I DG , Jul 23, 2005; 06:00 p.m.
I am working on building my portfolio and offered to photograph for
free. Photography is still my hobby but I would like to turn it
into profession one day and have my portfolio ready. Does anyone
have any advise what should be covered in a contract so I will be
protected? Or maybe there is ready contract out there that I could
use? Any advise is greatly appreciated.
Jerry Litynski 
, Jul 23, 2005; 06:41 p.m.
You can try a Google search for "model release" and that should give you a few examples. If you need a "contract," you probably should find a local lawyer *for the right* legal advice.
Derek C. , Jul 23, 2005; 07:32 p.m.
Protection? legal services?.. WOW~~!!!.
You guys sure know how to make it look difficult.
When I first started, I shook hands with a poor couple.
See a laywer before taking free pictures for poor people? you must be kidding.
That's what they call "belly button bigger than the belly"
Again, I have never assisted anyone, so I may be wrong.
Maybe all of you guys are getting sued yearly bases.
I gues I'm the lucky one then...
I DG , Jul 23, 2005; 08:41 p.m.
Better be save than sorry. You never know who you are dealing with. Unfortunately, in the US people are looking for a reason to sue others.
Tim Corridan - Queen Creek, Arizona , Jul 23, 2005; 09:29 p.m.
go to "NEBS" they will send you a free copy of a basic contract in triplicate. if you want to buy, you'll have to purchase a 100 of 'em. for 80 bucks. or you can save 80 bucks and use the freebie as a guide and make your own on microsoft works/word, ect...
Mark Wahlster 
, Jul 23, 2005; 10:14 p.m.
Interesting a suggestion to copy a contract that is sold as a product by a company. This contract would then be used to protect ones self from legal action. Amazing steal something so someone else doesn't steal from you!
M P , Jul 23, 2005; 10:27 p.m.
Try Tad Crawford's book, "Business and Legal Forms for Photographers". I would recommend having a lawyer in your area review your forms as well. When I do something free for someone, I fill out a usual contract with usual prices, and do a 100% discount, so they see what I would usually charge, plus all the legal stuff is all straight.
Jason T , Jul 23, 2005; 10:50 p.m.
I'm with Derek C. I can't imagine doing a wedding for free and doing a contract with it. I guess in this day and time you just have to cover your tail no matter what. I didn't do my first contract until my 3rd wedding. Even then it was with people that we have known for years.
As far as being covered with or without a contract. There are many ways to get one. You can have an attorney draw one up or go with one already in a book or something.
Tim Corridan - Queen Creek, Arizona , Jul 23, 2005; 11:09 p.m.
mark , i did not say "copy", i said "use it as a guide" and the contract is of the utmost basics, not re-inventing anything. but i apreciate the "spin". a funny thought.
