriously looking at Cabo Azul and was trying to find potential costs for them, but only found a page about their wedding costs from 2010. Does anyone have any updated information on costs / reviews they would like to share of this venue? Or advice in general, anything helps. Thanks so much, happy wedding planning to all!
    • Hello everyone, I am dreaming of a wedding in Costa Rica and was wondering if I could get any help with venues and wedding planners. I am thinking Tamarindo because a close friend of mine lives there and I've been in town more than a couple of times, she's being helpful but is at a loss when it comes to this subject really so I was wondering if anyone here had recommendations. I am not closed to other town suggestions either, if I happen to find a good place and staff somewhere else. These are the places I have so far, has anyone had any experience with any of them?  Stay In Tamarindo Luxury Villas in Costa Rica Luxury Villas Pinilla Tropical Homes of Costa Rica The Point Luxury Villa Thank you so much for your help!
    • Have you ever considered having a wedding inside a bubble? With the current global situation, many couples are looking for unique and creative ways to celebrate their special day while keeping their guests safe. A wedding inside a bubble could provide a whimsical and intimate setting for your ceremony and reception. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by a beautiful bubble filled with twinkling lights and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
    • Adult only resort or not? Let's discuss the pros and cons of choosing an adult-only resort for your honeymoon. While some couples may appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with an adults-only environment, others may prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere. What are your thoughts on this? Have you had any experiences at adult-only resorts that you'd like to share? Let's hear your opinions and recommendations!
    • When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most exciting parts is choosing the perfect wedding favours for your guests. These small tokens of appreciation are a great way to thank your loved ones for being a part of your special day and to make them feel appreciated.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...