One of the most important things to know and have in your boudoir contract is your consent (or lack of) for image use. Most boudoir photographers will have varying levels of consent for image use, ranging from the full release to anonymous usage, or none at all. This is important because as soon as a photographer takes a picture, they own it. So they can do what they want with it unless agreed upon otherwise. So make sure you’re both on the same page, and if they are trying to persuade you for more, they’re probably not taking the photos for you or with you in mind.
I strongly believe there should be an agreement beforehand on what level the shoot will be. If you (the client) is undecided and want to see how you feel on the day or in the moment, that’s more than okay. But, it should be written that it is up to you, and you have only agreed up to lingerie, or swimwear, and anything is else is the clients’ discretion or decision. The few photographers who try to change agreed on terms and shoot for their own benefit, unfortunately, ruin it for others, and I’ve had friends leaning back on their contract to stop photographers. So don’t be afraid to refer back to what you have agreed upon either!
This goes for prices too. If you’ve agreed to a price, it shouldn’t change. Make sure you know what that price includes and ask lots of questions. It’s your money, and you deserve to know what it’s going towards:
- Is hair and makeup covered?
- What about travel?
- Outfits?
- Edits?
- Videos?
- Albums and galleries?
- The IP of the photos?
Cover all your bases and understand what you’re paying for!
How long before you get your photos back? Something else that could be covered in the price, rapid turnaround, and something that needs to be written into a contract. Having deadlines, for both the photographer and client, is very important. If they set a deadline for ideas and decisions from you, you have the right to know when you’ll get your photos back, proofs and edits! And if they’re late and haven’t said anything, chase them! You’ve paid for a service and everyone should be held accountable.
This brings us to communication. Within the contract, I strongly believe there should be something written about communication channels and expectations. Is it through personal emails? Will you use Instagram as your medium? There are lots of options, but I think it needs to be written down on what is expected. Not only the channel, but also “working” hours, and how long a reply is expected to take. If this is their business, treat it as such. Just because they work in a studio doesn’t mean they should be on call 24/7, but it also doesn’t mean they can take 6 months to get back to you with your photos.
Use the contract to set expectations for everything you expect to do. From communication at the start to getting ready and posing during the shoot, up to and including the post-shoot delivery and relationship.
For photographers, this is where you set yourself up for success, and can set yourself apart from others.
For clients and models, this is where you can learn a lot about who you want to work with, and essentially cover your own ass. It sucks that I even have to say that, but everyone should feel safe and know what’s happening.
If you’ve been thinking about getting in touch and want to shoot with me, just send me an email and let’s plan exactly what you want!
Stay safe peeps and happy shooting!
