The wedding photography contract

I recently changed my wedding photography contract. I thought the contract I had was fine, but then I attended a wedding photography workshop a couple weeks ago, which made me realize my contract wasn’t fine.

First, why does there even need to be a wedding contract? The purpose is actually twofold — it protects not only the photographer but the client as well. It outlines the expectations on both sides and makes sure that everyone agrees with these expectations. For the client, a contract will make sure the photographer hired lives up to those expectations and does the job he or she is hired to do. For the photographer, the contract protects him or her from issues of liability and unrealistic expectations.

My first contract

My first wedding contract was written by law students at the University of Nebraska. It was the result of my participation in a special program that is designed to get these students real-life legal experience. They talked to me and wrote the contract, which was then reviewed by a law school professor. This service was completely free for me, which was a great deal. I took this contract and revised it to my liking, making it a little more simple and easier to understand. I didn’t want a lengthy contract that clients would have to wade their way through.

This contract worked for me for several years. Then came the photography workshop. A lawyer who also happened to be a wedding photographer gave a talk about contracts. She explained the provisions that need to be in all contracts and why. I realized I did not have all those provisions. She stressed the importance of having a contract written by a lawyer rather than writing your own.

More contract articles to come

I figured for my own protection, I better have a more complete and valid contract. I purchased a contract from a lawyer with knowledge of wedding photography and am now implementing it in my business. I coming articles, I plan to go over provisions in the contract and write why they are important. Hopefully I will do so in a way that is not boring but rather educational. Stay tuned.