Wedding Contracts

Should you have a contract with you wedding photographer? The answer is an outstanding yes! It protects you, it protect the photographer, it makes sure that you know what you are getting and the photographer knows exactly what is expected of him or her. The below is a reprint by permission by an outstanding photographer from Ontario and it makes good sense. Thank you Roel.

As many couples are now booking their wedding photographers for this year and beyond, I wanted to discuss the importance of having a contract with your photographer that clearly outlines the details of your wedding day coverage.

Contracts by their very nature are designed to protect both the consumer and the service provider. A well written contract will clearly spell out the deliverables (products or services) that are to provided and the payment required. The conditions on how both parties will operate are also clearly listed in plain english.

Sadly, I have witnessed some couples who did not have a contract with their photographer, which lead to a disastrous result. And some couples who had a contract ended up paying additional fees for things they “thought” was included such as proofs and digital files.

Here are the four main things to look for before you sign a contract with your photographer.

Deliverables - Make sure that all items that you want in your package are clearly listed in your contract and are included in the fee being charged. These include, but are not limited to the length of coverage, high resolution files, printed proofs, albums, parent books, prints and engagement sessions.

Extras/Options - Make sure that the contract outlines the fee charged for additional options such as overtime, travel charges and what the photographer deems to be “additional products”. If there is an additional fee for items, what exactly is that fee?

Photographer’s Standard Fee - What is the fee, including taxes, for the deliverables in your contract. What are the payment terms? What forms of payment do they accept (cheque, cash, credit cards). Make sure their Canadian GST/HST number is listed as it must be on all invoices and receipts issued by legitimate Canadian businesses.

Terms & Conditions - I often call this the “fine print”. Read this section carefully as it discusses cancellation policies, payment terms, refunds of payments, backup equipment, limits of liability, etc. These terms need to benefit both parties, not just the photographer.

I wish you well for your wedding day…

Make sure you read your contract prior to signing and if you have any questions or changes to be made do it before signing.

Summer

It seems odd to be talking about summer when it is the end of January and -20 outside but if you are planning a wedding for this summer now is the time to retain the services of a photographer. Next Sunday the 1st of February is the 10th annual Prestige Inn Bridal Showcase in Cranbrook, B.C. It is usually a very busy day with all types of exhibitors there from flowers and cakes to DJs and of course photographers. Shortly after the show many photographers receive calls to see if a certain day is available and if you wait too long that day will be gone.
A few samples from previous weddings are here: