Do You Really Need Photography Contracts?

When you are new to photography, you spend most of your time focusing on the image-making process, but as you start to charge for your work, there are important fundamentals of business you must learn as well, one of the most crucial being the contract. This important video discusses why you should really have a contract, even if you think you don't need one.

Coming to you from Matthew Anderson, this great video discusses the importance of client contracts. A lot of newer photographers avoid using contracts simply because they feel uncomfortable having that conversation, as if it makes the client think you do not trust them. In truth, most clients will actually appreciate it. First, it affords them a level of protection just like you. Second, working with a photographer is an uncommon experience for most people. A contract can provide a level of structure and expectations for that experience, which can help ease some of the anxiety around it. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Anderson. 

If you would like to learn more about the business of photography, check out "Making Real Money: The Business of Commercial Photography With Monte Isom," which is currently on sale along with the rest of the Fstoppers catalog. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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