Match the contract to the proposal.
Names, date, locations, coverage hours, photographers, events, travel, products, fees, taxes, and payment schedule should agree across every document. Ask for corrections before signing rather than relying on an email exception.
Understand cancellation, postponement, and force majeure.
These clauses should explain retainers, rescheduling, date availability, replacement services, and what happens when performance is impossible. The useful question is not whether the language sounds strict, but what each scenario would mean in practice.
Separate copyright from personal use and privacy.
The photographer usually retains copyright while granting the couple personal printing and sharing rights. A model release is a separate question about public use. Discuss privacy, embargoes, or an NDA before signing if it matters.
Find the delivery and archive limits.
Confirm editing scope, approximate image expectations if offered, gallery timing, album deadlines, download period, file format, and how long the studio promises to archive the work. Couples should still keep their own copies after delivery.
