Invoices say more about your business than you realize. While it may not be the first impression you make, your invoice will reveal if you’re an amateur or a professional.
It’s more than ensuring payment. If you have the wrong type of invoice format, your business will look unprofessional and it might appear that you don’t know what you’re doing. A real estate photography invoice template is going to vary greatly from an invoice template for a handyman because different professions require different invoices. So, whether you’re getting started as a real estate photographer or are revamping your business’ billing practices, make sure you use the right invoice template.
Below, we detail what exactly should be on your real estate photography invoice, how you can use the template, and other options regarding your best billing practices.
Photography Invoicing F.A.Q.
If this is your first time crafting an invoice for your photography business, don’t sweat it. Even if you’re wondering what an itemized invoice is or if you can charge clients to license the photos, we have you covered.
Here are some frequently asked questions about invoices frequently heard from real estate photographers:
What Is an Itemized Invoice?
An itemized invoice is a document that provides a statement for clients with complete details of the charges for services or products received. It breaks down what each service or product costs similar to a receipt. However, it is not a receipt. Itemized invoices explain what money is owed and provide the recipient with information on how to submit payment.
What Information Should Be on My Invoice?
No template will directly match another. Different photographers charge for different services, but in order to receive timely payments and minimize any payment disputes, you should always include this information on your invoices:
- Invoice details: This can include the invoice number, the date of invoice issuing, and the due date of payment. We recommend including your information, or the information of your billing specialist, in case customers need to reach someone with questions regarding the invoice.
- Billing information: Detail the options clients can use to pay, including relevant information for digital payment (include routing numbers and billing address) and information for physical repayment (cash or checks).
- Charges: Include a description of the specific services (e.g., shooting or editing) and the hours, rates, and amount owed. Include subtotals, discounts, taxes, and the final total.
What Can I Charge For?
If you are an independent entity and work for yourself or manage a small business, what you charge is ultimately up to your discretion. Best practices recommend being transparent about what you charge for different services before you or your client sign any agreement or contract. Give them a rough estimate of what the job will cost.
Photographers typically charge for the hours needed to shoot the photos or footage, either a flat or hourly rate for edits, and sometimes fees for revisions or additional edits requested by clients.
Other charges can include mileage for travel, charges based on the size of the property and types of photos or footage required, and turnaround time for submissions. Your clients should always be aware of the terms and conditions regarding services and pricing before they receive the invoice.
What Is the Best Billing Method?
We recommend digital billing because it is secure and efficient, and receipts are automatically generated. With physical forms of payment such as cash or check, money can be lost or stolen depending on the transaction method (in-person or via mail carrier).
Should I Include Licensing?
It is ultimately up to you if you want clients to own the licensing rights to the photos or footage of the property. Most photographers offer an additional fee for clients looking to own the images or video, while others choose to hold onto the licensing.
A Snapshot at Invoicing
Invoicing is a layered and complicated process, and finding the right invoice template for your business can be daunting. At Invoice Ninja, we take care of the formatting and the billing process so you can focus on what you do best.
Don’t get bogged down by formatting or tracking payments, let Invoice Ninja handle it so you can capture that perfect snapshot. For more information regarding different invoices, check out our invoice templates available for contractors, including our water damage home repair invoices!
