Photo Contracts Are Useless and You Don’t Need Them! (Says Some Photographers)

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a trend, but something that I’ve noticed recently is (some) professional photographers advocating for NOT using contracts. I don’t think there are a ton of photographers doing this, but I’ve seen random comments in Facebook groups and YouTube videos suggesting that you as a professional photographer should NOT be using contracts.

I’m sorry – but of all the advice, tips & tricks related to professional photography that’s floating around on the interwebs, this has to be some of the most foolish, naive, and ludicrous advice I’ve ever heard!!!

Seriously! There are some photographers advising other photographers to run their businesses without putting things in writing. To a lesser extent, I’ve seen some photographers comment “What’s the big deal? Why do you even need to put things in writing to begin with?”

All this coming from people who call themselves ‘professionals’!

(insert facepalm emoji here)

Instead of a lengthy multi-paragraph rant, I decided to put it in video form explaining my opinion on why this is some of the dumbest advice making its rounds on the internet. Enjoy!