Happy Wedding Wednesday!

 

Importance of a Wedding Photography Contract

In DFW and around the world, hiring a wedding photographer can be hard. So if you are currently looking for your wedding photographer, our current blog series should help. Today, we will discuss the importance of having a contract with your wedding photographer, the best part; they supply the contract. Why is it important to read the contract? What are some of the essential clauses that the contract needs to have?

 

In the modern world today, many wedding photographers have their contract digitalized so they can just send you the link and you can electronically sign it. However, boutique wedding photographers will meet you in person, and go over their contract and answer any questions you many have, before signing. Since now, to lock in your date and collection price, you have a signed contract and put down a non-refundable retainer.

 

Why is having a contract with your wedding photographer is important?

 

• Name and contact information for you, your soulmate and your photographer
• Name and contact information for day of wedding contact person
• Name of the photographer(s) who will be shooting your wedding and the number of assistants with contact information
• Correct date(s), exact number of hours, starting time(s) and ending time(s) with, specific addresses for every location your photographer has been hired to go to, from the rehearsal dinner to the morning-after brunch, this will also includes any pre-wedding photo sessions, including: Proposal, Engagement, Bridal, Boudoir, and Couple Boudoir.
• Number of proofs you’ll receive, and how you’ll receive them (digital or hard copies) with date they are will ready, and how long they’ll be available to view online. Plus what the unarchived fee is.
• What you would like the photographer to wear (optional)
• Subjects to be covered, with detailed shot list you’ve agreed to (such as: getting ready, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, send off, etc)
• Turn around time and how you’ll receive your order (albums, prints) once you place it, plus details and delivery fees
• Timing for breaks your photographer(s) will need to be fed during dinner to avoid missing any amazing dancing shots, or if your collection comes with a second shooter, ask if they will take alternate breaks.
• Copyright details—who owns the rights to the photos, and if there are any restrictions on posting or distributing the photos on social media or elsewhere (include stipulations for where your photographer is allowed to share your photos, especially if you’d prefer they aren’t used for promotional materials or submitted to magazines without your permission)
• Non-disparagement clauses that prevent you from leaving negative reviews online (it’s so important to see if these are included—some couples are coming back from their honeymoon to lawsuits because they didn’t read the fine print!)
• Total cost (itemized, if possible)
• Sales Tax Cost, if applicable
• Overtime fee, if applicable
• Reorder price, if you decide to order additional prints later
• Deposit amount and date paid (usually when you book)
• Remaining balance and due date
• Cancellation and refund policy

 

I know that is a lot of information to get at one time. So let us go over the Essential Clauses that all professional wedding photographers have in their contracts.

 

Exclusivity Clause:

This gives your photographer the exclusive right to documented and captured for your memories forever. Which means if you read in other wedding vendors contracts about a “vendor-photographer” either ask them to remove that clause or don’t hire them. Since your Exclusive Wedding Photographer will ask them to leave.

 

Comply Clause:

For the unknown, as the photographer gets in a car accident, someone close has an emergency, memory cards could be eaten by an alligator.

 

Printing Release Clause:

This gives the couple the right to print their images as they please. This is not the same as a copyright release. A copyright release designates ownership. Your wedding photographer will forever remain the intellectual property of your photographer, meaning you won’t be able to make reproductions for financial gain.

 

Hours of Coverage:

When does your photographer start and finish? First, when is your ceremony start? Do you want “getting ready” photos? First look? You can find out more about planning your wedding day timeline here.  Every wedding is different, and many wedding collections come with a set amount of time. Plus does your photographer allow you to add more time if things are off schedule? HINT: Wedding Days are always running behind schedule.

 

Refund Policy Clause: Example time

Do I get a refund if it mother nature makes it rain, snow, etc and I don’t get all the photos I wanted? Nope

Do I get a refund if my photographer alarm doesn’t go off and can’t make it on time? Absolutely.

Do I get a refund if my venue or church accidentally double-booked my wedding day and we can’t have our ceremony? Nope.

If the power is beyond your photographer’s control to contribute to a lack of images, you won’t be entitled to a refund.

HOWEVER: IF you cancel your wedding for any reason, your photographer will keep your retainer. This is usually about 25-50% of your total wedding bill and due upon signing.

 

Sales Tax Clause:

Many wedding photographers will idealize your wedding collection in your contract to show want has been subjected to sales tax. Plus the total sales tax overall.

 

Photography Meals Clause:

Feeding your photographer and other vendors are your wedding is the right thing to do. Nobody wants their photo taken when they are eating. Great time, for your vendors to eat.

 

Model Release Clause:

That gives the photographer the right or no rights to use in marketing, selling, and/or blog images you don’t have permission to use.

 

If a photographer you are looking at doesn’t have a contract, run, since, without one, you have no ammunition.

 

Photos by Stephanie, DFW Wedding Photographer, is a boutique wedding studio specializing in the {Capture} raw emotion between soulmates on their journey of love. Photos by Stephanie is a mixture of photography styles to create dramatic and beautiful wedding portraiture with Fearless Artistic Photojournalist.