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Photography invoice template

A photography invoice sells two things: your time and the right to use the pictures. Billing them separately, and naming the licence the client gets, prevents most later arguments about extra use.

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Photography invoice · example

FromJuniper Lane Photography
ToCopper Kettle Coffee Roasters
CurrencyUSD
DescriptionQtyPriceAmount
Half-day commercial shoot at the roastery, 9 October (4 hours)1$850.00$850.00
Retouching and colour grading, per selected image40$12.00$480.00
Usage licence: website, social media and printed menus, 2 years1$400.00$400.00
Total$1,730.00

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How to use the photography invoice

  1. Add the client, the shoot date and the location.
  2. Bill the session, editing and any products as separate lines.
  3. State the usage licence and when files are delivered.
  4. Save it; sign in to issue it and collect the balance with a payment link.

Lines a photography invoice usually needs

LineExample
Session or day feeHalf-day commercial shoot, 4 hours
Post-productionRetouching, 40 selected images
Usage licenceWeb and social use, 2 years, North America
ProductsPrinted album, framed prints
ExpensesTravel, studio hire, props, assistant

Payment terms photographers use

  • Booking retainer due on signing, to hold the date
  • Balance due 14 days before a wedding or event, or on delivery for commercial work
  • Final files released when the invoice is paid in full
  • Licence starting on payment rather than on delivery
  • Cancellation terms that say what happens to the retainer

Questions

How much retainer do photographers take?

Wedding and event photographers commonly take 25 to 50% when the date is booked, often non-refundable because the date is held. The balance is usually due before or on the day.

What is a usage licence?

Permission to use the photographs for agreed purposes, such as a company website for two years. Copyright normally stays with the photographer unless the contract transfers it.

Do I charge sales tax on photography?

Many US states tax photography, especially prints and other physical products, and some tax digital files too. Check your state before invoicing.

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