6. Degree of Photo Editing

Most photos need some degree of editing to make them look professional and attractive. However, determine what level of editing you will provide. In real estate photography, for example, you cannot remove existing structures, change colors, or change the position of permanent fixtures. In portrait photography, you cannot change the person’s eye color, fill in a broken tooth, or alter her complexion. In product shots, you cannot add details that are not in the actual item.

Clients should understand that you take the images as-is and enhance them, not change them.

You should also indicate what state the prospect receives the photos in; will they be edited or unedited form? Will your prospect get all the images (including unedited proofs) or only the edited ones?

Another important thing that you need to agree on is the number of allowed revisions you will allow. You may be tempted to offer unlimited revisions to ensure client satisfaction. However, with a signed contract, you are required to do this by law; so consider putting a limit on the number of revisions in the contract. You can always go above and beyond in order to ensure client satisfaction, but it will be good to have a limit in place should your client become too demanding.

7. Cost

Indicate the cost of the package. If possible, itemize the services so your client can see how you came up with the total cost.

8. Add-ons

Another good idea is to include optional services that you think may benefit or interest the client. For example:

* In real estate photography, add options for virtual tours, virtual staging, floor plans, and more.
* In special event photography, add options for weddings books, videos, hard copies of photos, and more.
* In portrait photography, add options for print versions, framed copies, and more.

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9. Turnaround time

Provide an estimate as to how long until the photos are edited, processed, and delivered. Give ample time for yourself so you won’t make any false promises. Keeping to your word when it comes to prompt service deliveries makes it more likely for clients to come back to you for future projects, and they may refer you to others.

Know that turnaround times differ greatly from one photography industry to another. For instance, real estate images are expected to be delivered within a couple of days after a shoot. Compare that to wedding photographs, which are not expected to be given to the client until 2 or 3 months after the event.

10. Cancellation and reschedule policy

List acceptable reasons for cancellations and reschedules such as inclement weather, family emergencies, and more. You should also include fees that clients will be responsible for in the case of a voluntary cancellation or rescheduling.

11. Signature

Don’t forget to add a signature section! The signature of the client signifies that he agrees to the stipulated conditions, and the project can begin at earnest. In case of confusion and conflicts, you can always look at the signed proposal to review what you and your client agreed on.

Lastly, make two or three copies of the proposal for you and the client to sign. Give one to the client, and keep two for yourself. It is also a good idea to take photos or scan the signed contract so you can store them digitally and use them as a reference at a later date. Keeping digital records is important and can save you a lot of time and effort.

Sealing the deal in black-and-white is strongly recommended in the photography industry, no matter what you are shooting. A detailed proposal is truly a lifesaver and makes things easier for you and your clients.