First Gig! Whoo hoo! - Do I need a contract?

[Skubagirl]

Hi All ..

I'm in the process of securing my first gig shooting headshots for a local real estate agency. Not much on the creative side but a good chance to learn about lighting .. and get paid some clams too!

Maybe I'm naive, but I was going to forgo a contract? Is it absolutely necessary? Also, I would like to use this opportunity to market myself to other agencies in and around town. Do I need the agents to sign a disclaimer or something so that I retain rights to the original images and can use them for marketing tools?

Thanks in advance for any assistance!
- Lise

Always get a contract. It will save you a lot of hassle in case anything happens, such as usage rights, or they decide to skip out on the bill.

[oldwolf]

I second that. Get a contract. It will also seem more professional if you present them with a contract. You want to retain rights to the photos you take so you can use it in your portfolio. Well, that and getting paid.

[pfje photography]

You would need personal Insurance for yourself and for the photography equipments too.
If this is a proper paid job then there is Tax and VAT to be sort out unlet you're doing on the 'hush hush' side!
It's may be different from where I am and where you are.

[tenlientl]

Hello. I don't mean to hijack this thread, but what if I was to, lets say, take photos of a company Christmas party, would I still need a contract? Lets say I wanted to sell it for whatever reason, use it for a portfolio, etc?

[lputman]

Originally Posted by tenlientl

Hello. I don't mean to hijack this thread, but what if I was to, lets say, take photos of a company Christmas party, would I still need a contract? Lets say I wanted to sell it for whatever reason, use it for a portfolio, etc?

If you are being retaind by the company to take pictures, you would want a contract.