Every Key Disclaimer for Photography in 15 Niches | Protect Your Photography Business (Part 2)

Wondering what disclaimers you need to protect your photography business? I’m sharing each key disclaimer for photography for your specific photography niche.

As you know, your photography niche comes with completely different issues than other niches, and if you’re anything like me, you want to make sure you have every disclaimer for photography you need to protect your business in your specific niche. As a lawyer myself who drafts contracts for all kinds of photographers in different niches, I’m sharing each essential disclaimer for photography you need for your specific niche.

You will learn all about every key disclaimer for photography for every niche, setting out an overview of every short disclaimer for photography for each niche to ensure your photography contract includes every sample disclaimer for photography on the list to protect your business.

After learning all about each essential disclaimer for photography you must use for your niche, your business will be fully protected so that you can focus on capturing the magic!

This post is all about each key disclaimer every professional photographer must use in their specific niches to protect their business.

Every Key Disclaimer for Photography

The complete list of every single photography disclaimer for events, weddings, family, pets, products, real estate, etc.

I’m sharing a complete overview of every disclaimer for photography for the following photography niches:

1. Wedding photography

2. Event Photography

3. Family Photography

4. Newborn photography

5. Pet photography

6. Corporate photography

7. Commercial photography

8. Product photography

9. Portrait photography

10. Studio photography

11. Model photography

12. Fashion photography

13. Real estate photography

14. Food photography

15. Social media photography

This blog post dives into Part 2 of this overview, being the following 7 niches:

1. Portrait photography

2. Studio photography

3. Model photography

4. Fashion photography

5. Real estate photography

6. Food photography

7. Social media photography

For an overview of the disclaimers for the first 8 photography niches, read Part 1 here: 32 Photography Disclaimer Essentials for 15 Photography Niches to Protect Photographers (Part 1).

Overview of each short disclaimer for photography in 7 out of 15 niches

Every disclaimer for photography in the...  portrait photography niche!

1. Retouching disclaimer: When you’re a photographer taking photos of solely your client, the client will likely be extra critical of their imperfections as they see them up close. Certain clients might want to have more edits done than are included in your basic services or basically ask for a completely new face. That is why you need to include a specific photography disclaimer stating that (1) you will provide basic retouching to improve the appearance of the client, such as removing noticeable blemishes or smoothing skin, at your sole discretion, (2) you are in no way obligated to follow the instructions of the client regarding any edits or modifications and reserve the right to reject any requests for (additional) edits or modifications, and (3) if you do agree to make any additional modifications, additional fees will be charged.

2. Client comfort: Certain clients will not be as experienced at photoshoots or have certain limitations. It’s not your job to find their comfort levels; they must communicate that to you. Therefore, your contract should include a photography disclaimer stating that (1) you are not responsible or liable for any discomfort experienced by the client during the photoshoot and (2) the client must communicate their comfort level and any physical limitations to you.

3. Wardrobe and makeup disclaimer: Another photo disclaimer you need is a wardrobe disclaimer stating that the client is responsible for selecting and bringing their makeup, hair and wardrobe and (2) you are not responsible for any dissatisfaction they may experience with their wardrobe, hair and makeup choices or issues related to fit or appearance.

These are the disclaimers specific to the portrait photography niche. For a complete list of all the photography disclaimers all photographers need (in any niche), read this blog on the 9 Key Photography Disclaimers Every Professional Photographer Must Use to Protect Their Money and Boundaries.

If you’re a portrait photographer and you have your own studio, make sure you also include the next photography disclaimers!

Every disclaimer for photography in the...  studio photography niche!

1. Booking time limit: If you’re a successful studio photographer (or when you’ve become one), you’ll have shoots planned back-to-back. That means that every client must be punctual, or else their time may be limited, or they’ll have to pay more for extra time. To emphasise this, I recommend including a disclaimer for photography in your contract (and on your website) stating that (1) it’s the client’s responsibility to adhere to the scheduled session time, (2) if the client’s session exceeds the booked time, additional charges may apply, and (3) you are not obligated to extend the session beyond the originally booked time.

2. Studio safety: Some clients can be a bit clumsy... You don’t want to end up losing money because a client bumps into one of your lighting diffusers and breaks it. That’s why you should not only include a limitation of liability for yourself if the client gets hurt but also a disclaimer for photography stating that (1) the client must follow all safety guidelines provided by you while in the studio and (2) the client is responsible and liable for any damages to your property caused by the client. 

3. Equipment handling: Sometimes, a client will have their own idea about how the studio should be organised and want to move things around. Thus, you should also include a disclaimer for photography stating that (1) the client is not permitted to handle or move studio equipment unless expressly directed by you to do so and (2) the client will be liable for any damages caused by unauthorised handling.

These are the disclaimers specific to studio photography. For a complete list of all the photography disclaimers every photographer needs (in any niche), read this blog on the 9 Key Photography Disclaimers Every Professional Photographer Must Use to Protect Their Money and Boundaries.

Every disclaimer for photography in the...  model and fashion photography niche!

1. Model release: Of course, you want the photos you make for your portfolio and social media to showcase your work. But, to legally use those photos, you don’t only need permission from your client (which must be explicitly included in your contract) but also the subject of the photo: the model. That is why you must include a disclaimer for photography in your contract stating that (1) the model must sign a release form, and (2) the client agrees to that and shall procure that the model will cooperate and sign the release form.

2. Wardrobe and styling: You’re the photographer, not a stylist, hairdresser or makeup artist, and you need to make clear to your clients that they can’t hold you responsible if the model doesn’t look the way she’s supposed to. That is why you need to include a disclaimer for photography stating that (1) you are not responsible for providing wardrobe or styling services, (2) the client is responsible for ensuring the model is prepared for the shoot at the agreed time, which includes wearing the agreed-upon clothing.

3. Professional conduct: Some models can be a bit difficult to work with, which can make your job really hard. That is why you need a disclaimer for photography stating that (1) you require professional conduct from all participants during the shoot and (2) you reserve the right to end the shoot prematurely if any inappropriate behaviour occurs, with no obligation to provide a refund or reschedule.

These are the disclaimers specific to model photography. For a complete list of all the photography disclaimers you need (regardless of your niche), read this blog on the 9 Key Photography Disclaimers Every Professional Photographer Must Use to Protect Their Money and Boundaries.

Every disclaimer for photography in the...  real estate photography niche!

1. Property condition: The first and most important disclaimer for photography for your niche is that (1) the client must ensure that the property is clean, well-staged, and ready for photography, and (2) you are not responsible for cleaning, rearranging, or adjusting any area or object for any reason, and (3) you are not liable for the condition of the property or for any shortcomings that may affect the appearance of the property or the quality of the photos.

2. Property access: You can’t shoot a property if you don’t have the keys... But what if the property owner or real estate agent is supposed to meet you there with the keys, and they don’t show up or are an hour late? That is why you need to include a disclaimer for photography in your contract stating that (1) it is the client’s responsibility to ensure you have access to the property at the agreed time and (2) if you do not receive access to the property at the agreed time, the client will forfeit their right to a refund, and you have no obligation to reschedule.

3. Drone restrictions: Perhaps you also use a drone as part of your photography services. Drone photography is subject to local regulations, weather conditions, HOA rules, and permissions from property owners. Thus, if you also use a drone, then your contract should include a disclaimer for photography stating that (1) you cannot guarantee drone shots if any rules, regulations, or other legal requirements prohibit you from using a drone, (2) you are not liable for any penalties, fines, or other damages that you may incur due to breach of any applicable rules, regulations or other legal requirements, and (3) you cannot guarantee drone shots if the (forecasted) weather conditions prevent or are likely to prevent safe operation to be determined at your sole discretion.

These are the photography disclaimers specific to real estate photography. For a complete overview of all the photography disclaimers every type of photographer needs, read this blog on the 9 Key Photography Disclaimers Every Professional Photographer Must Use to Protect Their Money and Boundaries.

Every disclaimer for photography in the...  food photography niche!

1. Food quality and appearance: Of course, you can make certain edits to your photos to make things look better, but if the food looks like crap, there’s only so much you can do. That is why you need to use a disclaimer for photography stating that (1) the client is responsible for providing the food to be photographed, (2) you are not responsible for food styling, (3) any imperfections in food presentation may impact the final photos, and (4) you are not liable for the appearance or quality of the food provided.

2. Perishable items: Perishable items are risky, but those risks should not be your issues. That’s why you need a disclaimer for photography stating that (1) the client is responsible for providing fresh ingredients and ensuring that perishable items are suitable for photography, and (2) you are not responsible or liable for changes in food appearance due to spoilage or time-sensitive factors.

These are the photography disclaimers specific to food photography. For a full overview of all the photography disclaimers any kind of photographer needs, read this blog on the 9 Key Photography Disclaimers Every Professional Photographer Must Use to Protect Their Money and Boundaries.

Every disclaimer for photography in the...  social media photography niche!

1. Platform restrictions: Certain social media platforms may reject certain photos you make for the client because those photos do not comply with the rules of that platform. That’s why you need to make clear with a disclaimer for photography that (1) you are not responsible nor liable for any limitations or rejections imposed by social media platforms, and (2) it is the client’s responsibility to understand the rules and guidelines of the platforms the client posts the photos on.

2. Photo format: Every social media platform has its own dimensions for photos, and those platforms can change those dimensions at any time. Or the client may want to use the photos on other platforms. To avoid any issues, include a photo disclaimer for social media stating that (1) you shall only provide the photos in the format and with the dimensions provided in the contract, (2) you are not responsible for matching or resizing the photos for the format of any platform, and (3) any resizing or other changes to the format of the photos will be charged to the client.

3. Content schedule: In my photography contract template, there’s already a general statement that the photographer is not liable in any way if deadlines are not met, and the client will not be entitled to any form of compensation if a deadline is missed. However, when it comes to social media, certain clients will have their own posting schedules and may try to pressure you to deliver the photos within their schedules. That’s why I recommend including a specific disclaimer for photography, emphasising that while you strive to deliver the photos within the timeframes provided in the contract, specific deadlines or posting schedules are not guaranteed.

These are the photography disclaimers specific to social media photographers. For an overview of all the key photography disclaimers any kind of photographer needs, read this blog on the 9 Key Photography Disclaimers Every Professional Photographer Must Use to Protect Their Money and Boundaries.

Every disclaimer for photography in the... the other 8 photography niches

Now, you’ve learned all about every key disclaimer for photography in 7 out of 15 photography niches.

Are you working in one of the other 8 types of photography niches? Then read Part 1 of this blog post: 32 Photography Disclaimer Essentials for 15 Photography Niches to Protect Photographers (Part 1).

The ultimate photography contract template with every sample disclaimer for photography that you need for your niche

Looking for a photography contract template that includes every short photo disclaimer statement for your specific niche?

Then check out my photography contract template! It includes every sample disclaimer for photography discussed in this blog post, including a photography disclaimer for social media use!

Find out more about my photography contract template on this page of my contract shop!

This post was all about every niche-specific disclaimer for photography you need to protect your specific photography business.

Learn about every key general disclaimer for photography photographers in any niche must use in this blog post on the 9 Key Photography Disclaimers Every Professional Photographer Must Use to Protect Their Money and Boundaries.

Want to learn about all the opportunities for photographers to earn more (outside of shoots)? Read this blog post on the 23 Best Ways to Make Money as a Photographer in Any Niche to Maximise Income.

Want to generate higher earnings as a photographer? Read this blog post on the 7 Key Money Terms Every Photography Agreement Must Have to Generate a High Income.

Looking for a photography contract template with every disclaimer for photography in your niche? Get the ultimate contract template customisable to your photography niche on this page of my contract shop!