I recently did some freelance work and due to a misunderstanding of what would actually be delivered, I decided to draft up a short but written agreement for future clients.
Although a written discussion was had about what was to be done, it appears both parties had different ideas about what would happen.
Im largely dealing with a client I get on well with and wanted to keep things simple and the template I've got is:-
Event name:
Event dates:
Overview of services to be be provided onsite:
Specific services (if any) : (shots considered essential)
Dependencies:
Deliverables: (quantity, format , delivery timeline)
Copyright: (stay with photographer or rights to be signed over)
Post event services: (any editing that may take significant time)
Cost and payment schedule: (booking fee, payment milestones)
Limitation of Liability: under no circumstances shall I be considered liable for more than the agreed cost of services to be provided.
Travel arrangements: (these might be omitted from what is sent to the client but should be considered)
Accommodation:
Food / Incidentals:
Is there anything you would add ?
Edit: if it was something I'd consider for use with the general public then I would go through a lot more rigour and probably involve lawyers.
Dependencies.
Time line. 30 day clause that says, in short, once notified of a problem in writing you have 30 days to fix it.
Signature line. Do not do any work without a signature.
Another one that just came to mind is Limitation of Liability where worst case is client doesn't pay you if something like memory cards are corrupted or baggage lost on leaving event.