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Photography Contract
This agreement is between the Photographer and the Client named below for the photography services described.
Client
Name
Phone
Email
Photographer
Name / Business
Phone
Email
Session Details
Type
Date
Hours
Location(s)
Deliverables
Delivery Time
Second Shooter
Fees & Payment
Package / Session Fee
Extras
Total Fee
Retainer
Balance Due
Overtime Rate
Terms
Retainer & Cancellation
The retainer reserves the date and is non-refundable. If the Client cancels less than [30] days before the session, the full balance is due. Rescheduling depends on the Photographer’s availability.
Copyright & Use
The Photographer owns the copyright in all images. The Client receives a personal-use license to print and share the images. The Photographer may use images in its portfolio and marketing unless the Client opts out here: ☐ Opt out.
Limits
If the Photographer cannot attend due to illness or emergency, it will try to send a qualified replacement or refund all payments, which is the limit of its liability. The Photographer is not responsible for shots missed because of venue rules, weather or guests.
Client
Signature
Printed Name
Date
Photographer
Signature
Printed Name
Date
※ This template is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state; consider having an attorney review it before you rely on it.
How to fill out a Photography Contract
Free Photography Contract template
A photography contract sets the terms between a photographer and a client: the date, hours and location, what will be delivered and when, fees and the non-refundable retainer, cancellation, who owns the photos and how they may be used.
How to fill it out
Enter the client's and photographer's names and contact details.
Choose the session type, then fill in the date, hours of coverage, location(s), deliverables (for example, "400 edited images in an online gallery"), delivery time and whether a second shooter is included.
Enter the package fee, extras, total, retainer, balance due date and overtime rate.
Review the retainer and cancellation, copyright and use, and limits clauses. The client can tick the portfolio opt-out if they don't want images used in marketing.
Both parties sign and date it, and the photographer collects the retainer to hold the date.
Tips
Spell out the number of edited images, the delivery format and the delivery time, so expectations are clear.
Agree on an hourly overtime rate in advance — weddings and events often run long.
Ask the venue about photo restrictions (flash, ceremony rules, drones) and note them in the contract.
For weddings, add a shot list and a day-of contact person as an attachment.
If the client needs commercial rights, such as for advertising, write a separate license with the scope and price.
St. Mark’s Church; reception at Lakeview Hall, Springfield
Deliverables
500+ edited digital images in an online gallery; 10×10 album with 30 pages
Delivery Time
Within 8 weeks
Second Shooter
Yes
Fees & Payment
Package / Session Fee
$3,800.00
Extras
Engagement session $350.00
Total Fee
$4,150.00
Retainer
$1,000.00 due at signing
Balance Due
$3,150.00 by May 29, 2027
Overtime Rate
$300.00 per hour
All names, companies and contact details are fictional. Click “Fill sample” above to put this example into the empty fields; click again to remove the parts you did not change.
FAQ
Who owns the copyright to the photos?
In the U.S., the photographer owns the copyright unless it is transferred in writing. This template keeps copyright with the photographer and gives the client a personal-use license to print and share the images.
Is the retainer refundable?
Usually not, because it holds the date and the photographer turns down other bookings. The contract states that it is non-refundable.
Can I use it for portraits, events or product shoots?
Yes. Choose the session type and edit the deliverables and hours. For commercial work, also add the usage rights the client is buying.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is a general template, not legal advice. Laws differ by state and city, so check your local rules or ask an attorney before relying on it for anything important.
