Legal Issues for Photographers

Author Tad Crawford

     I recently listened to a few podcasts that touched on the subject of protecting yourself as a photographer. The first was a great conversation with author of the book Business and Legal Forms for Photographers, Tad Crawford. Of the many things that Tad mentioned in this extremely informative podcast, there were a few key points that I have recently learned about myself that I want to share with others.
     Tad hits on the fact that it is imperative to protect yourself with solid, well rounded contracts when you are doing freelance work. His book provides a checklist for making sure you cover key areas when in specific situations. The checklist can also be used as a tool when evaluating those contracts given to you by others. Contracts will protect you against future misunderstandings. Tad voiced concern about so many current photographers working on a "handshake agreement." "This is just a bad idea, verbal contracts just don't work because people simply don't remember." Written contracts can also help to salvage business relationships where individual parties might have honestly forgotten about specifics otherwise agreed upon in a verbal agreement. He also talks about copyrights and the usefulness of registering them with the government. Which is required before pursuing litigation, even for something as simple as an injunctive release. For more information on his book or to listen to the podcast yourself visit Camera Dojo's website.