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Free template · photographers & videographers

Photography contract template

A plain-English contract for weddings, events, portraits and commercial shoots: what you’ll shoot and when, how and when the images are delivered, the deposit and balance, who can use the photos, and what happens if plans change.

It’s a starting point written for UK freelancers, not legal advice. Read it through, change anything that doesn’t match how you work, and get advice if the job is unusual or high-value.

Send it to sign, free →
What it covers

Each part, in a sentence.

The shoot

Date, venue and hours, overtime, and what the client needs to tell you beforehand.

Delivery

How many edited images, through an online gallery, and by when.

Fees and payment

The deposit that secures the date, when the balance is due, and releasing the gallery once paid.

Usage rights

You keep copyright; the client can print and share for personal use; portfolio use.

Changes and cancellation

Changes in writing, what a cancellation costs, and what happens if you can’t make it.

Liability and general

A cap on liability and the governing law (England and Wales).

The template

Fill in the highlighted parts.

The same wording as the “Photography & video” template in Freelance Ops. Anything in [square brackets] is for you to fill in or delete.

The shoot

The Provider will photograph [the event / session] on [date] at [venue], from [start time] to [finish time]. Extra time on the day is charged at the hourly rate above.

What the Client will do

  • Share a list of key people and must-have shots at least 7 days before the shoot.
  • Arrange any permissions needed to photograph at the venue.

Delivery

The Provider will deliver [at least 300] edited images through an online gallery within [6 weeks] of the shoot. Images are selected and edited in the Provider’s style; unedited files are not supplied.

Fees and payment

A non-refundable deposit of [50]% secures the date. The balance is due [14 days before the shoot]. Galleries are released once payment is complete.

Usage rights

The Provider keeps copyright in all images. The Client may print and share the images for personal use. Commercial use needs written permission.

The Provider may use a selection of images in their portfolio and marketing unless the Client asks otherwise in writing before the shoot.

Changes and cancellation

Either party can ask for changes to the Services in writing. Changes that add time or cost will be quoted before any extra work is done.

If the Client cancels, the deposit is non-refundable and any work already done is charged. If the Client cancels within [30] days of the agreed date, the full fee is payable.

If the Provider has to cancel, they will refund all payments made for work not yet delivered, and will try to recommend a suitable replacement.

Liability

The Provider’s total liability under this agreement is limited to the fees paid. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential loss, or for delays caused by events outside their reasonable control. Nothing in this agreement limits liability that cannot be limited by law.

General

  • This agreement, with the products and services above, is the whole agreement between the parties.
  • Any changes must be agreed in writing, including by email.
  • This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Or skip the copy and paste

Use it in Freelance Ops, free.

1

Pick this template

Start a contract from “Photography & video”, with your client and prices filled in.

2

Fill in the brackets

Edit any clause, then save it as your own template to reuse.

3

Send to sign

Your client signs from a link, no account. One click turns it into an invoice.

Questions

Good to know.

Does it work for weddings?

Yes. Fill in the event, date, venue and hours, and the number of images you deliver. Couples are consumers, so read the question below about deposits and cancellation.

My clients are individuals, not businesses. Does that change anything?

Yes. Consumer law applies, so terms such as non-refundable deposits and cancellation charges have to be fair and clearly explained, and bookings made online or by phone can come with a right to cancel. Keep deposits in proportion to what a cancellation really costs you, and check the current guidance from Citizens Advice or a solicitor if you’re unsure.

Is a contract signed online legally binding?

Generally, yes. In England and Wales a contract doesn’t need a pen-and-ink signature: what matters is that both sides agreed to the terms, and an electronic signature can show that. When a client signs in Freelance Ops, the signed contract is kept with the date it was signed. For anything high-value or unusual, take advice from a solicitor.

Can I change the template?

Yes. Everything in [square brackets] is there for you to fill in or delete, and you can rewrite any clause. In Freelance Ops you can save your version as your own template and reuse it for every client.

Your next contract, signed online.

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