Contract form for senior portrait

[a_b84]

<p>Is it necessary to have a contract form when shooting senior portraits (-18)? I know some photographers do and some don't. </p>

[kevin_delson]

<p>Necessary? No. Wise? Yes.</p>

<p>It certainly helps and protects the photographer. Like to be paid? Use a contract, no matter how minimal.</p>

<p>Each state is different concerning legal age; and I know you said 18, but many seniors are not yet 18, so I think under 18 is pretty useless. Get the parents signature in such cases.</p>

<p>If you intend to use these photos for promotion etc..I would have a contract AND a model release from the subjects.</p>

[pete_williams1]

<p>Just as a lesson I learned from doing home maintenance/construction work, always make them sign a contract. Otherwise, if they end up not liking the way they look, want different outfits and won't buy the pictures you took, have some crazy mood swing and decide to hate you, etc., you have a contract to collect the money. Some people are bat crazy, especially when it comes to their kids and what they think they should look like.</p>