Photographer Contract

**Natasha** · 03-12-2007, 08:01 PM

I am planning my Las Vegas wedding from Northern California. I have found a photographer I like, and we have spoken over the phone. He has good references, and I like the look of his photography. The only problems are: 1) he doesn't take deposits and 2) he doesn't have a contract. He says he'll sign anything I send him, but he doesn't have a contract he has people sign.

I was hoping I could get some sample contracts from y'all, or perhaps be recommended a website that has basic contracts for wedding vendors? he is pretty good, and the price is right, I'm just not sure how to put a contract together like this. Thanks!

**Linz** · 03-12-2007, 08:05 PM

who is the photog (since I live in Vegas, I wanted to know if I have heard of them or know of them) However, I don't have my contract with my photog, it's at my parents house so I am no help there.

**Natasha** · 03-12-2007, 08:16 PM

His name is Keith Kaplan.

Capture Productions Las Vegas

snowzilla · 03-12-2007, 09:22 PM

I would run, not walk, the other way from any wedding photographer who doesn't have a contract for his clients to sign (or who makes the potential client come up with a contract for him). I'm sorry - I've seen far too many brides and grooms have bad experiences, and in those cases, a contract is their only saving grace. I would seriously question why he doesn't have a contract - it really doesn't make sense, for himself as a business owner, or for you, the potential client.

Being a good wedding photographer is more than just taking good pictures - it's also about being a savvy business owner. Not having a contract for clients to sign doesn't say too much, IMO.

**Linz** · 03-12-2007, 09:31 PM

I would have to agree. That does seem pretty shady.

If you want, here is the photog I used. I liked him a lot. www.mcmphotovideo.com If you go to the website, on the front page the couple of the left side in black and white are really good friends on mine.

Sophia · 03-13-2007, 07:19 AM

The fact he doesn't have a standard contract he uses sends up huge red flags. I wouldn't use him, especially since you're doing this long distance and have never met him in person.

**tlew12778** · 03-13-2007, 09:15 AM

Eh. Mine did not have a contract. They said their contract was their online deposit form, but it did not list details like when they would show up, where they would show up, the number of rolls they would take (they shot film), delivery dates, etc. I only felt OK with it bc I had talked to a lot of other brides that have used them.

There are contracts on this photographer's website that you can download.

**jessesgirl** · 03-13-2007, 09:35 AM

I think I would be more worried if he flat out refused to sign any and all contracts. I would think that you would still be covered legally no matter who drew up the contract as long as both parties agreed and signed it. Just make sure you have everything you want in it since you are drawing it up and both of you agree to the terms you place in the contract before it gets signed.

**Natasha** · 03-13-2007, 11:39 AM

jessesgirl--That's what I figured. He's a nice guy, and I have talked to a few people he's worked with. He's pretty casual, but said he'll sign anything I draw up. So, if he signs my contract, I won't be worried.

Thanks for the link, Tiffany!

**ManteoChik** · 04-02-2007, 07:29 PM

Eh, coming from a photographer - I wouldn't use anyone that doesn't require a contract. Not only does it cover the photograper, but it covers *you* as the client. What happends when he shows up as planned, photographs your wedding - and then you nver get any pictures? You have no contract that states anything...sure you might have paid him - but that could be a "gift" for doing you a favor. KWIM?

Surely there is at least one other photographer out there that has a style you like and uses a contract.