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Photo Shoot Agreement

For a brand, photographer, or agency booking a model for a specific photo or video shoot — covers day rate, usage rights, retouching approval, and exclusivity windows.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your shoot?

This contract is built for a booked shoot between a model and the client or photographer booking them. It fits commercial, editorial, e-commerce, and campaign shoots, and sets the booking fee, how the images may be used, editing, portfolio use, working conditions, and what happens if the shoot is canceled.

Good fit for

  • Models booked for a photo or video shoot
  • Brands or clients booking a model
  • Photographers and shoot producers
  • Commercial, editorial, or e-commerce shoots
  • Shoots with specific image usage rights
  • Bookings that need clear cancellation terms

You may also need

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • Model and client or photographer names
  • Shoot date, time, and location
  • Shoot type and creative direction
  • Booking fee and payment terms
  • How and where images may be used
  • Usage period and territory
  • Editing and retouching limits
  • Cancellation deadlines and any fee

What's Inside This Contract

Parties and recitals

Identifies the model and the client or photographer and the shoot being booked.

Engagement and services

Covers the services, shoot duration, wardrobe and styling, the model's obligations, and a safe working environment.

Compensation

Sets the model fee, usage fees, travel, cancellation, and late payment.

Image rights and usage

Sets how the images may be used, permitted and restricted uses, the model release, retouching, credit, and post-term use.

Intellectual property

Covers ownership of the images and the model's right to use them in a portfolio.

Representations, warranties, and insurance

Covers each side's promises, insurance, and indemnification.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • The booking fee and when it is paid
  • How the images may be used and for how long
  • Whether usage is exclusive or limited to certain channels
  • Whether each side can use the images in their portfolio
  • Cancellation deadlines and any fee
  • Who approves edits or retouching

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Photo Shoot Agreement?
It is an agreement for a booked shoot that sets the booking fee, shoot details, how the images are used, editing, portfolio use, and cancellation terms.
Who should sign it?
The model and the client or photographer both sign. When either signs for a company, an authorized representative signs on its behalf, and a parent or guardian signs for a minor.
What are usage and likeness rights?
They describe where, how, and for how long someone uses the images and the model's appearance. Most agreements limit usage to certain channels or a set time period.
Can both sides use the photos in a portfolio?
Yes, when the agreement allows it. Most shoots let the model and photographer show selected images in their portfolios, sometimes with credit requirements.
How is this different from a Runway Show Agreement?
A Photo Shoot Agreement covers producing still or video images at a shoot. A Runway Show Agreement covers a model walking in a live fashion show with fittings and call times.
What happens if the shoot is canceled?
The cancellation terms decide it. The agreement sets a deadline and states whether a fee or deposit applies if a party cancels late.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in a photo shoot agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any photo shoot agreement:

  • Unlimited image or likeness use with no time limit
  • No clear cancellation or rescheduling terms
  • No limit on editing or reuse of the images
  • Vague payment terms or no deadline
  • Unclear who owns or delivers the final images
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