I just learned you should use the word deposit or nonrefundable deposit. A retainer is money that still belongs to the client and is held in escrow or trust by you. Thanks for the nice video.
Just a word of practical observation here and something to consider. The point about "always have a contract" is good advice for protection with paid clients but be prepared to never use your camera if you try this on a trade shoot. The second you mention a contract or model release, models will be gone. I've been shooting for over a decade all over the world. My portfolio is full of "names" and IT girl models. I've shot with celebrities and for fashion magazines and brands primarily in LA and NY. Unless it's client work that a brand is paying for or some kind of managed client focused shoot, nobody wants to hear about signing anything. 100% all models think you're trying to scam them somehow and will just disappear if you mention it. Even if you're accomplished and reputable. Even if they know you. I have tested this countless times. Me: Let's get together and shoot, come over to the studio! Model: Awesome, I've been wanting to shoot with you, I love your work! Me: Great! just to let you know, I'd like to have you sign a model release so we're both clear on what the photos are for and how we can use them. Model: ........ never to be heard from again Anything you are doing for collaboration and development with models will probably have to be nothing signed or it just won't happen. Take your chances and feel it out as you go. Having said all that, I have rarely had an excessively negative experience with a model doing anything too bad after a shoot. I think maybe just one and a model release or contract wouldn't have helped in any way. Unless you're dealing with money, signing stuff freaks people out. It's even hard when money is on the table if the money is small. Much of the industry is either inexperienced or sketchy. They think contracts are for other people, not them.
Agreed 💯 with everything you said here. Contracts really are so important. I've only been doing this for almost a year and having a contract has saved me from certain situations in the past.
Timeless advice, post-Covid as well. I made a no-contract mistake based on a referral from a good client, yet the new business was not a Realtor (who tend to require fast, lower-dollar turnarounds). Even though I never submitted photos because no payment received, it did not make up for two days’ time spent. Lesson learned the hard way.
I don't include the model release in the photography contract. A photography contract is an agreement for me to provide goods and services to the client for compensation..I'm giving them something for compensation. Getting permission to use the client's image is me getting something from them without compensation. It is an entirely different legal process from the contract to to take the picture. I don't want legal quid pro quo of the pictures-for-money nature of the photography contract being entangled with the use of their images without a commensurate quid pro quo. I don't ask for a model release from all clients, and not all clients are willing to provide it... it's not an integral part of taking their pictures and getting paid for it.
I made the mistake of having a model work TFP and I totally forgot to have him sign a model release. Well, guess what, I am not going to give him any photo until he signs! Lesson learned, thank you for reminding us how important contracts are! :) Updated: Question about Client Usage - Should I have a specific contract for when I work with models?
Yes. We have different contracts for different types of photography. For the model contract I mainly cover how the photos will be used, how many photos they get, and editing style. I may be forgetting something lol, but those are the main things.
This was really good info. I did my first session without a contract because it was a family member and ultimately I had to refund. Lesson learned. Thanks for the great advice. New Subscriber. 😁
Thanks! Sorry to hear about the refund. I've learned my lesson about not using a contract also lol. The good thing is, you know what to do moving forward. I appreciate you for watching and commenting😁
Bro you should have included a sample contract in description for better understanding for beginners and i absolutely agree what you have said in this video ❤️
What is a good way to word a flexible model release ? I want to use pretty much all images for advertising, however I completely understand if someone has a special circumstance with not wanting minors to be shown to other especially online as well as themselves in certain situations
Love the video! super helpful reminders! I've been doing tons of research and always feel like I'm missing some details here and there for my contracts. just subbed! thanks!
A few questions please for you and fellow photographers.... 1) Should i give my client a copy of the signed contract upfront? or only if they ask for it? 2) After the client chooses their desired photos, is it best to delete all the unchosen ones?
Hi. We don't give our clients a copy, but I would if they asked (they never ask). I usually keep all photos even the ones they don't choose. I honestly don't know why I do it lol...it's just something I've done since I started photography.
Excellent video! I'm already subscribed to your channel so of course I was going to watch this one when I looked up contracts, my question is, should there be separate contracts for free & paid for work?
I have a contract for both. For free work, I usually just use a model release...some of the clauses in my main contract aren't needed for free work. Hope this helps.
Great video appreciate the insight on the content, i'm just starting out and never thought of contract for portfolio building. Truly shows how important contracts are, the backend of a photography business is truly no joke, so important. Majin Vageta though, ready for the galic gun...Lets Go!
Thanks bro. Yeah man, personally I would always use a contract. I learned my lesson from not using one in the past lol. And yes, the backend stuff is what really matters. It like 80% of running a business, and the 20% is out in the field working with clients. Haha, Majin Vegeta is my guy!
Do you have any stipulations in your contract for rescheduling at the last minute or is that also covered by the non-refundable retainer fee, similar to cancellations or no-shows? Thank you!
I just learned you should use the word deposit or nonrefundable deposit. A retainer is money that still belongs to the client and is held in escrow or trust by you. Thanks for the nice video.
Just a word of practical observation here and something to consider. The point about "always have a contract" is good advice for protection with paid clients but be prepared to never use your camera if you try this on a trade shoot. The second you mention a contract or model release, models will be gone. I've been shooting for over a decade all over the world. My portfolio is full of "names" and IT girl models. I've shot with celebrities and for fashion magazines and brands primarily in LA and NY. Unless it's client work that a brand is paying for or some kind of managed client focused shoot, nobody wants to hear about signing anything. 100% all models think you're trying to scam them somehow and will just disappear if you mention it. Even if you're accomplished and reputable. Even if they know you.
I have tested this countless times.
Me: Let's get together and shoot, come over to the studio!
Model: Awesome, I've been wanting to shoot with you, I love your work!
Me: Great! just to let you know, I'd like to have you sign a model release so we're both clear on what the photos are for and how we can use them.
Model: ........ never to be heard from again
Anything you are doing for collaboration and development with models will probably have to be nothing signed or it just won't happen. Take your chances and feel it out as you go. Having said all that, I have rarely had an excessively negative experience with a model doing anything too bad after a shoot. I think maybe just one and a model release or contract wouldn't have helped in any way.
Unless you're dealing with money, signing stuff freaks people out. It's even hard when money is on the table if the money is small. Much of the industry is either inexperienced or sketchy. They think contracts are for other people, not them.
Agreed 💯 with everything you said here. Contracts really are so important. I've only been doing this for almost a year and having a contract has saved me from certain situations in the past.
Yes sir💯 Contracts are essential in this business!
Yeah I need to do better at LOOKING like I know what i am doing!
Timeless advice, post-Covid as well. I made a no-contract mistake based on a referral from a good client, yet the new business was not a Realtor (who tend to require fast, lower-dollar turnarounds). Even though I never submitted photos because no payment received, it did not make up for two days’ time spent. Lesson learned the hard way.
I don't include the model release in the photography contract. A photography contract is an agreement for me to provide goods and services to the client for compensation..I'm giving them something for compensation. Getting permission to use the client's image is me getting something from them without compensation. It is an entirely different legal process from the contract to to take the picture. I don't want legal quid pro quo of the pictures-for-money nature of the photography contract being entangled with the use of their images without a commensurate quid pro quo. I don't ask for a model release from all clients, and not all clients are willing to provide it... it's not an integral part of taking their pictures and getting paid for it.
I made the mistake of having a model work TFP and I totally forgot to have him sign a model release. Well, guess what, I am not going to give him any photo until he signs! Lesson learned, thank you for reminding us how important contracts are! :) Updated: Question about Client Usage - Should I have a specific contract for when I work with models?
Yes. We have different contracts for different types of photography. For the model contract I mainly cover how the photos will be used, how many photos they get, and editing style. I may be forgetting something lol, but those are the main things.
@@AdrianLardPhoto thank you very, very much! You are a gem! Xoxo
Now you got me going back to look at my contracts just to be sure. I paid some one years ago to create one for me.
This was really good info. I did my first session without a contract because it was a family member and ultimately I had to refund. Lesson learned. Thanks for the great advice. New Subscriber. 😁
Thanks! Sorry to hear about the refund. I've learned my lesson about not using a contract also lol. The good thing is, you know what to do moving forward. I appreciate you for watching and commenting😁
I’m so glad that I found this channel. Now let me go back and like all the videos that I’ve watched today. Great work!
Thanks Zev. I appreciate the support✊
Thanks a lot for this detailed video.
You are welcome!
Thank you !
You're welcome!
Best teacher thanks Lard❤
Thanks bro!
Bro you should have included a sample contract in description for better understanding for beginners and i absolutely agree what you have said in this video ❤️
Maybe in the future.
Thanks
You're welcome.
Thanks so much
✊️✊️
Thanks for the important information, I agree with you 100%, keep up the good work.
Thank you
You're welcome :)
Do you know if one can throw in a contract after the work, but before payment, to make sure you still get those terms you want?
What is a good way to word a flexible model release ? I want to use pretty much all images for advertising, however I completely understand if someone has a special circumstance with not wanting minors to be shown to other especially online as well as themselves in certain situations
Love the video! super helpful reminders! I've been doing tons of research and always feel like I'm missing some details here and there for my contracts. just subbed! thanks!
Glad it was helpful! And welcome to the community...glad to have you here!
I just had a customer come back and retract on her word to allow me to use images. It will NOT happen again 😢
Oh wow...can't trust words anymore, lol.
awesome video well laid out you've got yourself another follower thank you so much 🙌🏻!
You're welcome, John. Thanks for watching🤝
This video is fire. Help me out so much. Subscribe. Thank you for all the info.
That's great to hear. Thanks for the support🤝
Thanks for the video. I would consider these ideas for my contract
Thanks Once’s Again!!
No problem..any time😊🖤
your channel is a life saver😏
😁🙏🙏
love your videos man!!!!
Thanks, I appreciate that🤝
I’m here cause number 9😅
Lol that one is really important!
You’ve been a lot of help since I’ve started my photography business last year! I would love some one on one feedback from you. 👍🏾
That's great to hear! Message me on IG @adrianlardphoto
A few questions please for you and fellow photographers....
1) Should i give my client a copy of the signed contract upfront? or only if they ask for it?
2) After the client chooses their desired photos, is it best to delete all the unchosen ones?
Hi. We don't give our clients a copy, but I would if they asked (they never ask). I usually keep all photos even the ones they don't choose. I honestly don't know why I do it lol...it's just something I've done since I started photography.
@@AdrianLardPhotoOkay thanks alot for your response. 🌷
Excellent video! I'm already subscribed to your channel so of course I was going to watch this one when I looked up contracts, my question is, should there be separate contracts for free & paid for work?
I have a contract for both. For free work, I usually just use a model release...some of the clauses in my main contract aren't needed for free work. Hope this helps.
very good infos.
Thanks!
Always good information!
Preciate that Shawn🙏
Bro this was vary helpful i really appreciate your help 💯
No problem...I'm glad it was helpful!
Great video appreciate the insight on the content, i'm just starting out and never thought of contract for portfolio building. Truly shows how important contracts are, the backend of a photography business is truly no joke, so important. Majin Vageta though, ready for the galic gun...Lets Go!
Thanks bro. Yeah man, personally I would always use a contract. I learned my lesson from not using one in the past lol. And yes, the backend stuff is what really matters. It like 80% of running a business, and the 20% is out in the field working with clients.
Haha, Majin Vegeta is my guy!
Good info
- Look forward to seeing the next video.
Thanks William!
Do you have any stipulations in your contract for rescheduling at the last minute or is that also covered by the non-refundable retainer fee, similar to cancellations or no-shows? Thank you!
Yes, we have a cancelation/rescheduling clause now.
Great information. I definitely needed this.
What up bro! I'm glad it was helpful!
Very informative! Thank you!
Thanks for watching Carlos✊
This is great advice! Do you have a contract template/example to go off of?
Thank you. And no I don't.
Is there a standard template contract that can be printed?
I don't have one to give away, but the you can find a bunch online. The lawtog has some really good ones.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Would you make a copy of your contract available?
theres a lot of free works withouth any written but verbal wise so no thats not so easy ,,,,tiktok n utube is build like that