In the event that no one responds with a link to a sample contract, here's what you should identify in your contract:
your pay rate (by the hour, by the photo, or whatever); will you be charging for a minimum number of hours?
your requirements in order to complete the photoshoot; for example, if photographing product, the customer should be responsible for transporting the product to the photoshoot site; this would be especially important if potential damage is a concern;
what you will be delivering - proof sheets for review, prints as ordered by the customer, digital files on CD, whether any post-shoot processing will be done, etc; if processing is required, your pay rate for doing that
if delivering a batch of photos (on CD for example), how many photos; the pay rate for the CD production and materials
a description of the customer's rights to use the photos; is this a "work for hire?" - the customer owns the photos, and would have full rights to do as he/she pleases; will the customer allow you to use any of the photos for commercial, promotional, or contest use?
All of these should have been negotiated with the customer up front. The contract is just a formality and confirmation of your understanding. It should be written in clear simple language - wouldn't want to scare the customer off. A simple "letter of understanding" may be suitable.
I'm struggling with this issue myself, and I hope that this information helps.
Congratulations on winning the job, and Good Luck!
Linda |
