Are you a Portrait Photographer?

Portrait Photography?

Probably the 2nd most recognisable form of photography, and one that generally sits alongside weddings in a photographer's repertoire.

Essentially, the main insurance for you guys is kit and Public Liability. Kit, because without it you won’t be able to take any photos, but the question about where the kit is used is often one that needs to be asked. Most people assume if you’re offering a portrait service, you’ll have access to a studio and the shoot will be done there. Probably right for approx 75% of the market that undertakes portraiture.

However, quite a lot of portraits are now done either on select locations or at client’s homes, so you need to have your kit insured for being taken off your premises. Likewise any photographer who may hire another photographers studio; don’t expect your kit to be covered under his policy if you should lose or damage it there.

Public Liability Insurance

Its also right up there with kit as a must have for the portrait photographers. If you are lucky enough to have your own premises and doing shoots there, any client coming on to your premises suffers an injury for whatever reason, other than their own stupidity, you will be held responsible.

That includes tripping on a rug, slipping on a tiled floor even though they’ve come in out of the rain, through to sitting on a chair you’ve provided that collapses or a set of lights toppling over and hitting them.

It will also cover you if you go to someone’s property to do a shoot there and you cause an injury such as drop a light on them, or cause any damage to their property. (You’d be surprised how much damage you can do just turning around with a camera with lens fitted in your hand. That piece of tat you thought was worthless may just be a priceless heirloom!).

Employers Liability

It's one to consider if you have any employees or photographic assistants at all either paid or unpaid regardless of how many hours they will work for you.

Many portrait photographers ask if they need Professional Indemnity insurance. As this isn’t a unique one-off event, should the photos not come out for any reason you can quite easily re-shoot them, there is no need for them to have this cover. Plus, many photographers who shoot at their own photographic studios will download the photos there and then so will be aware of any ‘duds’ and be able to rectify them straight away.

See also, Insurance for Commercial & Advertising Photographers Insurance