A photography proposal does more than list your prices — it sets expectations around deliverables, timeline, and usage rights before anyone picks up a camera. Here's what to include so your bid feels professional and your client knows exactly what they're paying for.
Open with the event type or session purpose (wedding, corporate headshots, product shoot), the date and location, and a brief description of what the client will receive. This grounds the proposal and confirms you understood their brief.
Specify the hours of coverage, number of photographers, and the deliverable set: edited digital images (quantity and resolution), albums, prints, or online galleries. For weddings, note key coverage windows — getting ready, ceremony, reception — so the client sees the full narrative you'll capture.
Line items for each service: primary photographer (per hour or flat), second shooter, engagement or pre-session, edited image count, album design, prints, and travel. Show the package total. Clients comparing three photographers will scan this table first — make it clear and confident.
Define who owns the images and how they can be used. Personal use vs commercial licensing, social media permissions, print release terms, and whether you retain portfolio rights. This section prevents disputes down the road and is especially important for corporate and product clients.
Step 1: Pre-event consultation and shot list review. Step 2: Day-of coverage. Step 3: Culling and selection (1-2 weeks). Step 4: Editing and retouching (3-6 weeks). Step 5: Gallery delivery and album proof. Include turnaround times so the client isn't emailing you a week after the event.
Standard: 30-50% retainer to reserve the date, balance due 7-14 days before the event. For larger packages, offer a three-payment schedule. State your cancellation and rescheduling policy clearly — especially for weddings where the date is everything.