Why a Contract is Important and more...
Having a legal agreement in place is a good practice to begin with, from any wedding supplier, I would be concerned if someone didn’t have one. This is not just for me as a business but for you as well. It explains all the terms of our relationship, and what to expect, and protects everyone in case something goes wrong. I know it’s easy to just skim through and sign at the bottom (most of us are guilty myself included)
In Plain English
To make it super easy for you to understand, the most important clauses that you’ll find in my wedding contract are at the beginning in plain English, but please feel free to contact me to clarify if you are unsure about anything.
Fee and Deposit
The deposit is necessary to reserve your wedding date in my diary. It makes it so I’m not available to book any other weddings that day. Because of that, the deposit is non-refundable. The deposit amount goes towards the total amount due for your wedding package.
Things that matter and you should know
Location & Venues Recommendations
I’m more than happy to recommend locations and other venues to you! I have a page dedicated to the wedding suppliers I would recommend. Even though I use my best judgment when making recommendations, I can’t be liable for the work of 3rd parties. Or if something goes wrong with the location. But I promise I will always do my best to make sure nothing will go wrong!
Exclusive Service Provider
You’re hiring me because you like the work I do, my style is a good fit, you like me as a person, and trust me to document your wedding day. And I’m really excited to get started too! But it’s important that I be the only professional photographer who’s capturing the photos. It wouldn’t be cool for you to go and book another photographer. I am happy to arrange a second photographer to work alongside me that I trust, and work well together to give you the best photos, just ask!
Just to be clear- I’m TOTALLY ok with any of your guests bringing their cameras and taking photos if you are! As long as they’re not using the photos for commercial purposes or trying to start a photography business with them. And as long as they don’t stop me from doing my job, I’m very easygoing and move like a ninja, so it would take a lot to get on my nerves, lol!
Quality of Service and Communication
I know your photos are important to you, otherwise, you wouldn’t be working with me. So it’s important that we communicate with each other. Communication is key! Let me know if you need anything, are worried about anything, or have any questions. And I’ll do the same, that way no one feels left in the dark. Please don’t be afraid to contact me and let me know about your changes which will help me prepare, after all, I’m here for you!
Artistic Style
If you’ve decided to book me as your wedding photographer, you’ve had plenty of time to look at my portfolio either on my website, Instagram, Facebook or all 3 and you must like what you see to contact me right? So you know what to expect from my photos. What you’ll get is consistent with what you see and that is wherever possible I will go the extra mile for you.
Non / Guarantee
I do guarantee you, that I’ll do my best from the moment you pay your deposit to the day I hand over your final edited images from your wedding. I can make sure your photos are the best they can be, and that you have the best experience possible.
However, I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to get every single photo that you expect. Life is unpredictable if I could guarantee that, I would, but I promise to do my best!
Meals and Breaks
I’m a human being and have basic needs. Although I wish I could go all day on my feet without going to the bathroom or eating, I can’t.
I’m experienced enough to know when the best times are for me to take a break. It is always nice if there is a meal prepared for me but do not worry it is not essential just let me know so I can make plans.
Image Selection, Processing, Retouching and Edits
This is important stuff, I want you to know exactly what to expect. After I am done taking photos, there’s a lot more work for me to do. The first thing is first back up everything 4 times! I can then select the “keepers” out of all the photos I captured. I’ll be honest- I deliver a LOT of photos. You don’t have to worry about me keeping photos from you or anything like that. If certain ones don’t make the cut, it’s because of a good reason- maybe I was testing my settings, or it could be a duplicate of another photo. I take extra just in case someone is blinking is a common one. Point is, that I don’t deliver every single frame, but you won’t have to worry.
When I edit the photos, I process them all the same with loving care. I want every single photo you receive to be the best it can be.
Delivery
I want you to have your photos as soon as possible, but I also want to make sure when you get your photos that they’re AMAZING. So I guarantee you’ll have all of your photos within 8 weeks of your wedding in peak season. I’ll even give you a sneak peek too within a few days on social media, so you have something while you wait.
Client Use of Images
These are your photos, and you can use them however you’d like, as long as it’s for personal use.
You can post your images on social media! Just don’t change or re-edit the way they look by adding colour/filters or anything like that. And if you’re able, please credit or tag me (@NickGeorgiouPhotography). It’s very much appreciated! It’s the best way to spread the word and help me out, and it doesn’t cost a thing!
Copyright
Copyright refers to the legal right of the owner of intellectual property. The person who created the property (in this case, photographs) automatically holds the copyrights. In simpler terms, copyright is the right to copy. This means that the original creators of products and anyone they give authorisation to are the only ones with the exclusive right to reproduce the work.
The photography contract includes a clause that gives you the printing rights to use your photos in any way, as long as it’s for personal use, forever.
Release
Essentially, you’re giving me permission to put images on my website, and use them for advertising. In order for me to get business, I have to show what I do so this is kind of important.
Rescheduling/Cancellation
Sometimes the totally unexpected happens, Covid-19, lightning strikes, auto accidents… It’s never good, but this clause protects us all in the case of such an emergency. If something happens to you that’s a major emergency or act of God, you have the ability to reschedule or cancel.
In the EXTREMELY unlikely even my associates aren’t available, then I’d find another photographer, from within my network, who I’m confident will do the same.
Location Limitations & Leave No Trace
I’ll do my best to protect and respect everywhere I go, if there are rules or regulations, I will follow them. Don’t expect me to tread on land that is off-limits. I will do what I can and go above and beyond to give you the best pictures within the rules and laws.
Travel & Additional Costs
To give you the best package at a fantastic rate I try to keep things simple, but not all weddings are the same, so I will adapt the wedding cost to you and your needs. I won’t charge you extra if the wedding is within 60 miles. But please don’t expect me to waver travel expenses if you would like me to travel to the other side of the country or the world for your wedding.
I Think That's Everything!
I hope that explains everything and all your questions are answered. I know it’s a lot of information, but it’s important to me to be transparent wherever possible and let you know I have us all covered. If however, you have any questions, please don’t hesitate and get in touch!