Hi ladies - I'm hunting for a photographer with just under 5 months till my wedding. I live in an area with a lot of great photogs, but VERY high priced. I found one whose photos I really like that was a great value and so far haven't found anything for anywhere close to the price. Problem is, the contract is making me really nervous (haven't signed it yet) cause it seems really one-sided. Both my fiance and I work highly time-demanding jobs and simply do not have the time to sit down with every photographer we see and get to the point in the process of seeing contracts, so I haven't seen what's "normal" out there and don't think I will ever get a big enough sample size given the time constraints. This particular photog works for an agency so one of the things that worries me is that I'm signing a contract with the agency and not this person. Also, negotiating the contract involves talking to the agency's legal department. Here are some other things that worry me, and it would be so helpful to here from anyone who has seen this language in contracts - is this standard or should I RUN!??
-payment must be made in full BEFORE wedding date (in two separate deposits)
-signing the contract gives the agency rights to display our photographs and sell them to third parties (or are they just talking about to our parents/other guests/etc. who we give access to?)
-it is the responsibility of the client to arrange for the album to get made and sent to us (the album is part of the cost of the package) otherwise the album will never happen (without an EXTRA fee)
-agency makes no guarantee of delivery date
-no guarantee of number of photos given or edited but will "make every effort"
-agency will substitute another photographer if the chosen photog is unavailable (I feel like i'm signing the contract with specifically one in mind and in discussion and they could do a bait in switch and i'd be locked in!)
-they will not give me referrals due to "privacy" (maybe i am being cynical?)
Any experience or tips on photography contract language is appreciated!!
edited to add the last point that i had forgotten