Wedding Resources

How to write up a contract for a wedding photographer. Can you help? I found a photographer who will do my wedding for free to bulk up her portfolio. Her work is quite wonderful, so I am quite excited, but I feel I need a contract. Our arrangement isn't traditional, so I don't want her to bail at the last minute (I don't know her well enough to know if she would do that or not). Can anyone give me an example of a wedding photography contract? Can they still bail despite a contract?

Photography contract? Examples? I'm hiring two photography students from the community college to take photos at my wedding and reception in December. Does anybody have links to example contracts or things they wished they could have gone over in advance? The wedding will be in a rural area, so I just want to cover this stuff. We will own the negatives, although we also will sign releases for them to use any of our photos in their portfolios.

wedding photography.. sued?? i have been reading a lot of wedding photography questions and a lot of people are warning photographers of not being sued. what are grounds for lawsuits? and just as importantly how do you avoid this? supplies? contracts? any advice will help. thank you!

Do All Presbyterian Churches Limit Flash Photography During Wedding the Ceremony? I am a Baptist who attends a Pentecostal church and graduated from an all girls’ Catholic high school, so I'm pretty open-minded to the different branches of Christianity. However, after all of my wedding invitations have been printed, I learned that flash photography during the vows, ring exchange, and minister's preaching is not permitted. Although this church has a booklet listing the rules during wedding ceremonies at their church, the contract does not state this specifically. Is this common for all wedding ceremonies within the Presbyterian church? I am inviting youth praise dancers (ages 5-13) to perform at my wedding; is dancing allowed in the Presbyterian church?

Do wedding photographers using digital cameras, let the couple keep the disc of pics.Under what terms usually? Can the wedding couple keep the disc of photos from a professional wedding photographer? Back with negatives, the couple would have to pay for the negatives, what are the traditional terms now with digital images? If they charge, how much usually. Does anyone have a general contract that the photographer uses for this? Can the couple demand the disc or ask for it? Will teh photographer offer it to stay competitive in light of new competition in among all the digital photographers? Any info you can give me on what is traditional or how the trend is moving during this time of transition from film to digital surrounding wedding photography, discs and film. photobooks etc would be much appreciated!

Any suggestions on finding or making a contract to be used by a photography friend of mine? In other words, when I go to this friend to have my wedding photos, she should have a legal binding agreement for me, the customer to sign. That way I would know what is expected of me and she would would be agreeing to live up to what she is promising.

Wedding photography problems..? I got married 2 months ago almost to the day and i have yet to see pictures from our photographer. fisrt off, the day of our wedding i heard someone say "i hope she gets her pictures, he did a friend of mine and he never gave them to him" and since then, i have heard more and more things that he has done wrong. I got our contract out today and read over it. It states 6 different things i was supposed to get, like eng pics, day of preperation..etc. and welll, he only took pictures of 3 of the things on the list. You put a down payment down and then when you get your product you pay the rest. He is getting paid 1,550. Also it said in the contract we will recieve our pictures no later that 30 days after the wedding. What i need to know is, how do i confront him about A. getting my pictures in a timely manner and B. since i am having to waite (after i have tried to contact him over and over again..no ans.. but he reads my mail) to not pay the full amount, also since he didn't do all of the things on the list for that amount. I need some guidance, and honestly i am too forgiving and i HATE confrontation with someone who owes me something, because i don't want to not get anything at all if i tell him i am not paying it all. any ideas. And if i don't get my product, what legal ways can i take it, and how many non answ emails do i have to go through? I feel the same way. He has time to put pictures up on his website of all the girls he shoot and the family ones, but can't work on mine. Also..where we live for a decent photographer you pay around 800. For a very good one, you pay around 1500. I SPECIFICALLY chose him because he does amazing work and he is unique.. I know the pictures i took and i KNOW there is nothing unique about what i got. I have seen a few pics on a website he made us, but mysterically it isn't there anymore. I want my pics, and knowing he didn't do what i wanted (which i was fun creative shots) , or all of the things he was supposed to do..AND a month late, i think i shouldnt pay anymore than the deposite i gave him.

Wedding photos - studio photography? Has anybody else had their wedding photo done at a studio instead of at the wedding? Did you do this the day of the wedding or the previous or next day? Tips? I about dropped when calling around for pricing to have a photographer at my wedding. Even the lowest price is unacceptable since it doesn't even include any final photos (just proofs). I have no objection to people making a living - just doesn't fit in my budget. I have at least 3 people who could take photos at the actual wedding - they just aren't very skilled at portrait style photography. Next question - is it reasonable to put into the contract that I want the negatives after say, a year? I believe that is the only way to prove copyright if you later want duplicates and the photographer has gone missing or out-of-business or to do fun things (such as put us on a cup or a clock at Walgreens photo). Please note: my wedding budget is $2,800, so definitely not extravagant. Oops. ENTIRE wedding budget is $2,800. Just an FYI - we have only 30 guests. The cost of wedding and reception is going to be about $1,500. The remaining are the wedding rings and photography and whatever else I have forgotten. A larger budget is not possible as I'm buying a house in November and the wedding is just after Christmas.

For a wedding photographer, it common to have an "only photographer" contingency in our contract? The wedding photographer has put in the following contingency in the contract "No other photographer/photography shall be permitted while photographer is photographing any aspect of Wedding, Reception, or related activity (Individual guests with personal cameras excepted). " Is this standard operating procedure? What does this guy have to lose if he is being paid? OK, so I should have probably added that this is being done as a barter situation; services were rendered in exchange for the wedding photo package. It is an all inclusive package that has already been "pre-paid". He stands to lose nothing.

I have a customer who hasn't paid me yet for his wedding photos, what can I do? I did wedding photography for an African American couple a month a ago, they were supposed to pay me in full 2 weeks before the wedding, its now a month after the wedding, they keep giving me excuses how they dont have money etc, etc. I know I didnt sign a contract with them but I do have a copy of a receipt where I noted the amount of the deposit that they paid me and the balance thats due . Does any one have an idea what legal step I can take to recover the money, its about $700.

What can I do if a client breaches a verbal contract? I live in Ohio and co-own a photography business. We have a client who decided she did not like her engagement photos and wants a family member to shoot her wedding photos. I didn't have any contracts with me when we met; I do have e-mails outlining the photography package. We have exchanged the initial payment and have a verbal agreement to finish the wedding. I searched through the Ohio Revised Code, but I'm not an attorney. What are my legal options in Ohio?

How to start a wedding/special occasion photography business? Hi all. I'm 26 from Ohio and I've never been the photographer at a wedding or any kind of special occasion, so how do I start? I know that if I had some kind of portfolio to show to potential clients, it would increase my chances of getting jobs......but since I don't, where do I begin? I've done a little research and I've figured out how much to charge, drawing up contracts and the actual business side of it. I'd like to keep it small, maybe get my phone number in the Yellow Pages, post a few fliers, things like that, but where do I go from there and what else can I do? After I've done a few weddings, I'd like to start a website that showcases my work, maybe get some new business out of that. Thanks for ANY suggestions! Pix: I'm not new at photography, just new at weddings. I'm very "well-acquainted" with my camera and it's capabilities. I understand the concept of composition, lighting, equipment and photo editing. This would not be my first time taking a picture. My question was more in regards to how to get my first client and so on........ But thanks for the advice anyways.

How do I honor a contract of service, costs too much to do so? IN A PICKLE!!!? I previously freelanced wedding photography. Aroung Feb. I agreed to perform 2 separate weddings. (they are w/in 1 week of ea/other). However, heres the problem. Since then my husband suddenly had to move half way around the world. Our son & I followed, naturally. Now, as the airfare to return to provide the service... I certainly do NOT want to cause any problems for the 2 parties, but I'm not sure what to do. I have a deposit for each wedding. It's too late to cancel as they are less than 1 month away! HELP!!! As airfare continues to rise I see no way of affording the travel expenses. I had no foresight to our very sudden move. The parties involved are friends of my family as well! Sorry to leave the detail of WHEN I moved out... Just this last month. In the same month, I packed up our house (with lots of family help) and we sold our home. This while taking care of my very young son. I feel horrible. I WANT to fullfill the obligation. I just cant foresee the financial end working out! I have NEVER missed an appointment of any sort! Thanks for responding. I will search for a replacement ( have been already with no luck)

Need advice for working as a photographers sales representative.? Their is a wedding/portrait photography studio in fairfield county, Connecticut, that needs a sales rep. to get him more business. For instance, contracts with schools, local business, and such.looking to pay just commission on the contracts. I think it's pretty vague. Not sure how to come back with an amendment. Any suggestions?

Is asking for payment from a third party against any laws or individuals rights? I am a wedding photog who performed photography for a couple back last July. They have yet to have paid me the balance on their account. I still have their portraits sitting on my desk. I do not charge for portraits, digital images, or any product; Simply charge for the time spent at the event. After numerous attempts through phone calls, email and letters, all with no result, I made one last ditch attempt to collect payment for the time spent and deliver the pics by writing both the bride and grooms parents (who were listed as alternate contacts on the original contract) to offer them the chance to get the pics. I was forced to enter a case through small claims court to get the remainder of the payment owed, plus the interest accrued. They are countersuing, claiming I violated their rights by trying to collect payment thru a 3rd party. Do they have any case? I know I do . I have sufficient contracts, etc. I want to know about THEIR chance for collection against me. Thanks! :) I am in Oregon One last thing: It is my understanding that a creditor that collects its own overdue accounts is not subject to the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) and is entitled to attempt the collection of a debt. Also, Collectors usually are prohibited from contacting such permissible third parties more than once, which I did not do....

Gratuity on a wedding package? My fiance and I are getting married on July 5th, 2008. Yay! We're having our wedding at a wedding chapel downtown. It's a package, the chapel, reception ballroom, flowers and photography, decorations and a DJ. It's a set fee of roughly 6,000 dollars. We were impressed with the price and VERY impressed with the accomodations. So since it's a business with a set fee do we tip? We know to tip the caterer, cake bakery and any other vendors but we aren't sure if we tip the business. We've met with them 3 times so far and they haven't mentioned a tip and it's not in the contract anywhere. We're meeting with them again next week and I'm going to ask but I'm just curious.

How should I handle this? I used to own my own photography business, but am no longer in business. However, I do "under the table" weddings for friends and acquaintances. Recently, my friend referred someone to me. It apparently was not made clear that this is under the table (my fault), as the bride just (3 weeks prior to the wedding) asked for a contract. What should I do?

Did you have or will you have a videographer at your wedding? The two things that are *important* to me for our wedding include a videographer (full day coverage) and a harpist (for the ceremony). I have decided to get a VERY basic photography package and splurge on an average-size package for videography. A lot of my married women friends tell me they "wish they had a videographer" because they feel as if they missed the day being so busy. A video would give them a chance to go back and relive the day in the comfort of their own livingroom! So, my question is, do you plan on having a videographer or have you had one...why and was it worth it? The package were are contracting for is, in total, $1,175.00. It includes full day coverage (morning to night), 40-45 dating/courting pictures, a love story told by us and guest interviews/special messages at the reception.

If i get photography Negatives on a DVD-R will i be able to print these on my own on my computer? I was talking to our wedding photographer and when i asked to see the contract on the contract it says "this aggrement includes the purchase of Unlimited usage rights of all original photographs and the resulting digital negatives will be shipped to you on DVD-R media" so does that mean i can print them on my own? or do i have to go through them (very expensive through them) to get my prints? will i be able to print off the DVD-R or is that just gonna be a slide show of some type? sorry for my ignorance :) thanks!

Photography and copyrights (question also posted under 'photography')? I'm a photographer just starting my own business. I've done quite a bit of research about copyrights & all of my findings tell me that I, as the photographer & artist, own the rights to any photos that I take, even if I'm hired to take them. I'm of the understanding that unless I have a signed contract with my client stating that I will give the up my rights to the finished product I will own them forever & can do with them as I wish (ie: using them in my portfolio, for advertising, etc.). However, my friend knows a couple that hired a photographer to take their wedding photos who asked them to sign a release for him to be able to sell any pictures that he took, they declined to sign. About a year later the wife discovered that he had sold her pictures to a magazine. They sued the photographer & won $50,000. My question is..why? Do they own rights to the pictures because they are in them? Am I wrong in believing that I'm the artist & I own my art even if I'm hired? Thank you.

Photography and copyrights? I'm a photographer just starting my own business. I've done quite a bit of research about copyrights & all of my findings tell me that I, as the photographer & artist, own the rights to any photos that I take, even if I'm hired to take them. I'm of the understanding that unless I have a signed contract with my client stating that I will give the up my rights to the finished product I will own them forever & can do with them as I wish (ie: using them in my portfolio, for advertising, etc.). However, my friend knows a couple that hired a photographer to take their wedding photos who asked them to sign a release for him to be able to sell any pictures that he took, they declined to sign. About a year later the wife discovered that he had sold her pictures to a magazine. They sued the photographer & won $50,000. My question is..why? Do they own rights to the pictures because they are in them? Am I wrong in believing that I'm the artist & I own my art even if I'm hired? Thank you.

I'm hiring someone to call leads and make appointments.? I own a small photography studio in the Houston area. I get on an average of 1000 leads each month of brides in our area who have either regestered for their wedding or attended a bridal show. I want to hire someone to call the brides, ask if they've hireds a photographer and if not make an appointment for a free engagement session and 8x10. I have no idea what to pay this phone person. Obviously an hourly wage won't work since she should while the time away with one or two calls and hour. I feel like it should be per booking but this is new for me and really have no idea. Your suggestions will be appreciated. What rate per booking? A percentage for wedding contracts signed? Bonus for a certain number of bookings an evening or week or month? Fire away with suggestions. I've tried to run it over myself but would really like some outside widsom.

Should I keep our friendship or move on I have been friends with her for over 6 years now, we have shared a lot. She is also a small business owner and I work for her on the weekends. I have always had mixed feeling for God, but over the last year I have renewed and strengthen my faith with God and I was so very happy to have my friend in my life becuase she has been a life long Christian. But recently while working with her I have seen behaviors that are not what would be of Christian followings, She owns a photography business and she was photographing a friends wedding, the bride was also having her BF shoot the wedding as well, the BF didn't have her own equipment and my friend unwilling agreed to let her use some of her photgraphy equipment. She didn't want to say no because she was afraid it was going to cause a scene. It was clear she didn't like this girl. While photgraphing the wedding the BF of the bride has technical issues with the equipment - which make the equipment appear broken (later on it was found it was only a minor error that was easily fixed) The girl signed a contract giving up the rights to her photos and my friend also thought the contract stated that if she damaged the equipment she would have to pay for it. It didn't state this in the contract. When I pointed this out to her she stated to me "So, she doesn;t know what she signed" --- I was blown away by this. My friend went back to the bride and groom and asked that they pay for the equipment and they did. But there is nothing wrong with it, it was and easily fixed error. But she is still keeping the equipment bought by the bride and groom. I need help on how to handle this situation.

Advice sought on photographer's contracts?!? Hiya, I'm in the process of setting up my own photography business; weddings, portraits etc. Is there a standard contract that I can use to send to clients, or should each individual photographer have one made up? In particular im looking for a contract to send to clients regarding my wedding services. If anyone knows of any useful sites with templates for contracts or further info, it would be very appreciated! Thank you in advance, Talia

What should I do.. should I keep her as a friend? I have been friends with her for over 6 years now, we have shared a lot. She is also a small business owner and I work for her on the weekends. I have always had mixed feeling for God, but over the last year I have renewed and strengthen my faith with God and I was so very happy to have my friend in my life becuase she has been a life long Christian. But recently while working with her I have seen behaviors that are not what would be of Christian followings, She owns a photography business and she was photographing a friends wedding, the bride was also having her BF shoot the wedding as well, the BF didn't have her own equipment and my friend unwilling agreed to let her use some of her photgraphy equipment. She didn't want to say no because she was afraid it was going to cause a scene. It was clear she didn't like this girl. While photgraphing the wedding the BF of the bride has technical issues with the equipment - which make the equipment appear broken (later on it was found it was only a minor error that was easily fixed) The girl signed a contract giving up the rights to her photos and my friend also thought the contract stated that if she damaged the equipment she would have to pay for it. It didn't state this in the contract. When I pointed this out to her she stated to me "So, she doesn;t know what she signed" --- I was blown away by this. My friend went back to the bride and groom and asked that they pay for the equipment and they did. But there is nothing wrong with it, it was and easily fixed error. But she is still keeping the equipment bought by the bride and groom. I need help on how to handle this situation.

Unethical, yes . . breach of confidentiality, too? Hello, I just got married very recently & our photographers for the private ceremony were "friends". Meaning they were friends until we learned of what happened at the ceremony. After our honeymoon, my husband and I were informed that the wife of the husband/wife photography duo took unauthorized photographs of myself in my wedding dress and sent them via text to a woman who I have filed a police report against about a month ago. Background is, my "friend" the woman photographer became friends with a woman who I have had much conflict with. Over a month ago I had to file a police report to get this woman to stop harassing me. The harassment is via internet, so there isn't much anyone can do, but it made me feel better to file a report in case of other problems in the future, as this woman has bugged me for the past two years. (What is her problem with me, that is unknown other than I dated her husband about 5 long years ago! Some people just can't move on. I've been with my husband for 3 years, and we just got married recently.) So the photographer and this woman have become chummy, and hey to each their own, until this development. My question is, does anyone know what we can do to get justice here? The signed contract says "any and all photographs taken by the photographer remain the property of the photographer, and may be used for portfolio samples . . . and any other business related issues." So if you read that right, although the photograph was taken via cell phone, it was taken by the hired photographer and according to the agreement it should only be used for business purposes, and texting the woman I've filed a report against wouldn't even come close to being a business related issue. The female photographer was fully aware of my conflict with the other woman whom she sent the text to. Obviously, I didn't choose a good friend. Is is possible that I could get a lawyer to help me with this? Any suggestions here at all? Please? Thank you. What I would like to see as justice here would be : Entitlement to every picture they took that day, rights to those pictures, a formal apology and a full refund. My husband says that sounds like too much. I personally say it's not enough. That was our wedding day, and it was ultra private. & also, yes it is a valid professional photography company.

Do you know of the proper amounts to tip vendors? We are getting married on the 17th, and I am attempting to calculate today tip amounts for each of our vendors. I have looked at several different websites about this very topic, and each one has a different spin as to how much is proper. With that being said, I am extremely confused and stressed! We are getting married at Bellagio in Las Vegas, and have been working with one of their chapel coordinators with our wedding package. Within this package, it includes our limo for airport pick up/drop off, as well as the ride to/from the marriage license place. How much to tip him? Our photography is included in our package. How much to tip? Our harpist is included in our package. I am assuming that a tip of $50 each is ok. We plan to tip our DJ $50. Now on to the trickier part: how much to tip our wait staff and bartender at our reception? If we went with the standard 20% of the food bill for the wait staff, we would be shelling out a tip of $1,883!! The bartender tip would be another $257. Then, what about the catering manager? Some sites say to tip him/her another 20% of the total food and beverage cost! Then there's the chapel coordinator, where some sites say to tip her $300. I have looked over our contracts, and see that there is a 20% "service fee" already placed in there that we've paid. Is this their tip? That way we can comfortably tip above that...say, just another $150? Please help me with useful and pratical guidelines on this matter. I don't want anyone at our recpetion to feel like we were cheap, but to think about shelling out another 2k to 3k in tips makes my head spin.