The content of a contract can be as varied as there are styles of photography. The best contract for normal transactions is a good comprehensive all purpose job contract.
A more specific contract may be required to completely spell out an agreement for a complex assignment such as a wedding. Covering a wedding is not complex as long as everything is agreed upon (in writing) before the event. All parties must understand what to do and what not to do.
The following is an example of some of the types of IFPO contracts that might be helpful:
The Photographer’s Job Assignment Contracts (#120A) – This is an all purpose job contract that can be used with most assignments. Protects your assignment, rates of payment, publishing rights, exhibition rights and terms.
The Photographer’s Tax/Commission Contracts (121A) – This contract establishes commission rights and terms when dealing with stock photo agents, dealers and galleries. It allows you to assign tax liability to clients and agents as terms of the contract.
The Photographer’s Job Estimate Worksheet (#129A) – This is a worksheet specifically used to “work up” an agreement with a client. It allows the client to understand each item that contributes to the total cost of a project.
The Photographer’s Job Invoice Forms (128A) – This is the contract solely for the purpose of listing the cost of each product and service at the time of delivery.
The Wedding Photographer’s Job Assignment Contract Forms (127A) allows you to set the terms of the agreement, collect a deposit if necessary, and reach an agreement of prices before the wedding. It should be used along with The Wedding Photographer’s Checklist Forms (122B). Using both forms allows you to agree on each segment of the wedding events to be covered, the shots to be taken and the conditions under which you will operate such as delivery dates for proofs and the final album. Weddings are an emotional event, and extreme care must be taken to prevent misunderstandings.
The Videographer’s Job Assignment Contract (140A) is specifically designed for the videographer to protect all rights and terms of payment. The Videographer’s Wedding Checklist Form (142B) is also designed for the videographer’s use.
Working with models and shooting model portfolios requires very special management of information. The Photographer’s Model Interview Form (124D) provides the vital statistics needed to plan and execute perfect glamour shooting sessions. It allows you to plan with the range of work s(he) may be able to do.
The Model Portfolio Assignment Checklist Form (123C) helps you plan the theme, props, costumes, make-up, hairstyles, and settings for the shooting sessions.
The Model Portfolio Job Contract Form (125E) protects your agreement with the model. It establishes the work to be delivered, the price, the publishing rights, exhibition rights and the terms of payment.
There are many other forms available which make life easy for the photographer or videographer. For instance Model Release, Property Release, Right to Publish and Submission Forms (147A) make record keeping easy, protect the rights of a photographer and guarantee that proper information is recorded for future use.
It is important to remember that while a photographer or journalist is protecting their rights, they are also protecting the rights of clients. Most clients have a deep appreciation of such practices.