Terms and Conditions
A Simple Overview
Our goal is to create photographs that feel authentic, professional, and genuinely reflective of you. These terms are here to protect both you and the Photographer and to ensure a clear, respectful, and smooth experience from booking through delivery. If anything here feels unclear, we are always happy to explain before you book.
Agreement to These Terms
By booking a session, scheduling an appointment, submitting payment, or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not book a session.
These terms apply to all clients, session participants, and purchasers of photographic services.
Booking and Payment
A portion of the session fee is due at the time of booking in order to reserve the Photographer’s time. Once booked, your session time is removed from availability and will not be offered to other clients.
All prices are listed in US dollars. Image purchases must be paid in full prior to final image delivery.
Cancellations and Rescheduling
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Sessions cancelled within 48 hours of the scheduled time are nonrefundable.
Clients may reschedule one time with at least 48 hours’ notice at no additional charge. Additional rescheduling may require a new booking.
No shows forfeit all fees paid.
Image Selection
Image selection takes place in the studio immediately following the photography session. Clients will review images with the Photographer and make their final selections at that time.
Only selected images are delivered. Unselected images are not delivered, archived for future review, or made available at a later date. Unselected images may be permanently deleted at the Photographer’s discretion.
Retouching and Editing
The Photographer will perform basic professional post processing and retouching as artistically appropriate. This includes color correction, exposure adjustment, and light skin refinement.
Additional or extensive retouching requests may incur additional fees.
The Photographer may use AI assisted tools as part of the retouching workflow. These tools are used solely to enhance image quality and efficiency and do not create synthetic likenesses or alter the subject’s identity.
Artistic Discretion and Professional Standards
Photography is a creative service and subjective in nature. Clients agree to trust the Photographer’s professional judgment regarding lighting, composition, posing, expression, and editing.
The Photographer is the sole and final arbiter regarding which images are released from a session. In rare cases where no images meet the Photographer’s professional standards, all fees paid will be refunded.
The Photographer reserves the right to determine whether conditions are appropriate to commence or continue a session, including preparedness of the subject, cooperation, and overall session viability.
Client Preparation
Clients are responsible for their appearance, including wardrobe, grooming, hair, and makeup, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Preparation guidance may be provided in advance of the session.
The Photographer reserves the right to postpone or decline a session if preparation standards materially impact the quality of the work.
Copyright Ownership and Use of Images
All photographs created during a session are original copyrighted works and remain the exclusive property of the Photographer.
As the copyright owner, the Photographer retains the unrestricted right to use images from any session for portfolio display, website content, social media, marketing materials, editorial use, educational purposes, competitions, exhibitions, and other promotional or commercial uses related to the Photographer’s business.
Clients receive a license to use their purchased images for personal and professional purposes, including websites, social media, resumes, marketing materials, and personal branding. Ownership of the images and copyright does not transfer to the client.
Images may not be sold, licensed, transferred, or used in products for resale without written permission. Images may not be claimed as the client’s own work or altered beyond basic cropping or resizing without approval.
Clients who require privacy or wish to restrict the Photographer’s use of their images must notify the Photographer in writing prior to booking. Privacy restrictions may affect pricing or availability.
Conduct and Safety
All participants are expected to behave respectfully and professionally. Harassment, abusive behavior, intoxication, or conduct that interferes with safety or the quality of the work will not be tolerated.
The Photographer reserves the right to end a session immediately without refund if conduct compromises safety, professionalism, or the ability to deliver quality work.
Limitation of Liability
While every effort is made to deliver high quality images, the Photographer is not responsible for circumstances beyond reasonable control, including illness, equipment failure, data loss, or unforeseen events.
In the unlikely event that services cannot be provided or images are lost, liability is limited to fees paid by the client.
The Photographer is not responsible for any financial, business, time, or emotional losses arising from the session.
Legal Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois and the United States. Any legal disputes will be handled in Cook County, Illinois.
If any portion of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
Entire Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy, represent the entire agreement between the client and the Photographer and replace any prior discussions, emails, or verbal agreements.
Questions
We believe clarity builds trust. If you have questions about any part of these terms, please reach out before booking. We are always happy to explain.