Photography Contract Template

A photography contract records the shoot, what the client receives and when, the fees and retainer, how the images may be used, and what happens if the date changes. This template covers commercial sessions such as headshots, teams, and events.

  • 1. Services
  • 2. Deliverables
  • 3. Fees and Payment
  • 4. Usage License
  • 5. Cancellation and Rescheduling
  • 6. Client Responsibilities
  • 7. Limitation of Liability
  • 8. Agreement
  • Signatures from both parties
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it to book a commercial or portrait session, with the retainer due on signing.

The full template

Words in brackets, like [Client Name], fill in automatically from your client's details when you use the template in Clientary.

In the editor, you can change any section or add your own. Once you send it, your client signs online from any device. Edit this template online

This Photography Services Agreement is made on [Contract Date] between [Company Name] ("Photographer") and [Client Name] ("Client").

1. Services

Photographer will provide photography for [describe the shoot, for example: a headshot and team session at the Client's office, up to 3 hours, for up to 12 people].

  • Date and time: [date and start time]
  • Location: [address]
  • Coverage: [hours or number of setups]

2. Deliverables

  • Photographer will deliver [number] professionally edited images, selected by [Photographer, or Client from an online proof gallery].
  • Edited images will be delivered by online gallery within [10] business days of the shoot, as high-resolution and web-sized files.
  • Editing includes color and exposure correction and light retouching. Advanced retouching is available at the rate below.
  • Unedited images are not delivered.

3. Fees and Payment

  • Session fee: $[amount], covering the coverage and deliverables above.
  • Additional edited images: $[amount] each.
  • Advanced retouching: $[amount] per image.
  • Travel: included within [25] miles, then billed at [rate].

A non-refundable retainer of [50]% is due on signing to reserve the date. The balance is due [on the shoot date / on delivery]. Images are delivered once paid in full.

4. Usage License

Photographer owns the copyright in all images. On full payment, Client receives a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use the delivered images for [Client's own marketing, website, and social media]. Client may not sell, sublicense, or enter the images in contests without written permission. Photographer may use the images in their portfolio and marketing unless Client asks otherwise in writing.

5. Cancellation and Rescheduling

  • Client may reschedule once, with at least [7] days' notice, at no charge, subject to availability.
  • If Client cancels, the retainer is non-refundable. If cancelled within [48] hours of the shoot, the full session fee is due.
  • If Photographer can't attend due to illness or emergency, Photographer will offer a new date or a full refund of payments made, and has no further liability.

6. Client Responsibilities

Client will provide access to the location, any needed permissions, and a point of contact on the day. Client is responsible for obtaining releases from people photographed for commercial use, unless Photographer provides model releases as part of the service.

7. Limitation of Liability

If images are lost or damaged through equipment failure or circumstances beyond Photographer's control, Photographer's liability is limited to a refund of fees paid for the affected images.

8. Agreement

This agreement is the full agreement between the parties and may only be changed in writing. By signing below, both parties agree to these terms.

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any section or add your own. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your contract is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it to be signed. Your client reviews and signs online, and you can see when it's viewed and signed.

Learn more about contracts and e-signatures in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns the copyright in client photos?

Usually the photographer, who grants the client a license to use the images for agreed purposes. This template grants a non-exclusive, perpetual license for the client's own marketing once paid.

Should a photography retainer be refundable?

Many photographers make the retainer non-refundable, since it holds the date. State it clearly in the contract, along with your rescheduling policy.

Is this photography contract template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

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