What is a Contract?
Most hobbyists and all professional photographers need to use contracts to protect themselves and their business. A contract is a legally enforceable agreement entered into by the parties: you and a client, customer, or anyone else who wants to make an agreement with you. Each of the parties to the contract consents to do (or not do) something in exchange for something else. A contract requires a meeting of the minds or “mutual assent.” It comes about by an offer and an acceptance. Every contract must have “consideration,” which means that all parties agree to give up or to do something. If that “something” is not clear, disagreements arise. So be as specific as you can about what it is you are agreeing to do to save yourself from later problems.

Every transaction, whether it’s with a vendor or a client, should be based on a contract. While a contract may be created orally, it benefits all parties to have a written contract so that the obligations and benefits are clear to all. While the parties to the contract may subsequently disagree about what that contract means, putting it in writing should make your agreement clearer to all parties.

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