Wedding Photographer Contract And Client Packet

Over the years I’ve had people ask me about what kind of contract I use for my photography clients. Since the majority of my clients have been brides and grooms, I created a wedding photographer contract. Not every word of my contract is original, I must admit; I borrowed bits and pieces from contracts that I liked which I felt applied to my work and clients. After many years of massaging the contract, I feel like my contract is really thorough (it’s about 3 pages printed) and it seems to strike a balance between stating the obvious and a little legal jargon. I should say that the former – laying out what is expected of you and what the client expects – is one of the most important aspects of the contract. In my experience, when both parties know what is expected of each other, the chance of everyone being happy is extremely high.

When I meet with a bride and groom, I provide them with a packet of printed material to take home. The packet includes these 5 things:

• Contract
• Schedule
• Questionaire (which I keep)
• Package Pricing List
• Frequently Asked Questions

These are all documents I spent a great amount of time developing so that my clients would be clear on what I would be providing and at what price. I also felt like providing these documents in a succinct manner would convey professionalism – something that every industry could always use a little more of. Each document is formatted to appear balanced and easily readable, and includes watermarks, contact information and the Austin Americana logo.

When meeting with brides who want a separate bridal portrait session I also provide a list of possible outdoor portrait locations around Austin. As you might guess the list gets longer every year with so many wonderful photo venues in Central Texas.

Therefore, in the spirit of sharing, I’m publishing a copy of the contract, frequently asked questions and schedule example that I’ve been using for years. I’m sharing it for strictly academic purposes and I’m certainly not providing any legal advice. But if you’re new to the business of photography, feel free to print a copy of it if you think it can help you.

Links to documents:

http://austinamericanastudio.com/contract

http://austinamericanastudio.com/schedule-example

http://austinamericanastudio.com/FAQ

Baby Cake Smash

Austin Americana recently shot this “Cake Smash” with our favorite baby model, Sophia! It was lots of fun photographing her as she discovered that getting messy on her 1st birthday was ok…

Bridal Session at The Oasis on Lake Travis

Austin Americana’s latest photo session was at the Oasis on Lake Travis. The Oasis has gotten a reputation for being one of the best spots in the Austin area to see a sunset over the lake, and it never fails to deliver a fantastic view. The Oasis sits high above Lake Travis, in the rocky outcrops – creating an ideal place for enjoying a cool drink and watching the sun go down. And it’s also a great place to be photographed or to get married…

Arbor Pointe Wedding

Austin Americana Photography’s latest event was a wedding at Arbor Pointe in Round Rock, Texas. Arbor Pointe is a relatively new event facility located near IH-35 and Hwy 79. Despite it’s location, it is a cozy little venue that makes you feel like you’re in the countryside!

Baby Christmas Photos!

The great thing about the fall is that there seems to be a major holiday for every month, and for children, a reason to dress up in costume. In October there’s Halloween; in November there’s Thanksgiving; and in December there’s Christmas. Check out Baby Sophia’s super cute holiday outfits. Happy holidays!

 

Georgetown, Texas Wedding

Austin Americana Studio photographed our latest wedding in Georgetown, Texas at the First United Methodist Church. Our friends Trinity and Ryan tied the knot at the beautiful and historic Methodist Church in Downtown Georgetown. The day turned out to be beautiful and the temperature was just right! Check out the photos!

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar Starts Tomorrow!

Don’t forget that the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar starts tomorrow! Fun, shopping, music, drinks and art – what a fantastic combination. Come out and support local artists and musicians here in the wonderful City of Austin.

General Links and Information:

• Website: http://www.armadillobazaar.com/

• Music Schedule and special events: http://www.armadillobazaar.com/calendar/

QUICK SUMMARY: An Austin original, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is the city’s hub for holiday shopping, live music and fun. The 2011 show will run from December 14th through Christmas Eve from 11am to 11pm daily at the Palmer Events Center. This year the Armadillo will feature more new artists and more new bands who represent a new generation of talent, as well as longtime favorites.

WHEN: December 14th – 24th, 11am to 11pm daily. Food and drink from open to close.

WHERE: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704, virtually across the street from the site of the show’s birthplace, the Armadillo World Headquarters. Parking is available in the Palmer Events Center/Long Center garage.

Family Photos At Old Settler’s Park

Here’s photos from Austin Americana’s latest photo session which occurred at Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock, which features lots of great old barns and tractors to work with…

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar 2011: Where Music, Art & Shopping Meet!

Guess What? It’s time for the holidays and one of my favorite holiday events of the year: The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar! In it’s 36th year, the Armadillo has become an Austin tradition for young and old, as well as a celebration of our local artists and musicians. Starting in 2 weeks (opening day is Wednesday, December14th, at 11am) the Armadillo will be featuring some of Austin’s most amazing art and talented musicians. And Austin Americana Photography will be on hand again this year to capture some of the fun and festivities from behind the camera lens. More links and information below…

General Links and Information:

• Website: http://www.armadillobazaar.com/

• Music Schedule and special events: http://www.armadillobazaar.com/calendar/

QUICK SUMMARY: An Austin original, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is the city’s hub for holiday shopping, live music and fun. The 2011 show will run from December 14th through Christmas Eve from 11am to 11pm daily at the Palmer Events Center. This year the Armadillo will feature more new artists and more new bands who represent a new generation of talent, as well as longtime favorites.

WHEN: December 14th – 24th, 11am to 11pm daily. Food and drink from open to close.

WHERE: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704, virtually across the street from the site of the show’s birthplace, the Armadillo World Headquarters. Parking is available in the Palmer Events Center/Long Center garage.

Image courtesy of Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Armadillo on Facebook! : “Like” or “share”:  https://www.facebook.com/armadillobazaar

• Invite Friends to the FB Event or create your own:  https://www.facebook.com/events/303299519680225/

• Twitter:  @armadillobazaar or https://twitter.com/#!/armadillobazaar
• Use hashtag #bazaaratx

Engagement Photos at Long Center Austin

Austin Americana’s latest engagement session took place around the Long Center, just south of downtown Austin. Our featured couple was Kristina and Gabriel, who proved to be fun and easy to photograph (which makes our job fun and easy!). Check out some of the great shots from their photo session, which was also photographed in Butler District Park (famous for it’s colorful fountains and hill view of downtown) and near Palmer Auditorium.

Engagement Session at the Crowe’s Nest in Manor, TX

One of Austin Americana’s latest engagement photo sessions took place at a non-profit educational farm center in Manor, Texas called The Crowe’s Nest Farm.  Although I didn’t get an opportunity to experience things first hand (since I was photographing), I can see that it is a great place to bring your children to learn about life on the farm and appreciation of animals. They have many animals, including but not limited to goats, sheep, ostrich, owls and many others. There is a huge red barn, a garden and pumpkin patch (which includes many theme gardens), tractors as far as the eye can see and around 100 acres of space. Here’s what the website says:

“Crowe’s Nest Farm Animal Life Center
is a 501(c)3 private, non-profit educational organization dedicated to fostering public appreciation, knowledge, and wise stewardship of both the agricultural and wildlife resources of Texas.

We strive to cultivate a conservation ethic in students, teachers, and the general public through hands-on interaction with the wildlife and habitats found on our 100-acre working farm.

We are licensed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

We are located in Manor, just a short country drive east of Austin, Texas (see map)

Tours for the fall season of 2011 are filling up fast and are by appointment only so please be sure to call and make a reservation so you get the date and time you prefer.”

I can’t wait to come back and visit with my family. It is a wonderful place and all for a good cause! Check out a few of the great engagement photos from my session with newly engaged Natalie and Bryan!

 

More Baby Photos

Austin Americana has gone “baby crazy” lately, photographing our favorite little burgeoning baby model, Sophia. Here are some more great photos from her last session. So cute! See more at our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/austin.texas.weddings

Political Event Photography

Here’s a sneak peek of Austin Americana’s latest event, a political event in San Antonio, Texas. The event featured a band (Mitch Webb & The Swindles, food and family fun…and cowboy (and cowgirl) boots!

LC Rocks (Your Wedding!)

Recently, Austin Americana photographed a wedding in Lakeway which featured LC Rocks. LC Rocks plays 80s rock covers in a very entertaining and rockin’ way. I must say that even I had a good time (vicariously, of course) hearing all those 80s hair songs. Here are some more photos from this wonderful night with LC Rocks…

 

Mount Bonnell Wedding

Here are some more photos from Austin Americana’s latest wedding at Mount Bonnell, which arguably has one of the best views in Austin, including a spectacular view of the Colorado River as it stretches from beyond the 360 Bridge in the direction towards downtown Austin. It’s tough to take a bad photo at such a beautiful, historic place!