Birth Photography Contracts Checklist

May 11, 2022

Having a baby is truly one of the most incredible things in the world, but for many, it can be a stressful process long before the actual due date.

Expecting parents need to have the crib ready, diapers in stock, pick out a name, and of course, PHOTOS!

If you’re a photographer capturing births, our birth contracts cover all of the pertinent areas any photography business owner should have to cover themselves legally.

 

#1 Essential Contracts

  • Services contract - This is the main birth photography contract that creates the legal relationship between photographer and client. This document outlines the core photography services and products to be delivered to client including coverage, on-call schedule, hospital restrictions & more!
  • Print release - This document outlines client's permissions for reproduction of digital files.
  • Model release - The client signs this document to give photographer permission for use of their publicity rights (i.e. recognizable body and face) in photographer's marketing activities.

See our birth bundle here

 

 

#2 Sales Contracts 

When you're dealing with new parents  and closing sales you want to create as seamless ordering sales process as possible.  Don't add to their stress!  These contracts will help protect you and educate your client.

  • Credit Card Authorization Form - This form creates an authorization by Clients to allow Photographers to automatically draft from any credit card.  Outlines responsibilities and penalties as well.
  • Payment Plan Contract - This agreement outlines all of the responsibilities, deadlines and consequences of a payment plan for products added onto collection or purchase not outlined in original services agreement.
  • Product Delivery Agreement - This agreement is utilized at the final delivery of products to ensure clients acceptance of products and remind that all sales are final and no refunds will be given
  • Invoice Form - This form acts as a fill-in-the-blank invoice (can be done digitally or printed and filled in) for easy ordering.
  • Final Sale - The Sales Contract is for use at the sales session to protect the sale. This can be used to prevent any issues with clients amending or attempting to cancel order after it has been placed.
  • Permission to Sell Photographs - This agreement allows the client to provide the photographer permission to sell photographs from their photography event to private third-parties. It also acts to define uses, restrictions on purchasers and specific images that are sold to third-parties (For example: parents of the bride/groom, wedding party participants).
  • Copyright Card - Are you using the appropriate language to inform, educate and remind your client of the copyright information already outlined in your contract?  This document provides a gentle reminder to clients to help protect your art.
  • Album Design - This agreement outlines the procedures, ordering dates, design approvals, design modifications and applicable fees and/or costs that may be associated with changes beyond what is included in the collection /album sold.

See our sales bundle here

 

 

#3 Marketing Contracts 

Model Call Contract- This contract is intended for photographers actively portfolio building with model calls, or have models for a variety of reasons (workshop/mentoring modeling, continued portfolio building, etc.).

Model Release - (explained above).

Print Release - (explained above).

Photography Barter Contract - Outlines the exchange between photographer giving services and/or products in exchange for bartered goods or services. 

Business Affiliate Agreement: This business affiliation contract will help you set expectations and legally protect the affiliate relationship. The document is intended for referral fees for referred and booked clients, along with the inclusion of photographer marketing materials and photograph displays in the Business Vendor's workplace.

Website Terms: Creates the legal relationship between you and website visitors, as well as setting expectations for use of website.

Privacy Policy: Discloses the way you gather data, use and manage data of your website visitors and customers (think Google Analytics, Facebook pixels, and more!)

Legal Website Audit Checklist: A legal and security audit review.

Testimonial Release Form: Use client's feedback and/or testimonials in marketing without violating their privacy!

See all marketing contracts here

 

 

#4 Outsourcing Contracts

Having a back-up photographer for a birth is a must.  You never know when the little one may arrive.  Unless you can guarantee you'll be available 24/7 no matter what then you will need this contract in your arsenal.

Services Contract: Outlines what services the expectations for your back-up photographer will be and what he/she is being hired for.

See back-up birth contract here

 

 


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