For people not used to the business of photography it isn’t unusual for wedding photography to get one of the first stages in that journey. There are more cameras at weddings nowadays than you can find at most press conferences. Yet, in spite of all the coverage, virtually all brides choose a professional photographer, even more than one.

As an established wedding photographer, you may live and die through the strength of the contracts. There are wedding photographers who didn’t require contracts that is a financial disaster waiting that occur.

When looking at wedding photographer contracts, here are a few contract clauses most new photographers do not know they can include.

Exclusivity Clause

That clause says you’re going to get the only professional photographer practical. That won’t prevent an “Uncle Bob” from shooting alongside you, however it will make sure if the bride wants an additional shooter, which many do, you will be providing that second shooter who’ll be working for you.

Dinner Clause

This is often a clause which says if meals is provided to the wedding guests, how they feed their friendly neighborhood photographer likewise. This should not connect with half-day or ceremony-only wedding jobs, however for jobs that run right through the day, such as reception, it’s definitely okay.

That relates to food, not the bar. Stab yourself inside the eye using a pen before drinking for a paying wedding job.

Force Majeure

That’s a clause that sees that bad things could happen outside your control like a photographer. Data cards can be bad within the middle of a shoot and photos can be lost as a result of events outside your control. The other strategy to cover this eventuality is carrying E&O insurance, an intelligent photographer does both.

Lab Errors

Sometimes this clause falls under Force Majeure plus it states that labs are staffed by human beings also and it offers up a reasonable time period to resolve disputes if your proofs or photos are late since you have to send it well to the lab.

Substitution Policy

States that, when you intend for being the primary photographer, if circumstances dictate a substitute you can provide another photographer to have you.

For really big named wedding photographers, this is usually a standard clause and a lot often the shooter will probably be one of the staff. Some name photographers just drive between teams inside field to discover the progress in their work.

Contracts for wedding photographers really are a delicate dance. Make them too draconian plus it will scare off customers; cause them to too soft plus there is too much room for ambiguity. Being prepared to become fair and reasonable and take some time explaining why those clauses are inside the contract can be a long way toward smoothing over any trepidation.