What keeps you and your clients on the same page?
The pages of your photography contract!
If you have already worked in photography, you understand how important it is to have a solid contract. It protects both you and the client in the event of a misunderstanding. However, a portrait photography job is so much different than working as a food photographer or shooting product photography.
So, what do you need to include in a brand photography proposal? Here are my top 5 recommendations.
1. Scope of Work
There’s a lot going on during a commercial or brand photography shoot. You may have a vision for the images and the client may have a completely different one.
By detailing the scope of work for the project in your proposal, you and your client are better able to get on the same page. Clearly spell out what you will do for the project and what you will deliver.
Also, outline the client’s responsibilities. Don’t forget to include small things like craft services or who coordinating talent and props, etc.
Including these details makes everything so much easier since everyone knows what to expect.
2. Usage Rights
Usage rights are a big deal in business photography. You need to think carefully about how you will allow your clients to use the images. Can they be used for social media, billboards, articles, websites, commercials, etc?
What about the length of time? Will you give them the right to use the images forever? Or you might decide to let them use the images for a certain amount of time.
Whatever you decide to do, it needs to be spelled out clearly in the contract.
3. Payment Terms
You want to get paid, right? Obviously!
You also want to be paid on time and know how you’ll be receiving payment.
The easiest way to make sure that happens is to outline all the payment terms in your brand photography proposal. Talking about payment is uncomfortable for some people. Putting it in black and white like this makes everything so much easier.
4. Rescheduling / Cancellations
As organized as you are, rescheduling and cancellations will still happen. Life loves to keep us on our toes.
However, you don’t want these unexpected occurrences to devastate your income. Decide how you will be compensated if the client needs to reschedule or cancel their shoots and make sure you explain it clearly in the proposal.
5. Locations
Brand photography projects are like Amish friendship bread. They grow and morph and suddenly what started as one little photoshoot becomes a 3-day affair with multiple locations.
Make sure that you outline each location and the amount of time you’ll spend there in your proposal. Don’t forget to include any travel fees or other location-based fees.
Avoiding Misunderstandings
Having these 5 elements in your contract is three-quarters of the battle when it comes to avoiding conflicts. When everyone knows exactly what is expected of them and what to expect from everyone else, things fall into place with few hiccups.
But, what if you don’t know what details to include?
For example, maybe you have no idea how usage rights work or what is the industry norm.
Should you charge travel fees to the location and how much should they be?
What is normal to expect from your client?
The list of these types of questions can go on for miles for commercial photographers who are just getting started.
If you’re struggling with these questions, my Brand Photographer’s Blueprint course can help.
I provide all the information you need to write branding photography proposals as well as speak to every aspect of your business.
Once you’re finished with the course, you’ll have everything you need to confidently land ideal recurring clients and fill your book with business.
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