Event Photography Contract Template

An event photography contract sets expectations for a day that rarely runs to schedule. This template covers the coverage hours, the shot list and who guides the photographer on the day, how many edited images arrive and when, how the images can be used, and who tells attendees they may be photographed.

  • 1. The Event
  • 2. Shot List and Point of Contact
  • 3. Deliverables
  • 4. Fees and Payment
  • 5. Usage License
  • 6. Attendees and Releases
  • 7. Cancellation and Rescheduling
  • 8. Limitation of Liability
  • 9. Agreement
  • Signatures from both parties
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it when a company books you to photograph a conference, summit, launch, awards night, or other corporate event.

The full template

Words in brackets, like [Client Name], fill in automatically from your client's details when you use the template in Clientary.

In the editor, you can change any section or add your own. Once you send it, your client signs online from any device. Edit this template online

This Event Photography Agreement is made on [Contract Date] between [Company Name] ("Photographer") and [Client Name] ("Client").

1. The Event

Photographer will photograph [the event, for example: Client's annual partner summit on May 14] (the "Event").

  • Venue: [name and address]
  • Coverage: [hours, for example: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, up to 8 hours]
  • Photographers: one photographer, or two if added below

2. Shot List and Point of Contact

Client will send a run of show and a shot list at least five business days before the Event, covering key speakers, guests, sponsors, and any group photos. Client will name a point of contact on site who can guide Photographer to key moments and people. Photographer will cover the shot list as the Event allows, but can't guarantee every moment, since events often run off schedule.

3. Deliverables

  • At least 300 edited images for a full day of coverage, delivered by online gallery within seven business days
  • Editing includes color and exposure correction and light retouching. Unedited images aren't delivered.
  • Same-day highlights, if added below: 20 edited images delivered by 9:00 am the next morning, for social media during the Event

4. Fees and Payment

  • Coverage: $2,400 for up to 8 hours on the Event day
  • Overtime: $300 per hour, in half-hour increments, only when Client's point of contact asks for it
  • Second photographer: $1,400 per day, if added
  • Same-day highlights: $350, if added
  • Travel: included within 25 miles, then billed at cost with Client's approval

A non-refundable retainer of 50% is due on signing to reserve the date. The balance is due on delivery, and invoices are due within 15 days. Images are delivered once paid in full.

5. Usage License

Photographer owns the copyright in all images. On full payment, Client receives a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use the delivered images for its own marketing, website, social media, internal communications, and event recaps, and to share them with attendees. Client may share images with the speakers and sponsors shown in them, for their own social media posts with a photo credit. Use in paid advertising needs Photographer's written permission and releases from the people shown, which Client is responsible for obtaining. Photographer may use the images in its portfolio and marketing unless Client asks otherwise in writing.

6. Attendees and Releases

Client is responsible for telling attendees that the Event will be photographed, for example in registration and with signs at the venue, and for any opt-out system it offers, such as a colored lanyard. Photographer will follow that system. Client is responsible for obtaining releases from people photographed where they're needed.

7. Cancellation and Rescheduling

  • If Client cancels, the retainer is non-refundable. If Client cancels within 14 days of the Event, the full coverage fee is due.
  • If the Event is postponed, Photographer will apply the retainer to a new date within 12 months, subject to availability.
  • If Photographer can't attend because of illness or emergency, Photographer will send a qualified replacement photographer. If none is available, Photographer will refund all payments made, and has no further liability.

8. Limitation of Liability

If images are lost or damaged through equipment failure or circumstances beyond Photographer's control, Photographer's liability is limited to a refund of fees paid for the affected coverage.

9. Agreement

This agreement is governed by the laws of [state or country]. It is the full agreement between the parties and may only be changed in writing. By signing below, both parties agree to these terms.

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any section or add your own. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your contract is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it to be signed. Your client reviews and signs online, and you can see when it's viewed and signed.

Learn more about contracts and e-signatures in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

How many photos should an event photographer deliver?

It depends on the event, but 30 to 50 edited images per hour of coverage is a common range for conferences. Stating a minimum in the contract sets expectations without promising every moment.

Who is responsible for telling attendees about photography?

Usually the event organizer, through registration terms and signs at the venue. Many events also offer a way to opt out, such as a colored lanyard, which the photographer then follows.

Is this event photography contract template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

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