Explanatory Notes These Terms of Business comprise a set of standard terms for use by a photographer when engaged to take photograph at a wedding. They are supplied with a Booking Form which will set out details of the assignment including the fees payable. The contract will consist of the completed Booking Form, signed by the photographer and the client, and the Terms of Business. Any change to the Terms of Business which might be agreed should be recorded in the Booking Form. The Terms of Business can also accompany the photographer's proposal for services to a prospective client. These are prepared for use by a Photographer, but they are intended to be fairly balanced. The Photographer’s Terms of Business contain paragraphs covering the following: PHOTOGRAPHER’S SERVICES The photographer will provide the services set out in the booking form and try to meet any special requests from the client, but because of uncertainties with regard to lighting conditions or other constraints that might not be foreseen he has discretion to exercise professional judgment on the precise images to be taken INFORMATION, ASSISTANCE & LICENCE The Client is required to provide any information or assistance required by the photographer. The client also gives the photographer the right to take photos at the wedding. FEES AND EXPENSES Details will be set out in the booking form and these terms of business set out the standard payment arrangements as well as dealing with payment of interest on overdue accounts. Our clause proposes interest at the statutory rate: if the contract does not specify an interest rate, the law allows an unpaid party to a contract to claim a high rate – 8 per cent above Base Rate under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. ADDITIONAL ORDERS If the client later orders more photos etc. the same terms of business apply CHANGES If the client wants to change any of the services, then this has to be agreed and confirmed in writing by the photographer. COPYRIGHT Unless the booking form specifies otherwise, the photographer will retain copyright in the images which he produces and the client has a licence to use them. LIABILITY The photographer’s liability is limited to an amount equal to the fees. In addition the photographer’s liability excludes any indirect or consequential loss of the client. EXCLUSIVITY Unless otherwise agreed, the photographer is the only official photographer at the wedding CANCELLATION FEES If the client cancels, then cancellation fees will be payable depending on how close the wedding date is at the time of cancellation. If the photographer cancels, he has to refund the deposit and any other fees, after deducting expenses incurred. TERMINATION The photographer may terminate if the client commits a material breach – in particular if he does not pay fees and expenses when they are due. FORCE MAJEURE This is a phrase used by lawyers and refers to circumstances beyond the control of a party to the contract. Here the photographer has no liability if he is or if his equipment fails or some other extraneous cause prevents him from performing the services. LAW & DISPUTES English law applies. Disputes can be referred to mediation. BOOKING FORM This form contains a lot of blank spaces which need to be filled in and then the form should be dated and signed by the photographer and the client. The booking form contains details of the wedding venue, the locations where photos are needed – from the bride’s home when getting ready to the reception, number of images, albums, and CD’s being provided etc. and the price and payment terms We recommend that two copies are prepared and signed, with one copy retained by each party as the form is the document that evidences the contract and which contains all the important terms including fees. It is important for the photographer to ensure that the services are clearly defined so that the scope for argument as to whether or not additional services are being requested can be avoided. ">Back to top | 