A contract is not a sign of distrust. It is a written version of what both people already think they agreed, which is usually where they differ. This is general guidance, not legal advice; for significant work, have a professional review your template.
Scope and deliverables
Describe exactly what is being produced: quantity, format, length, resolution and any variants. Then state what is not included. Clear exclusions prevent most scope creep.
Revisions
State how many rounds are included, what counts as a round, how feedback should be delivered and by when, and the rate for additional revisions. Add that consolidated feedback from one named contact is expected.
Schedule and dependencies
Give the timeline and note that it depends on the client delivering materials and feedback on time. Say what happens to the deadline when they do not.
Payment
Fee, deposit, milestones, invoice dates, payment period, accepted methods, who pays transfer fees, and interest or fees on late payment. For longer projects, stage payments protect both sides.
Ownership and usage
State who owns the finished work, when ownership transfers (usually on full payment), and what rights the client receives: medium, territory, duration and exclusivity. State separately whether you retain the right to show the work in your portfolio, and whether you keep ownership of raw material, project files and outtakes.
Credit
If credit matters to you, write how it should appear. Verbal promises about credit are routinely forgotten at publication.
Cancellation and kill fees
Define what each party owes if the project stops: a percentage based on the stage reached, and whether the deposit is retained. Include a policy for cancelled shoot dates at short notice, since you have turned other work away.
Approvals, releases and materials
Confirm the client has the rights to anything they supply, has obtained releases from people appearing, and is responsible for the accuracy of claims in the content.
Confidentiality and liability
A brief confidentiality clause is normal. Cap your liability at the fee, and exclude indirect losses. Note what happens in circumstances outside either party's control.
Keep it readable
A clear two page agreement that both people read beats twenty pages nobody opens. Send it with the quote, not after the work has started.