The simple fact is you need a contract between yourself and your photography client. The only thing worse than not having a contract is having a deficient one. Where that contract comes from is every bit as important as the…
Category: Contracts & Legal
The Problem with Associate Photographers in Your Business
It’s not that you use or hire Associate Photographers, it’s how you use or hire them and what written agreements you have in place. Or… have you really even hired them at all? It would help if all photographers spoke…
Are You Waiving Your Photography Fees Goodbye?
Whenever you choose not to enforce one of your contract rights, that’s called a waiver. Because your rights usually have price tags attached, each time you waive one of those rights, you’re losing money. The person who coined the phrase…
Pre-empt the Problem: The Misery of the Missed Photo Moment
Missed moments are disappointing for both the client and the photographer. But stuff happens, and a lot of that stuff is outside our control. The one thing that remains in control is our contract. One of the most overused cliches…
Parts of Your Photography Contract You Should Not Change
When all is said and done, the happiest client in the world isn’t worth it if you’ve been damaged or diminished in some way. This won’t happen if you protect the contract language that protects you. That’s exactly what your…
When Clients Want to Change Your Photography Contract
In a perfect world, people love your work and accept your offer quickly and happily. But we don’t live or work in a perfect world. Whether the client, or their helpful third party friend, relative, or other legal-minded individual brings…
When Friendly Lenders Become Unwanted Partners in Your Photography Business
The oft-quoted proverb “Never mix friends and family with business” goes out the window the minute Aunt Alma offers to help you out. This can be a blessing or a curse. How do we influence which it turns out to…
How to Build a Portfolio Without Destroying a Friendship
Your friends, family, and peers will only take your business efforts seriously if you do. Once they shift from any other role to client, other things must shift, too. As with everything else in your professional capacity, the lead must…
How to Create a Travel Expense Policy for Your Photography Business
Before you and your client can sign off on a contract involving travel, you need to be very clear on a policy for these expenses. You don’t want to lose money on the contract, but you don’t want to spring…
Is It Okay to Fire a Client?
Just because you have rights and can go after people with a stick, is that really how you want to spend your time? The energy and sleep you lose on a single client can be better spent on the next…