What should you include in a commercial photography contract for clear client communication?

1 Scope of work

The scope of work is the core of your contract, as it defines what you will do for your client and what they will receive from you. It should include the details of the project, such as the type, purpose, and style of photography, the number and format of images, the location and duration of the shoot, the equipment and props required, and any special requests or instructions. The scope of work should also specify how you will deliver the images , such as via email, online gallery, or physical media, and the timeline and deadline for delivery.

2 Payment terms

The payment terms are the financial aspects of your contract, as they determine how much you will charge for your service and how you will receive the payment. It should include the total fee, the breakdown of costs, such as travel expenses, equipment rental, editing time, and licensing fees, and the payment schedule, such as deposit, milestones, and final payment. The payment terms should also state the accepted methods of payment, such as cash, check, or online transfer, and the consequences of late or non-payment, such as interest, penalties, or legal action.

3 Rights and ownership

The rights and ownership are the legal aspects of your contract, as they establish who owns the copyright and who can use the images for what purposes. It should include the type and duration of the license you grant to your client, such as exclusive or non-exclusive, perpetual or limited, and for which media and territories. The rights and ownership should also clarify the attribution and credit requirements, such as whether you retain the right to display the images in your portfolio or website, and whether your client needs to mention your name or link to your site when using the images.

4 Cancellation and termination

The cancellation and termination are the contingency aspects of your contract, as they outline what happens if either party decides to cancel or end the project before completion. It should include the notice period and procedure for cancellation or termination, such as via email, phone, or written letter, and the compensation and refund policy, such as whether you keep the deposit, charge a cancellation fee, or issue a partial or full refund. The cancellation and termination should also address the force majeure clause, which covers the situations where the project is affected by unforeseen events beyond anyone's control, such as natural disasters, pandemics, or civil unrest.