Does anyone have a 'mates' contract? (UK)

[Scatterbrain]

I've been doing some photographs for friends & friends of friends recently & wondered if should put together some sort of contract. We have verbal agreements that I can use the photographs on my website & for promoting my business (if it gets that far), but nothing in writing to say this. Has anyone else used anything like this? I think it might be useful or them (so they know I'm not going to sell their childrens images or anything) and for me so I'm clear they are happy for me to use the photographs for marketing.

Oh and I'm pulling together a website. I think I should have a copyright statement on there too (to stop people takng the images). Is there some sort standard statement I could use for this?

Scatterbrain

[Sime]

Hi... I don't have anything in writing, I usually verbally agree prior to shoot. But, as things are becoming more serious, I will get something together - always best to be 100% clear about what you're doing.

Copyright statements are handy, find one you like one another website and use it?... (is that breaking copyright...lol) though, the statements never stop people stealing your shots if you don't find them using them

[windrider86]

This may nopt be the most professional, but this is what I use
Photography Agreement
A lock In Time, Photography by: Michelle Goodall

Event Date: __/__/____ Time Photography Starts: __:__ Time Photography Ends: __:__

Event Location: __________________________________________________ __________________
Clients Name: _____________________________________ Phone: __________________________
Email: __________________________________________________ __________________________
Address: __________________________________________________ ________________________
Method of Payment: __________________________________________________ _______________

Photographer: A Lock in Time, Photography by: Michelle Goodall: 1701 Santa Fe Trail Suite 36, Trinidad Co. 81082. (719) 859-0175.

Photography Fee agreed to: $ ___.__. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is due at the signing of this agreement, (will be applied to the agreed upon fee) the remaining balance of $___-.__ to be paid upon delivery of finished product.

Services and goods included for the fee stated above:
___Package 1: (1-8x10, 2-5x7, 4-4x6, 16 wallet) = $100
___Package 2: (1-11x14, 2-8x10, 4-5x7, 32 wallet) = $185
___Package 3: (1-13x20, 2-11x14, 4, 8-x10, 8-5x7, 32 wallet) = $245
___ 4 x6 Print =$10
___ 5 x 7 Print = $15
___ 8 x 10 Print = $25
___ 11 x 14 Print = $45
___ 13 x 20 Print = $75
Extras services include:
1) __________________________________________________ _______________________________
2) __________________________________________________ _______________________________
3) __________________________________________________ _______________________________
4) __________________________________________________ _______________________________
5) __________________________________________________ _______________________________
6) __________________________________________________ _______________________________

Entire Agreement: This agreement contains the entire understanding between A Lock in Time and the CLIENT in regards to event coverage. It supersedes all prior and simultaneous agreements between the parties. The only way to change this agreement is to do so in writing, signed by all parties.
Reservation: A signed agreement and retainer of $50.00 are required to reserve the coverage. The retainer is non-refundable.
Pre-Event Consultation: Parties are entitled to a pre-event consultation in advance of the event at no extra charge for a period of one hour. At such time a written request will be provided to the photographer of parties requests for the event. Consultations that run over the one hour mark will be charged an additional $25.00 per hour.
Cooperation: The parties agree to cheerful cooperation and communication for the best possible result within the definition of this assignment.
Shooting Time/Additions: The photography schedule and selected methodology are designed to accomplish the goals and wishes of the CLIENT in a manner enjoyed by all parties. CLIENT and A Lock in Time photography agree that cheerful cooperation and punctuality are therefore essential to that purpose. Shooting commences at the scheduled start time and date.
Copyrights: The photographs produced by A Lock in Time are protected by Federal Copyright Law (all rights reserved) and may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission. If purchased, digital images are the property of the CLIENT for personal use only.
Exhibition, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the CLIENT or in which the CLIENT may be included, for editorial, trade, advertising and any other purpose and in any manner and medium: to alter the same without restriction: and to copyright the same. The CLIENT herby releases A Lock in Time and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability to said photographs.
Model Release: CLIENT grants A Lock in Time and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the CLIENT or in which the CLIENT may be included, for editorial, trade, advertising and any other purpose and in any manner and medium: to alter the same without restriction: and to copyright the same. The CLIENT herby releases A Lock in Time and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs.
Limit of Liability: In the unlikely event the photographer is injured, becomes too ill to photograph the event, or cannot perform this agreement due to fire, casualty, nature, terror, or other cause beyond the control of the parties, A Lock in Time will make every effort to secure a replacement of location and/or time. If the situation should occur that a suitable replacement is not found, responsibility and liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the event package. A Lock in Time takes the utmost care with respect to exposure, transportation, and processed photographs. However, in the unlikely event that the photographs have been lost, stolen, or destroyed for reasons within or beyond A Lock in Time’s control, A Lock in Time liability is limited to the return of payments received for the event package. The limit of liability for a partial loss of the originals shall be a prorated amount of the images lost based on the percentage of total number if originals.
Cancellation: In the event of a cancellation the security deposit of $50.00 paid is non-refundable.
Rescheduling: If your event changes from the one stated in this agreement you may reschedule to any other available date. In the event A Lock in Time is not available the cancellation policy will be enacted. A new agreement must be signed with the new dates.
Breach: In the event of non-payment of amount die on __/__/___ this agreement will be considered cancelled and subject to the cancellation policy above. At the sole discretion of A Lock in Time the agreement may be reinstated by paying the entire balance of the photography fee agreed to.

I have read and understood the terms above. I hereby agree to the terms of this agreement.

Signed: __________________________________________ Date: _________________________
Print Name: __________________________________________________ ____
Signed: __________________________________________ Date: _________________________
Print Name: __________________________________________________ ____

A Lock in Time, Michelle Goodall
Signed: __________________________________________ Date: ___________

[JodyGall]

When I first started practicing alot, I did not get model release forms from my friends. But not very long into it, I realized the importance of them. So I started using them even though I wasn't even charging. Now that I have a business license and am legit, it doesn't matter who I take pics for, I get one signed. And I use the same one whether its a friend or not. All my friends are totally fine with it. They are totally happy for me and excited to be a part of my growth as a photographer. And of course, now I get the "are you gonna put our picture on your website? you totally should!" LOL! So I think if you make it a part of your routine for taking pictures, your friends above anyone else, should totally understand why you need to protect yourself. Ya know? I'll go copy my release form and show ya if you want. Just let me know!

[ana.gr]

Jody, would you be so kind to show me your model release?
I am usually asked to take pics of my friends' children and my kids' friends, and I had never thought of having anything signed, but I think it's a good point.
Thanks Michelle for yours, it gives me an idea on what a contract like this should look like.

[Scatterbrain]

Thanks Michelle.

Jody, yes, please can I see a copy of your model release. Thanks.

Yes, so far I've photographed for friends or friends of friends and they've all been happy for their children's pics to appear on my website. I don't name them or detail location. I do agree that I should get something in writing, though, and will need a contract soon anyway if I start photographing other children.

Scatterbrain

[JodyGall]

Now, I have to say that I have not had this looked over by an attorney yet, but I figure some coverage is better than no coverage for right now! LOL! So please know this is just my rough draft of typing out something until I can get everything checked out officially.

Here ya go, here's a copy of my Minor Model Release (I also have one for adults and one for families). And I always print this out with my letterhead on top. :
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/...a65a3301_o.jpg