Contracts and Client Management

A photography contract protects both you and the client. Essential clauses include: scope of work (exactly what you will deliver), deliverables and timeline (number of images, editing level, delivery date), usage rights (what the client can and cannot do with the images), payment terms (deposit amount, payment schedule, late fees), cancellation policy (what happens if either party cancels), liability limitations (force majeure, equipment failure), and model release (if applicable). Never shoot without a signed contract—verbal agreements are unenforceable and lead to disputes about what was promised.