Who owns the copyright in the photos?

The photographer, under this template. The client gets a license to use the delivered images for the purposes listed, and the photographer may use them in their portfolio unless the client opts out.

Is the retainer refundable?

The template makes the retainer non-refundable because it holds the date. If the photographer cannot attend and cannot find a replacement, the client gets all payments back.

Can clients sign from their phone?

Yes. Clients sign in the browser on any device without creating an account, and both of you get the signed PDF.

Free template

Photography contract template

A photography contract protects both the photographer and the client: it reserves the date, sets the coverage and fee, says when images will arrive, and makes clear who owns the photos and how the client may use them. Edit it in the browser and send it for signature from the same page; the free plan includes 5 sends a month and never asks for a card.

Start free with this template

When to use it

Booking a wedding, engagement or family session and taking a retainer.
Covering a corporate event, conference or product shoot for a business client.
Real estate or headshot photographers who want the same terms for every booking.

What's in it

1.Event or shoot
2.Fees and deposit
3.Delivery
4.Copyright and usage
5.Client cooperation
6.Cancellation and rescheduling
7.Limitation of liability
8.General

Plus signature, name and date fields for client and photographer.

The full template

The text you start from, exactly as it opens in the editor. Bracketed blanks are yours to fill in; highlighted fields are filled by each signer.

Photography Services Contract

This Photography Services Contract (the “Contract”) is made as of Date signed — Client between [Client name] (the “Client”) and [Photographer name or studio] (the “Photographer”).

1. Event or shoot

Type of shoot: [wedding / portrait / event / product / real estate]. Date: [date]. Location: [address]. Coverage: [start time] to [end time], [number] hours.

2. Fees and deposit

Total fee: $[amount], which includes [list what is included, e.g. a second shooter, an online gallery, a printed album].

A non-refundable retainer of $[amount] is due on signing to reserve the date. The balance is due [on or before the shoot date / on delivery]. Extra coverage time is $[amount] per hour. Travel beyond [number] miles is billed at $[amount] per mile.

3. Delivery

The Photographer will deliver approximately [number] edited, high-resolution images by [online gallery / download link] within [number] weeks of the shoot. The Photographer selects and edits images in their professional judgment; unedited files (RAW files) are not delivered.

4. Copyright and usage

The Photographer owns the copyright in all images. On full payment the Client receives a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use the delivered images for [personal use, including printing and sharing on social media / the business uses listed here: [list]]. The Client may not sell the images or license them to others. The Photographer may use the images in their portfolio, website and marketing unless the Client opts out here: [opt-out, if any].

5. Client cooperation

The Client will provide a shot list and contact person where useful, secure permission to photograph at the location, and make sure the Photographer can work safely. The Photographer is not responsible for shots missed because of venue restrictions, weather, or guests and schedules outside their control.

6. Cancellation and rescheduling

If the Client cancels, the retainer is kept, and if cancellation is within [thirty (30)] days of the shoot, [50]% of the balance is also due. One reschedule to an available date is allowed at no charge if requested at least [fourteen (14)] days ahead.

7. Limitation of liability

If the Photographer cannot perform because of illness, emergency or events beyond their control, they will try to arrange a qualified replacement; if they cannot, they will refund all payments, which is the Client's sole remedy. If images are lost or damaged through equipment failure, the Photographer's liability is limited to a refund of the fees paid.

8. General

The Photographer is an independent contractor. This Contract is governed by the laws of the State of [State] and is the entire agreement on its subject.

Signatures

Client

Signature: Signature — Client

Name: Full name — Client

Date: Date signed — Client

Photographer

Signature: Signature — Photographer

Name: Full name — Photographer

Date: Date signed — Photographer

This template is a general-purpose starting point written in plain English for use in the United States. It is not legal advice and has not been reviewed for your situation; for anything high-stakes, have a lawyer review the final version.

How to send it for signature

Step 1
Start from the template
It opens as a document in the editor with both parties' signature, name and date fields already placed. Fill in the bracketed blanks and change any clause.
Step 2
Add who signs
Put an email address on each party, set the signing order if it matters, add an access code if you want one, and add a viewer for anyone who only needs to read it.
Step 3
Send it and track it
Each signer gets a link and signs in the browser, no account needed. You see who has opened and signed, and everyone gets the completed PDF with a certificate of completion.