Master Services Agreement for Photography Studios: What to Include (Customizable Template)

Consulting Agreement
Startups
Small Business
5 min read
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Introduction

As a photography studio, having a clear Master Services Agreement (MSA) is essential to streamline your multi-phase projects. It sets expectations and clarifies approvals and handoffs. If you're ready to take control and simplify your contracts, customize your Master Services Agreement now.

Legal Terms: What Matters Most for Photography Studios

IP Ownership

  • Ownership upon Payment: Make sure the IP ownership only transfers to your client upon full payment. This protects you in case of any disputes.
  • AI Restrictions: Clearly state that the client cannot use your work in AI models without permission, ensuring your creations remain uniquely yours.
  • Attribution Rights: Recommend retaining rights to source files and allow for portfolio use. Discuss when and how you will be credited.

Revision Limits

  • Round Caps: Set a limit on the number of revisions included in your agreement. This keeps projects on track and prevents endless tweaking.
  • Acceptance Criteria: Define what “acceptance” means to avoid confusion. Is it a simple yes or does it require specific benchmarks?
  • Payment Milestones: Create a simple schedule for payment linked to project milestones, ensuring you are compensated as progress is made.

Scope Creep and Change Orders

  • Clear Triggers: Identify what constitutes a change order. Is it a request for additional photos, or a different style?
  • Pricing Guidance: Offer a pricing structure for additional requests, so clients know upfront what changes will cost.
  • Schedule Impact: Include language regarding how changes may impact timelines, keeping everyone aware of possible delays.

Other Helpful Clauses for Photography Studios

  • Portfolio Rights: Include a clause that allows you to showcase the work produced for the client in your portfolio, enhancing your marketing.
  • Limitation of Liability: Protect yourself by stating that your liability is limited to the value of the services provided.

How Counsel Club Helps

Counsel Club re-imagines legal for startups, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs. Our platform allows you to search for lawyer-drafted forms for startups, freelancers, content creators, and other creative entrepreneurs. Our platform guides you through modifications, both to the contract and the scope of work. Counsel Club has the most sophisticated drafting tool on the market, and it was designed and developed by lawyers. If you want more help, reach out to a Counsel Club lawyer through our Concierge program. Our legal agent, Amicus, was trained on proprietary legal data to be your best legal assistant. Finally, legal for today, that is fast, protective, and cost-effective.

Questions to Ask Amicus

  • What rights do I retain over my work if the client uses it in a way that I don’t agree with?
  • How many revisions are typically reasonable for a photography project?
  • What should I do if the scope of work changes during the project?

Closing CTA

Now that you know what to include in your Master Services Agreement, it's time to create one that fits your needs and pair it with Statements of Work (SOWs). Take the next step and customize your Master Services Agreement now.

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