How a photographer in Nigeria should write an invoice
Photography clients often pay in stages and ask for extras on the day. A clear invoice protects your time and your pictures, and makes it easy to explain what each naira covers.
What to put on the invoice
- The package: hours of coverage, number of photographers, and the event or shoot date and location.
- What is delivered: number of edited photos, online gallery, prints or albums, and the delivery date.
- Extras as separate lines: extra hours, second shooter, travel, drone, rush editing.
- Usage rights: say whether the client can print and post the photos, and whether you can use them in your portfolio.
- Your details: business name, phone, bank account, and the invoice number and date.
A sample invoice
| Description | Qty | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wedding coverage (8 hours) | 1 | ₦250,000 | ₦250,000 |
| Second photographer | 1 | ₦60,000 | ₦60,000 |
| Edited photos (300) + online gallery | 1 | ₦40,000 | ₦40,000 |
| Printed album (30 pages) | 1 | ₦80,000 | ₦80,000 |
| Travel (outside Lagos) | 1 | ₦30,000 | ₦30,000 |
| Total | ₦460,000 | ||
| Deposit received | ₦230,000 | ||
| Balance due | ₦230,000 | ||
Sample figures to show the layout. Set your own prices.
Deposit and payment terms
Most photographers take a 50% deposit to hold the date, because they turn other clients away. State it clearly: the date is only reserved once the deposit is paid. Put the balance due date before the event or on delivery, and say when edited photos will be released (many photographers release them only after full payment). Add your cancellation rule, such as the deposit not being refundable inside 14 days of the event. See deposits and part payments.
Problems a clear invoice prevents
- "Can you stay a bit longer?" Your invoice lists the hours covered and the price of extra hours, so the answer is simple.
- Arguments about photo numbers. The invoice states how many edited photos are included.
- Photos shared before payment. Your terms say when they are released.
- Date disputes. The invoice shows the date, time and place that were agreed.
Questions people ask
Should I invoice before or after the event?
Send a deposit invoice when the client books, then an invoice for the balance before the event or on delivery.
Do I charge for editing separately?
You can. Either include a set number of edited photos in the package or list editing as its own line.
How do I handle usage rights on an invoice?
Add one short line saying how the photos may be used, and keep portfolio rights for yourself.
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