6 Photography Contract Gotchas
- Image Rights Retention: HIGH Photographer may retain all copyright and only grant you limited usage license. You might not own your own photos
- Model Release Requirements: HIGH Photographer may use your images for marketing without separate model release. Your wedding photos could appear in their ads
- Delivery Timeline Loopholes: MEDIUM "4-6 weeks delivery" often excludes editing time. Albums and prints may take months longer
- Non-Refundable Retainers: HIGH Large deposits (25-50%) typically non-refundable even if you cancel months ahead. They keep money without providing service
- Equipment Failure Liability: MEDIUM Contracts often cap liability at refund only. If equipment fails and captures nothing, you just get money back—no re-shoot
- Raw File Restrictions: MEDIUM Raw/unedited files often excluded or cost extra. You may never get the originals
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