What to include in your photography proposal template
- Shoot duration in hours and locations covered
- Number of final edited photos delivered
- Raw/unedited file access (or explicit non-inclusion)
- Turnaround time for editing
- Usage rights (commercial, personal, exclusivity, time-limited)
- Travel fees and reimbursable expenses
- Cancellation and weather contingency clauses
- Print release vs commercial usage license
How to price it
Photography pricing varies wildly: portrait shoots $300-$1,500, weddings $2,500-$10,000+, commercial shoots $1,500-$15,000+/day. Charge for time + deliverables + usage. Day rate alone undervalues your craft.
Common mistakes to avoid
- No explicit usage rights — clients assume unlimited
- Including raw files by default (kills future re-licensing)
- Underestimating editing time (allow 1 hour edit per 15 min shoot)
- No cancellation policy — losing dates is real money
- Vague 'wedding coverage' instead of specific hours and events
Sample template content
Here's an example of what a complete proposal looks like for this niche. Use it as a starting point — you'll fill in your own details when you create one.
Frequently asked questions
▸ Should I include raw files?
Almost never — raw files include misframed shots, blinks, test exposures. Releasing them dilutes your brand. Charge significantly extra ($500-$2000) if a client insists.
▸ How many photos should I deliver?
Industry standard for weddings: 50-75 edited photos per hour of coverage. For portraits: 20-40 per hour. More than that and quality drops.
▸ Should I use contracts even for small shoots?
Yes — every paid shoot. A simple contract prevents 90% of disputes. Templates from PPA or ASMP work great.
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