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Mankai

Portrait photography contract

Updated October 17, 2026

A short, plain contract for family, couples, senior and newborn sessions, with retainer and reschedule terms.

Portrait photography contract

This contract is between the photographer named below ("the Photographer") and the client named below ("the Client"). It takes effect when both have signed it.

1. Who and what

Photographer or studio name
Client name
Client email and phone
Type of session
Session date and start time
Length of session
Location
Names and ages of anyone under 18

2. Fee and retainer

The total fee is $. A retainer of $ is due at booking. It is non-refundable and is applied to the total fee. The date is held only after the Photographer has the signed contract and the retainer. The balance of $ is due on or before .

3. Rescheduling

The Client may move the session once at no charge with at least days' notice. Any later change costs $ and depends on the Photographer's calendar.

4. Cancellation

If the Client cancels, the Photographer keeps the retainer. If the Client cancels with less than days' notice, or does not show up, the full fee is due.

5. Weather and late arrival

If the weather makes an outdoor session unsafe, either side may move it to the next date that works, at no charge. The session ends at the booked time, so a late arrival shortens it and does not change the fee.

6. The Client's part

The Client chooses the outfits, brings what children need to stay happy, arranges any permit or permission the location asks for, and stays with the children throughout. If the Photographer is ill or has an emergency, the Photographer will offer a new date or a full refund.

7. Photos and delivery

The Photographer chooses and edits the images in their own style, and delivers them in an online gallery within weeks of the session. The gallery stays online for days, so the Client should download and back up the images in that time. Unedited files are not delivered.

8. Copyright and use

The Photographer owns the copyright. The Client may print and share the delivered images for personal use, but not sell them or use them for advertising. The Photographer may show the images in their portfolio, website and social media. If the Client does not allow this, the Client writes their initials here: .

9. Minors

If anyone in the session is under 18, a parent or guardian signs this contract for them.

10. Limit and changes

If the Photographer cannot deliver the images for any reason, the most the Photographer owes is a refund of what the Client has paid. This contract is the whole agreement, and any change must be in writing and agreed by both. It is governed by the laws of the State of .

Photographer

Signature
Printed name
Date

Client (or parent or guardian)

Signature
Printed name
Date

How to use it

  • Fill in the blank lines with your own details, and make the numbers match your price list.
  • Change the notice periods to what you can really live with, and then keep to them.
  • Send it with the retainer invoice. Treat the date as booked only when you have both.
  • Keep the signed copy with the client record, and give the client their own copy.

Questions

Should the retainer really be non-refundable?

Most portrait photographers do this, because the date is held and other clients are turned away. Say so clearly in the contract and on the invoice, and apply it to the total so it does not feel like a penalty.

How much notice should I ask for when rescheduling?

Between 48 hours and 7 days is common for portraits. Pick the shortest period that still lets you refill the slot, and use the same number in your emails and on the booking page.

Do I need a parent or guardian to sign for children?

Yes, when anyone in the session is under 18, a parent or guardian should sign. That also covers the portfolio permission, which a child cannot give themselves.

Why not deliver the unedited files?

Unedited files are unfinished, and most photographers keep them because the edit is part of the work. Saying so in the contract keeps the question from coming up later.

Almost there

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