Protect Your Assets
[by Judy Herrmann]
In a recent thread on ASMPproAdvice, a photographer asked about the necessity of obtaining releases when photographing his client’s employees. Several members of the listserv pointed out that releases don’t just protect the photographer, they also protect the client – especially if an employee who’s been photographed leaves under bad terms.
The thread made me remember how intimidated I was by paperwork when I first entered the field. I felt uncomfortable asking people to sign assignment confirmations, advance expenses, sign releases and change orders or even pay our bills on time.
Once I realized that using good paperwork protected my clients’ interests as well as my own, it became easier to talk to them about it. As my business grew, I discovered that for many clients, good paperwork is a must – it shows you’re a professional who knows what you’re doing and understands the rules of the game.
Make sure your paperwork keeps up with the times – if you’re thinking of adopting new technologies or diversifying the services you offer, answer these questions before you take the plunge:
- Does this new approach or technology affect my potential liability with my clients, models, locations, vendors or suppliers?
- How do I need to change my terms & conditions or other forms (model releases assignment confirmations, change orders, delivery memos, etc.) to minimize my risks?
- What do I need to communicate verbally as well as in writing to protect myself from any miscommunications?
If your paperwork could use a tune-up, visit the ASMP Forms Tutorial and Terms & Conditions Module for recommended language you can modify for your needs. ASMP’s dpBestflow project includes a digital file delivery checklist and sample digital file “read me” memo that all photographers should check out.