📄 Free Contract Template

Free Mini Session Contract Template

Professional, copy-ready contract templates with model release, cancellation policies, weather clauses, and usage rights. Clients accept the contract digitally at booking with MiniShoots—streamlining your workflow and protecting your business.

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Legal Notice: This template is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Photography laws and contract requirements vary by jurisdiction. We recommend consulting with a licensed attorney to review and customize this template for your specific business needs.

Professional Contract Templates for Mini Sessions

Mini sessions are time-boxed and back-to-back, which means clear policies are essential. These templates cover booking, payment, reschedules, weather contingencies, deliverables, usage rights, and model releases—everything you need to protect your time and your business.

When using MiniShoots, clients accept the contract and pay in one seamless step, reducing no-shows and eliminating disputes before they happen.

Contract Templates

Choose the template that fits your needs—comprehensive or streamlined

📋 Full Mini Session Contract Template

MINI SESSION PHOTOGRAPHY AGREEMENT & MODEL RELEASE Last updated: [Date] PARTIES. This Mini Session Agreement ("Agreement") is between [Photographer Legal Name], a [Business Structure] ("Photographer"), and [Client Full Name] ("Client"). EVENT. Mini photo session on [Date] at [Location/Address], scheduled start time [Start Time]. Session length: [X] minutes. Please arrive 5–10 minutes early. FEES & PAYMENT. The session fee is [Price] USD per booking. Client authorizes payment in full at booking. Your spot is not reserved until payment is received. Session fees are for time, talent, and the deliverables below; they are not purchase of raw files. CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULE. • Client may reschedule once without fee if requested at least [Reschedule Window, e.g., 72 hours] before the session, subject to availability. • Requests within [Late Window, e.g., 72 hours] are treated as cancellations; fees are non‑refundable. You may transfer your slot to another party and notify Photographer in writing. • No‑shows and arrivals 10+ minutes late forfeit the session and fee. WEATHER PLAN. For outdoor minis, Photographer may postpone due to unsafe or unsuitable weather (heavy rain, lightning, high winds). Photographer will announce any postponement by [Notification Method/Timeframe]. Backup date: [Date/Range]. If Client cannot attend the backup date, a credit valid for [X months] will be issued; refunds are not provided unless required by law. LATE ARRIVAL. Sessions run back‑to‑back. If you are late, your session may be shortened accordingly to keep the day on schedule. Please plan parking and walking time. DELIVERABLES. Photographer will deliver [#] edited high‑resolution images via online gallery within [Turnaround, e.g., 2–3 weeks] from the session date. Client may purchase additional images per the pricing shown in the gallery. EDITING & STYLE. Basic color correction and light retouching are included at Photographer's discretion to match Photographer's portfolio style. Extensive retouching (object removal, body reshaping, composites) is not included and, if offered, is billed at [Rate]/hour. PROOFS & SELECTIONS. If proofs are provided, Client will select images within [Selection Window] days of delivery. Failure to select may delay final delivery. GALLERIES & ARCHIVING. Online galleries remain active for [Gallery Window, e.g., 60 days]. Files may be archived after that date and retrieval is not guaranteed. COPYRIGHT & LICENSE. Photographer owns all copyrights in the images. Upon full payment, Photographer grants Client a non‑exclusive, non‑transferable, perpetual license to download, store, and print the delivered images for personal use. Commercial use (including advertising, product listings, or business websites) requires a separate license. Client shall not edit images with filters, sell files, or submit to contests without written consent. MODEL RELEASE (ADULTS). Client grants Photographer and lawful assigns the irrevocable right to use images from the session for portfolio, website, social media, studio samples, and marketing, without additional approval or compensation. To opt out, initial here: [ ] (No model release granted). MINOR RELEASE (IF APPLICABLE). Client represents they are the parent or legal guardian of [Minor(s) Name(s)] and grants the same permissions stated above on the minor's behalf. To opt out for minors, initial here: [ ]. CLIENT CONDUCT & SAFETY. Client is responsible for supervising children and pets. Photographer may end a session if safety is at risk. Props/permits: Client is responsible for any required location permits unless otherwise agreed in writing. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. While reasonable care is taken, in the unlikely event of equipment failure, illness, or other inability to perform, Photographer's liability is limited to rescheduling or refund of fees paid. In no event shall Photographer be liable for incidental or consequential damages. FORCE MAJEURE. Neither party is liable for events beyond reasonable control (e.g., natural disasters, government orders, strikes, or illness) that make performance impossible; performance will be suspended and rescheduled as feasible. INDEMNIFICATION. Client agrees to indemnify and hold Photographer harmless from claims arising from Client's breach of this Agreement or misuse of the images. GOVERNING LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION. This Agreement is governed by the laws of [State/Province/Country]. Venue: [County/State]. Parties will attempt good‑faith mediation before litigation. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS. This is the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes prior discussions. Changes must be in writing and signed/e‑signed. E‑SIGNATURE & ACCEPTANCE AT BOOKING. Client agrees that checking the acceptance box and submitting payment at booking constitutes a binding e‑signature and acceptance of this Agreement, the policies above, and any linked studio policies. CONTACT. Photographer: [Email] [Phone] [Business Address] Client Legal Name: ________________________ Date: ____________ Signature (if not e‑signed): __________________ Role: Client

⚡ Short-Form Contract Template

MINI SESSION TERMS (SHORT FORM) • Fee & Booking: [Price] due at booking to reserve your time. Non‑refundable; transferable to another person with written notice. • Time & Place: [Date], [Location], [Start Time], [X] minutes. Arrive early; late arrivals shorten your session. • Weather: Photographer may postpone for unsafe weather; backup date [Date/Range]. If you can't attend, you'll receive a credit valid for [X months]. • Deliverables: [#] edited images via online gallery within [Turnaround]. Additional images available for purchase. • License: Personal use only; no resale or commercial use without written permission. No third‑party edits. • Model Release: You grant permission to use images for portfolio/social unless you initial here to opt out: [ ] (and notify Photographer). • Liability: If Photographer cannot perform due to illness/equipment failure, liability is limited to rescheduling or refund. • Acceptance: By booking and paying, you accept these terms.

Essential Policies for Mini Sessions

Protect your time and revenue with clear, fair policies

Policy Recommendation Why It Matters
Payment Require full payment at booking Reduces no-shows and admin work; aligns with back-to-back scheduling
Reschedule Window Allow 1 reschedule if ≥72h notice Balances client flexibility with photographer time protection
Weather Policy Define "unsafe/unsuitable"; publish backup date Prevents last-minute confusion and refund disputes
Late Arrival Late arrivals shorten session; no extensions Keeps the day on schedule for all clients
Deliverables Offer 3-5 edited images + paid add-ons Predictable editing time and clear upsell path
Usage Rights Personal use license; commercial requires separate license Protects your brand and future revenue opportunities

Additional Clauses Library

Copy and paste optional clauses to customize your contract

💵 Non-Refundable Retainer
Upon booking, Client pays a non-refundable retainer of [Retainer Amount] USD, applied to the session fee. The balance is due [Due Date/At Booking]. Retainers are not refundable under any circumstance except Photographer's inability to perform.
🏢 Commercial License Add-On
For business use (websites, ads, listings), Client may purchase a non-exclusive commercial license for [Amount] USD per image. License terms will be provided separately and are in addition to this Agreement.
📁 Gallery Expiration & Archive Fee
Galleries remain active for [X] days. Reposting or rehosting an expired gallery, if available, incurs an archive fee of [Amount] USD.
🔄 Reschedule Fee Inside Window
Reschedule requests within [Window, e.g., 72 hours] are subject to a reschedule fee of [Amount] USD and are contingent on availability.
👶 Minor Model Release – Expanded
Client, as parent/legal guardian of [Minor Name(s)], grants Photographer the rights described in the Model Release for use in portfolio, website, social media, and marketing, without time limit. Client warrants authority to grant this release.
🌦️ Strict Weather Opt-Out
If the session proceeds despite non-ideal conditions at Client's request, images will reflect the chosen conditions and reshoots are not provided without a new booking.
🎨 Editing Boundaries
Photographer's artistic style is final. Extensive manipulation (e.g., body reshaping, object removal) is not included. If offered, such services are billed at [Rate]/hour.
📍 Property/Permit Responsibility
Client is responsible for obtaining/confirming location permits and permissions unless otherwise agreed in writing. Fees for permits or third-party spaces are Client's responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about mini session contracts

Do I really need a contract for mini sessions?
Yes. Minis are time-boxed and back-to-back. A contract clarifies payment, reschedules, weather, deliverables, and rights so your day stays on track and you're protected from disputes.
Is the model release required?
It's optional but recommended if you plan to show images in your portfolio or marketing. Always offer an opt-out checkbox for clients who don't consent.
Can I accept this contract at booking?
Yes! Paste the template into your MiniShoots event terms. Clients must accept the contract and pay in one step, reducing no-shows and disputes. This creates a legally binding e-signature.
What about minors and model releases?
Include the minor release language and ensure the booking adult is the parent or legal guardian authorized to consent. The parent/guardian signs on behalf of the minor.
Does this replace legal advice?
No. This template is educational and a starting point. Photography laws, contract requirements, and liability limitations vary by jurisdiction. We strongly recommend having a licensed attorney review and customize this template for your specific business and location.
How do I customize these templates?
Replace all bracketed fields (e.g., [Price], [Location], [Date]) with your specific details. Add or remove clauses from the clause library as needed. Consider having an attorney review the final version.

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