Commercial Photography Contract for the United States

Commercial Photography Contract Template for United States

This document is a comprehensive commercial photography agreement governed by United States law, designed to establish the legal and professional relationship between a photographer or photography studio and their client. It covers essential elements including service scope, deliverables, usage rights, payment terms, and copyright provisions. The contract addresses both federal considerations, such as copyright law and intellectual property rights, and state-specific requirements for commercial contracts. It includes provisions for model releases, property permissions, and commercial usage rights while protecting both parties' interests in the commercial photography context.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Commercial Photography Contract

Let Genie AI's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.
Upload your Doc

What is a Commercial Photography Contract?

The Commercial Photography Contract is essential for professional photography services in the United States, particularly when images are intended for commercial use, advertising, or business purposes. This document is typically used when a business entity or organization requires professional photography services for marketing materials, advertising campaigns, corporate communications, or commercial publications. The contract addresses crucial aspects such as copyright ownership, usage rights, shoot specifications, delivery requirements, and payment terms, all while complying with U.S. federal and state laws regarding intellectual property and commercial agreements. It's designed to protect both the photographer's creative rights and the client's business interests, providing clear guidelines for the photography project's execution and deliverables.

What sections should be included in a Commercial Photography Contract?

1. Parties: Identification of the photographer and client with full legal names and contact details

2. Background: Brief context of the agreement and the parties' intentions

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the contract including 'Commercial Use', 'Deliverables', 'Raw Files', etc.

4. Scope of Services: Detailed description of the photography services to be provided, including number of images, style, and specific requirements

5. Shoot Details: Specific information about the photo shoot including date, time, location, and duration

6. Deliverables: Detailed description of the final products to be delivered, including format, resolution, and number of images

7. Payment Terms: Fee structure, payment schedule, deposit requirements, and payment methods

8. Copyright and Usage Rights: Specification of copyright ownership and licensed usage rights granted to the client

9. Client Obligations: Client's responsibilities including access, permits, and cooperation requirements

10. Cancellation and Rescheduling: Terms and conditions for canceling or rescheduling the shoot, including notice periods and fees

11. Liability and Insurance: Liability limitations, insurance requirements, and indemnification provisions

12. Termination: Conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement and the consequences

13. General Terms: Standard contract provisions including governing law, entire agreement, and amendments

What sections are optional to include in a Commercial Photography Contract?

1. Model Releases: Required when photographing identifiable individuals for commercial use

2. Property Releases: Needed when shooting on private property or featuring recognizable properties

3. Travel Expenses: Include when the shoot requires travel beyond local area

4. Post-Production Services: Detailed terms for editing, retouching, and other post-production work

5. Multiple Shoot Days: Additional terms for projects requiring multiple shooting days

6. Subcontractors: Terms regarding the use of assistants, second shooters, or other subcontractors

7. Equipment Requirements: Specific equipment requirements or rental terms

8. Catering and Amenities: Requirements for food, breaks, and facilities during longer shoots

9. Rush Delivery: Terms and additional fees for expedited delivery of final images

What schedules should be included in a Commercial Photography Contract?

1. Schedule A - Shot List: Detailed list of required photographs and specific shots

2. Schedule B - Price List: Breakdown of fees, including optional services and additional costs

3. Schedule C - Delivery Schedule: Timeline for delivery of proofs and final images

4. Schedule D - Technical Specifications: Detailed technical requirements for final deliverables

5. Appendix 1 - Model Release Form: Standard model release form template

6. Appendix 2 - Property Release Form: Standard property release form template

7. Appendix 3 - Equipment List: List of equipment to be used or required for the shoot

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Relevant Industries

Advertising

Marketing

Media and Entertainment

Fashion and Apparel

Real Estate

Retail

E-commerce

Publishing

Corporate Services

Events and Hospitality

Food and Beverage

Architecture

Product Manufacturing

Technology

Professional Services

Relevant Teams

Legal

Marketing

Creative

Procurement

Brand Management

Communications

Content Production

Digital Media

Operations

Business Development

Relevant Roles

Professional Photographer

Art Director

Marketing Manager

Creative Director

Brand Manager

Content Manager

Project Manager

Procurement Manager

Legal Counsel

Business Development Manager

Communications Manager

Production Manager

Studio Manager

Account Executive

Digital Content Specialist

Industries
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Photography Business Contract

A U.S.-governed contract establishing terms and conditions between photographers and clients, covering service delivery, rights, and obligations.

Download

Photographer Contract

A U.S.-governed legal agreement between a photographer and client establishing terms for professional photography services, including rights, deliverables, and payment terms.

Download

Photography Rights Contract

A U.S.-governed contract establishing photography services terms and image usage rights between photographers and clients, addressing copyright and licensing requirements.

Download

Simple Photography Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for professional photography services, covering service scope, deliverables, rights, and payment terms.

Download

Photography Service Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract establishing terms and conditions between photographers and clients, covering service scope, rights, and deliverables.

Download

Photography Agreement Form

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms between photographers and clients, covering service scope, rights, and obligations.

Download

Freelance Photography Contract

A U.S.-governed contract establishing terms between a freelance photographer and client, covering services, rights, and deliverables.

Download

Photo Usage Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for photographic content usage, including rights, restrictions, and compensation under federal and state laws.

Download

Contract For Photography Services

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms between a photographer and client, covering services, deliverables, and rights management.

Download

Model Agreement For Photoshoot

A US-governed agreement between photographer and model establishing rights, permissions, and terms for a photoshoot, incorporating federal and state law requirements.

Download

Second Shooter Photography Contract

A U.S.-compliant contract establishing terms between a primary photographer and second shooter, covering service terms, image rights, and compensation.

Download

Product Photography Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms between a photographer and client for professional product photography services, including rights, specifications, and deliverables.

Download

Photography Wedding Contract

A U.S.-governed contract establishing terms and conditions for professional wedding photography services, including service scope, deliverables, and legal obligations.

Download

Photography Usage Rights Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing licensed usage rights for photographic works, including terms, conditions, and copyright compliance.

Download

Photography Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between photographers and clients establishing terms for professional photography services, including rights, payments, and deliverables.

Download

Event Photography Contract

A U.S.-governed contract defining terms and conditions for professional event photography services, including service scope, deliverables, and rights.

Download

Commercial Photography Contract

A U.S.-governed contract establishing terms and conditions between professional photographers and clients for commercial photography services.

Download

Photography Session Contract

A U.S.-governed contract defining terms between photographer and client for professional photography services, including rights, deliverables, and payment terms.

Download

Photo Usage Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for licensed use of photographic works, including usage rights, restrictions, and commercial terms.

Download

Portrait Photography Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between photographer and client establishing terms for professional portrait photography services, including rights, deliverables, and obligations.

Download
See more related templates

Genie’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

2 Docs LeftAccess Now