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Photography Contract template

A photography contract sets out what a photographer will shoot and deliver, the fee and payment schedule, who owns and may use the images, and what happens if the shoot is cancelled.

Replace everything in [BRACKETS], export to PDF, then send it for signature.

1. Parties

This Photography Services Contract (the "Contract") is made on [DATE] between [PHOTOGRAPHER NAME / BUSINESS], located at [PHOTOGRAPHER ADDRESS] (the "Photographer"), and [CLIENT NAME], located at [CLIENT ADDRESS] (the "Client").

2. Shoot Details

Type of shoot: [SHOOT TYPE] Date(s): [SHOOT DATE(S)] Time: [START TIME] to [END TIME] Location(s): [LOCATION(S)] Scope: [DESCRIPTION, e.g. 2-hour session with up to 3 outfit changes / event coverage / 20 product shots on white background]

3. Deliverables

The Photographer will deliver [NUMBER] professionally edited images in [FORMAT AND RESOLUTION, e.g. high-resolution JPEG] via [DELIVERY METHOD, e.g. online gallery] within [NUMBER] days after the shoot. Editing includes [EDITING SCOPE, e.g. color correction and basic retouching]. Advanced retouching is available at [RATE]. Unedited files (RAW) are not included unless stated.

4. Fees and Payment

The total fee is [TOTAL AMOUNT AND CURRENCY]. A retainer of [RETAINER AMOUNT] is due on signing to reserve the date and is non-refundable except as stated in Section 8. The balance is due [BALANCE DUE DATE, e.g. on the shoot date / before delivery]. Travel beyond [DISTANCE] is charged at [RATE]. Additional time is charged at [HOURLY RATE].

5. Copyright

The Photographer retains copyright in all images created under this Contract, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

6. Client Usage License

On full payment, the Photographer grants the Client a [NON-EXCLUSIVE / EXCLUSIVE], [PERSONAL / COMMERCIAL] license to use the delivered images for [PERMITTED USES, e.g. personal prints and social media / company website, marketing, and advertising] in [TERRITORY] for [DURATION]. The Client may not sell or sublicense the images, or enter them in competitions, without the Photographer's permission. The Client will credit the Photographer where reasonable when posting online.

7. Photographer's Use

The Photographer may use the images in its portfolio, website, and marketing [UNLESS THE CLIENT OPTS OUT HERE: ____]. The Client is responsible for obtaining any model or property releases needed for its intended commercial use, unless the Photographer agrees to obtain them.

8. Cancellation and Rescheduling

If the Client cancels more than [NUMBER] days before the shoot, the retainer is kept; within [NUMBER] days, [PERCENTAGE]% of the total fee is due. The Client may reschedule once without penalty with at least [NUMBER] days' notice, subject to availability. If the Photographer cannot perform due to illness or emergency, it will try to provide a qualified replacement or refund all payments made.

9. Limitation of Liability

If images are lost or damaged due to equipment failure, accident, or circumstances beyond the Photographer's control, the Photographer's liability is limited to a refund of fees paid for the affected portion of the shoot. The Photographer is not liable for missed shots caused by guest interference, venue restrictions, weather, or the Client's schedule.

10. Independent Contractor

The Photographer is an independent contractor and provides its own equipment, insurance, and assistants unless otherwise agreed.

11. Governing Law and General Terms

This Contract is governed by the laws of [GOVERNING LAW JURISDICTION]. It is the entire agreement between the parties and may be amended only in writing signed by both parties.

12. Signatures

The Parties agree that this Agreement may be signed electronically and in counterparts, and that electronic signatures have the same effect as handwritten signatures. PHOTOGRAPHER: [PHOTOGRAPHER NAME / BUSINESS] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE] CLIENT: [CLIENT NAME] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE]

When to use this template

  • Before portrait, family, or headshot sessions
  • For commercial, product, or brand photography projects
  • When hired to photograph a corporate event, conference, or party
  • For real estate and architectural shoots

How to fill it in and get it signed

  1. Enter the photographer and client details, shoot type, date, time, and location.
  2. Specify the number of edited images, file format, delivery method, and turnaround time.
  3. Set the total fee, retainer, balance due date, and any travel or overtime rates.
  4. Define the client's usage license, portfolio rights, cancellation terms, and governing law.
  5. Upload the contract to eSignSimple and send it to your client for e-signature. They can sign on any device without an account.

This template is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and state; have a lawyer review contracts with high stakes.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns the photos, the photographer or the client?

By default in many countries, the photographer owns the copyright and grants the client a license. The client can own copyright only if the contract transfers it in writing.

Should photographers take a retainer?

Most do. A retainer secures the date and compensates the photographer for turning down other work if the client cancels.

Do I need a separate model release?

For commercial use of images showing recognizable people, a model release from each person is commonly needed. Use our model release template alongside this contract.

Can photography contracts be signed electronically?

Yes. eSignSimple lets clients sign online and records an audit trail with timestamps, IP addresses, and a document hash.