Legalese - understanding a contract

Choosing a wedding photographer may be a very intense process. You need to make sure that a contract clearly stipulates your expectations so all that hard work doesn’t go down the drain.

Each contract is different, but here are some key items that should be included in your contract:

-Date of the wedding;

-Time you expect the photographer to arrive and depart;

-A minimum number of images and other deliverables (books, DVDs, etc);

-Location of all events;

-Extraneous expenses (travel, tolls, materials);

-Style of photography;

-Date materials will be ready for delivery;

-Payment methods;

-Due dates for deposits and final payments;

-Price

You do not need to have a contract notarized, but witnesses will surely help. Secure ‘duplicate originals’ which are copies but with original signatures. Be sure you retain one of these copies for your records.

If any item in the contract seems odd, you can always consult a lawyer but that should never be necessary.