Portrait Studio located in Northern VA

Refunds

Agreement Overview

 

This agreement contains the entire understanding between the Photographer and the Client. It supersedes all prior and simultaneous agreements between the Parties. The only way to add or change this agreement is to do so in writing, signed by all the Parties. If the Parties want to waive one provision of this agreement that does not mean that any other provision is also waived. The party against whom a waiver is sought to be effective must have signed a waiver in writing.

Coverage/Session

Coverage/Session will begin at the location indicated in the signed client agreement, and continue for the number of hours purchased, contiguously.

Change of Date or Venue

The Photographer must be notified immediately of any changes in schedule or location, at least one week prior to the scheduled date of event. Notification of any changes can be made by phone along with written notice sent via email for documentation. If an email is sent, a confirmation of receipt must be sent back by the Photographer in writing or via email. It is the client’s responsibility to confirm all arrangements at least 7-10 days prior to the event. In the event of a change of address or contact information (time, etc.) as listed, you must notify the Photographer.

 

The Photographer kindly asks that the Client gets in touch with the Photographer two weeks prior to the date of the event in order to touch base and go over last-minute details. The Photographer will make every effort to contact the Client, but it is the Client’s responsibility to contact the Photographer to confirm all events/sessions and times.

 

 

RATES

 

All prices and packages are final and non-negotiable. Exceptions may include quantity discounts, which will be offered at the Photographer's discretion if available. Clients are not permitted to request or negotiate discounts.

 

 

RETAINER

A retainer fee of at least half the cost of your session is required for all portrait sessions. A retainer fee of 30% is required for all events.

This is a non-refundable retainer. In the event of cancellation, the retainer paid is non-refundable. It shall be liquidated for damages to the Photographer in the event of a cancellation, or breach of contract by the Client. No date is reserved until a retainer is received and the contract is signed. The retainer shall be applied towards the total cost of the service to be rendered. The balance of the complete package price must be paid before or on the day of the event. If final payment is not received by the day of the event/session, the Photographer will not be expected to attend said event/session. If the photographer cancels the retainer will be refunded.

 

 

REFUND SUMMARY

 

By booking a session with SSYFOTOS, it is understood that you have read, acknowledged, and agreed to the terms and conditions of your session, including what is included in your package. Refunds will not be issued once services have been rendered, except in cases where SSYFOTOS did not fulfill its obligations as outlined in the signed Client Agreement. Please ensure all questions or concerns are addressed prior to your session

 

 

CANCELLATION

Clients may cancel their session within a 2-day grace period to receive a full refund of the retainer. After the 2-day grace period, the retainer is non-refundable. If rescheduling is necessary, clients must do so within one week of the original session date. A $50 rescheduling fee will apply for sessions rescheduled within this timeframe and will be added to the final balance.

For cancellations made less than 3 days before the session or event, any payments made, including the balance, will be non-refundable. Exceptions or alternative arrangements may be made at the discretion of the Photographer and must be documented in writing.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing, even if a phone call has been made to notify the Photographer.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The parties agree to cheerful cooperation and communication for the best possible result within the definition of this assignment. Due to the limited and subjective nature of the event, the Photographer cannot be held responsible for requested photographs not taken or missed, lack of coverage resulting from weather conditions, or schedule complications caused by but not limited to, anyone in or at the event, or by the church or location restrictions.

The Photographer is not responsible for lost photo opportunities due to other cameras or flashes, the lateness of the clients or other principles. The Photographer is not responsible for the lack of coverage due to weather conditions, scheduling complications due to lateness of individuals, rules and restrictions of venue, or the rendering of decorations of the location. The Photographer is not responsible for missed opportunities due to the client not being prepared ie. clothing choices, jewelry, etc.

 

The Photographer will do its best to fulfill all requests but can make no guarantees all images will be delivered. The Photographer recommends that the Client point out important individuals for informal or candid photographs to the photographer during portrait shooting that they wish to have photographed. Photographer will not be held accountable for not photographing desired people if there is no one to assist in identifying people or gathering people for photographs.

 

The Photographer is not responsible if key individuals fail to appear or cooperate during photography sessions or for missed images due to details not revealed to the Photographer.

 

VENUE AND LOCATION LIMITATIONS:

The PHOTOGRAPHER is limited by the rules and guidelines of the location(s) and site management. The CLIENT agrees to accept the technical results of their imposition on the PHOTOGRAPHER. Negotiation with the officials for moderation of guidelines is CLIENT's responsibility; the PHOTOGRAPHER will offer technical recommendations only.

 

SAFETY

The PHOTOGRAPHER reserves to right to terminate coverage and leave the location of the EVENT/SESSION(S) if the photographer from the PHOTOGRAPHER experiences inappropriate, threatening, hostile or offensive behavior from person(s) at the EVENT/SESSION (S); or in the event that the safety of the photographer from the PHOTOGRAPHER is in question.

 

 

RECORDING

 

Unauthorized recording of videos or taking photos during the session is strictly prohibited unless prior permission is obtained from the Photographer. Additionally, approval must be granted before posting any such content to social media. Any images or videos posted to social media without the Photographer's explicit permission will result in a formal request for removal.

 

 

SHOOTING TIME / ADDITIONS:

 

The CLIENT and the PHOTOGRAPHER acknowledge that cooperation and punctuality are crucial to achieving the desired results. Photography services will begin promptly at the scheduled start time and conclude at the scheduled end time. If the CLIENT arrives late for the session or event, the PHOTOGRAPHER will continue shooting until the originally scheduled end time.

 

Any time required beyond the scheduled end time will incur additional charges, which must be paid by the CLIENT. Images captured during the additional time will only be released once payment for the extra time has been received.

 

FILM and COPYRIGHTS:

 

The photographs produced by the PHOTOGRAPHER are protected by Federal Copyright Law (all rights reserved) and may not be reproduced in any manner without the PHOTOGRAPHER’s explicitly written permission.

If the CLIENT has purchased an “Image DOWNLOAD” from the PHOTOGRAPHER, upon final payment by the CLIENT, limited copyright ownership of the resulting images will be transferred to the CLIENT.

    • If the CLIENT has purchased an “Image DOWNLOAD” from the PHOTOGRAPHER, the PHOTOGRAPHER grants the CLIENT permission to share the images on social networking websites, with family and friends, and on vendor websites as long as the images remain unaltered. Although desired, textual credit does not have to be given if the client purchased the download.
    • The CLIENT must obtain written permission from the PHOTOGRAPHER prior to publishing or selling the photographs.
    • The client understands the images downloaded cannot be used for profit or advertising unless a yearly Commercial Usage License has been purchased.
    •  All posting of images on the internet must be acknowledged as images by the Photographer.
    • If a DOWNLOAD is not purchased you are restricted from reproducing the PHOTOGRAPHERS work without permission in writing.
    • Permission is hereby granted to the Photographer to use any images created under this contract for professional samples, displays, internet website pages, advertising, exhibitions, contests, and any other purpose.

CAPTURE AND DELIVERY

Images are edited at the Photographer’s discretion, and delivered photographs may not include all images shot. The Photographer reserves the creative rights to edit and release only those images deemed credible as professional in quality and within the photographer’s artistic standards.

POST PRODUCTION AND EDITING:

The final post production and editing styles, effects, and overall look of the images are left to the discretion of the COMPANY. Editing styles will not be changed once you book your session. You will receive un-watermarked edited photos.

 

How will my photos be delivered?

  • Complimentary image -  Select your complimentary image within one week of receiving your proofs
  • At least one photo must be purchased within two weeks of receiving your proofs. If no communication is received within this timeframe, the photos will be deleted, as it will be assumed you are no longer interested in them..
  • After your initial photo purchase, the unedited proofs will be stored in a private folder and available for future editing or download for up to six months.
  • You will be allowed access to the online photo album. Choose the photos for editing and they will be delivered to you accordingly.
  • Previously delivered images may not be edited or altered in any way. You are allowed 1 edit after delivery. For additional edits, please contact the photographer directly to request changes, which will incur a fee of $75 for general photos and $90 for family photos. The photographer's editing style is established and will not be adjusted after the session is booked, so please discuss any preferences prior to your session.

IMAGE SELECTION

If images are not selected as part of the session package within 2 weeks of receiving your proofs, the photographer reserves the right to select images for the client based on professional judgment and session highlights.

WATERMARKS

Watermarks are applied to all preview images and will not be removed under any circumstances. They are designed to be unobtrusive and do not interfere with the quality of the image. 

 

At the photographers discretion: Clients may view image proofs exclusively through a scheduled Zoom session with the Photographer. This policy ensures the security of the images and prevents unauthorized use, including editing by third parties. Proofs will not be shared, downloaded, or distributed outside of this controlled environment.

 

UNEDITED PROOFS

Unedited proofs are only included with packages explicitly stating their inclusion. The full gallery of unedited images will not be provided unless purchased separately. Low-resolution proofs are available for purchase at a rate of $10 per image.

 

MODEL RELEASE:

The CLIENT hereby assigns the COMPANY the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the CLIENT or in which the CLIENT may be included, for editorial, trade, advertising, educational and any other purpose and in a suitable and respectable manner and medium; to alter the same without restriction and to copyright the same without restriction. The CLIENT releases all claims to profits that may arise from the use of images.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOGRAPHER EVENTS

The Photographer and/or any photographers hired by the Photographer to photograph shall be the exclusive photographer(s) retained by the Client for the purpose of the portrait photography. Family and friends of the clients and other event vendors shall not interfere with the Photographer’s duties. Guests will be asked to refrain from taking flash photographs at certain intervals of the event to ensure proper exposure of images.

EXPENSES

Travel expenses such as parking, shipping, or destination fees must be reimbursed to the Photographer and will be added to the balance due after the event. Travel fees are pre-determined and will be set out in the initial payment total. Clients are responsible for all location fees and permits.

EVENT FOOD SERVICE

A light meal is required for events up to 6 hours for the Photographer. For events up to and past 8 hours, a full course meal is required. If no meal is provided, it is understood that the Photographer will leave the event to purchase a meal.

GARMENTS

The Photographer cannot be held responsible for damage to Garments due to environmental events. The client is responsible to arrange personal assistance for garments.

 

LIMIT OF LIABILITY

If the Photographer or its assignees cannot perform this Agreement due to a fire, casualty, strike, or other civil disturbances, Acts of God, including but not limited to, road closures, severe traffic, fire, terrorism, or other causes beyond the control of the parties, then the Photographer shall return any money paid by the Client, less retainer fee and expenses, but shall have no further liability with respect to the Agreement.

This limitation of liability shall also apply in the event that photographic materials are damaged, lost through camera malfunction, compact flash card malfunction, or otherwise lost or damaged without fault on the part of the Photographer. The limit of liability for a partial loss of originals shall be a prorated amount of the exposures lost based on the percentage of the total number of originals.

 

HEADSHOTS / PHOTOSHOOTS

The photographer is not responsible for missed opportunities because the client failed to arrive prepared ie. clothing, shoes, jewelry, children uncooperative, make-up, etc. The photographer is not responsible for the lack of information provided by the client (location, intent, etc). The photographer is not responsible for the outcome of the session of any locations chosen by the client. The client will be charged an inconvenience fee of $50 for rescheduled sessions that were not by the fault of the photographer.

 

PAYMENT

Payment must be paid in full by the date of the shoot. Please follow the PayPal instructions. Cash is NOT accepted. The client assumes responsibility for any and all collection costs and legal fees incurred by the Photographer in the event that enforcement of this contract becomes necessary. All legal action shall be taken appropriately. Refunds: Please read the refund section of the contract.

This is a contract for personal photography services to be provided by the Photographer and/or individuals subcontracted to do work for the Photographer. The Parties agree to the above and below terms and conditions, and acknowledge that they have received, read, and understand the Photographer’s current price list.