Why contracts are so important

Most photographers going into this type of business don't often think they need a contract or any fancy documents. So let's talk about why it IS important; first lets understand what a contract is. Not only is a contract stating the basics like price, time, when, where, etc. It is also stating the tiny things between the lines that not many think are necessary. A contract is not only an agreement, but it also explains who does what, when, and what happens if it doesn't. Many times, new photographers do not believe they need a contract because it assumes "bad intentions," but it doesn't- what it does is prevent confusion. Clients don't know what it is like to own a business, how hard it is to manage, the tiny details that go into everything, and everything that goes unnoticed. So most of the time, clients seem to forget many of those details. Which is why contracts are so important, not only to have the comfort of preventing confusion, but to protect the photographer. Contracts set boundaries and fairness, and they give you something to fall back on in the end. From experience, not having a contract or not falling back on it when possible can cause unnecessary amounts of stress, conflict in relationships, and "he said", "she said" situations that are just hard to handle. A contract shouldn't be sent to expect the worst, but about the value and respect in a photographer.