Business Policies

To my clients,

Thank you for choosing to work with me!

On this page, you will find my business policies. These policies are in place to ensure that I can provide the best possible service to all of my clients and are a core part of my commitment to professionalism. It is my top priority to uphold my values, consistently deliver high-quality services, and ensure that all clients are treated equally and fairly.

Additionally, having business policies helps to manage risks effectively, respond to your needs promptly, and ensure that the time reserved for your project is used efficiently. By having a structured approach, we can focus more on delivering excellent results.

If you have any questions or need any clarifications, please feel free to ask. I’m here to help and want to ensure you have a positive experience working with me.

Michelle

Booking and Payment

The payment schedule helps to manage my resources effectively, ensuring that your project is given the attention it deserves. Payment policies are in place to protect both parties. They ensure that the business remains financially stable, which in turn allows me to continue providing top-notch services to you.

  • A non-refundable retainer amount of 50% of the package price is required for all brand sessions. The retainer shall be applied towards the total cost of the service to be rendered. The remaining balance is due on the day of the session.

  • Full Payment is expected upon arrival to perform the job. Photographer accepts all forms of payment including: Cash, Check or Debit Card.

    • The balance of the complete package price must be paid before or on the day of event.

    • If final payment is not received, the Photographer will not be expected to attend said event.

    • Additional custom orders (reprints, enlargements, albums) must be paid in full at the time of order.

Rescheduling and Cancellation

My goal is to provide high-quality services and accommodate all of my clients as best as possible. When an appointment is canceled or rescheduled without sufficient notice, it impacts the schedule and my ability to serve other clients effectively. These policies helps us manage our time efficiently and maintain the high standard of service you expect from us.

  • Rescheduling requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance to avoid a rescheduling fee of $25. There shall be no refund of retainer after the signing of the Agreement and the reservation of the photography date.

  • Any other arrangements shall be discussed between the Clients and the Photographer. All arrangements will be put in writing. Rescheduling/Cancellation must be in writing even if a phone call was made to inform the Photographer of the reschedule/cancellation.

  • A one-time courtesy reschedule is allowed if requested within the notice period. Subsequent rescheduling requests may incur additional fees.

  • For Client cancellation within one month of the Agreement, Client will pay any expenses incurred and a $25 cancellation fee.

  • For Client cancellation within two weeks of the event, the Client shall pay the full balance of the contract, due to the high probability that the Photographer will not be able to further book that date. Once a balance is paid, it is non-refundable. Client will pay any expenses incurred and a $50 cancellation fee.

  • In the event of the Client cancelling the scheduled shoot or breach of contract by the Client for whatever reason, the retainer is non-refundable; retainer becomes a "studio credit" and may be used toward a future session or shall be liquidated for damages to the Photographer.

Contracts

  • A signed “Brand Photography Contract” and payment of the booking fee is required to confirm the stated services from the Photographer.

Sessions

  • Please arrive on time for your session, as late arrivals may result in a shortened session or rescheduling at the client’s expense.

  • Any necessary permits or permissions for location shoots are the client’s responsibility, unless otherwise arranged.

  • 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.

Third-Party Studio Rentals

  • Client is responsible for any additional expenses related to the studio rental, which includes any additional fees for equipment, props, or amenities that may be required for the event. Any additional costs or extra hours beyond this timeframe will be billed separately.

  • Client is responsible for any damage Client personally causes to the studio equipment, props, or facilities during the rental period. Client is responsible to cover the costs of repair or replacement, as necessary, in accordance with the owner(s) of that studio.

Travel

  • 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.

Client Preparation

  • Ensure all necessary materials (e.g., wardrobe, props) are prepared in advance.

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

  • If applicable, please have hair and makeup completed before the session start time.

Confidentiality

  • I respect your privacy and confidentiality. Any sensitive information shared during the session will be handled with the utmost discretion.

Usage Rights

  • Clients receive high-resolution digital files for personal or commercial use as specified in the contract.

  • I reserve the right to use the images for promotional purposes, including portfolio, website, and social media, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Professional Conduct

  • Mutual respect and professionalism are expected at all times. Disrespectful or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in immediate termination of photographer-client collaboration without refund.

Examples include, but are not limited too:

  • Disregarding Safety Instructions - Ignoring safety protocols or engaging in risky behavior that puts oneself or others in danger.

  • Verbal Abuse - Using offensive language, insults, or derogatory remarks towards the photographer, other clients, or bystanders.

  • Physical Aggression - Making threatening gestures or engaging in physical altercations with anyone present during the session.

  • Non-Consensual Touching - Touching or making inappropriate advances towards the photographer or other clients without their consent.

  • Harassment or Discrimination - Engaging in behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected characteristic.

  • Disruptive Behavior - Intentionally disrupting the session by causing distractions, refusing to follow directions, or being consistently uncooperative.

  • Damaging Property - Intentionally damaging equipment, props, or any other property belonging to the photographer or the venue.

  • Violation of Privacy - Recording or photographing individuals without their consent, especially in private or sensitive situations.

  • Failure to Respect Boundaries - Ignoring boundaries set by the photographer or other clients, such as invading personal space or disregarding requests for privacy.

  • Violation of Contract Terms - Breaching the terms of the contract, such as using images in ways not permitted or failing to adhere to payment schedules.

Free Creative Collaboration Sessions versus Priced Client Sessions

Creative Collaboration Sessions

  • Offered at no cost to participants, as they serve as mutual opportunities for photographers, models, and other creatives to collaborate and gain experience.

  • Initiated to explore new ideas, experiment with different styles, or build portfolios.

  • Artistic exploration and creative expression is prioritized, with less emphasis on meeting client demands or commercial objectives.

  • May involve more flexibility and openness to spontaneous ideas.

  • Limited number of deliverables, including digital images for personal use, social media content, or artistic projects.

  • Each contributor is expected to use the images for their portfolios and promotional purposes.

Priced Client Sessions

  • Involve a financial transaction where clients pay for the expertise, time, and resources of the photographer to capture high-quality images that meet their requirements.

  • Initiated by individuals or corporate for professional headshots, product photography for businesses, event coverage, or other specialized photography services.

  • Meeting client expectations and delivering high-quality results within agreed-upon timelines are paramount.

  • Involve a structured planning process tailored to the client's needs and objectives.

  • Considerable number of specific deliverables outlined in the contract, such as a set number of edited images in a particular format or prints for commercial use, such as marketing materials, advertising campaigns, website content, or social media promotions.

  • The photographer may retain copyright but grant the client specific usage rights for commercial purposes.

COPYRIGHT & LICENSE POLICIES

Copyright

Title (possession) of and copyright to all products shall remain with the Photographer. All photos are copyrighted. The negatives and or digital images (hereinafter collectively the "images") created by the Photographer and/or subcontractor(s) remain the property of the Photographer.

  • It is illegal to copy, scan, reproduce, or post online in forums or elsewhere without the written permission of the Photographer. Violators of this federal law will be subject to its civil and criminal penalties.

  • Photographer maintains the right to use and publish images taken at your photography session to further promote its service, including portfolio and professional samples, displays, website pages, advertising, exhibitions, contests, editorial use, and any other purpose. Photographer agrees to limit the use of these images and photographs to promotional and personal use only.

Limited Commercial Use License

Images are purchased by Client for Limited Commercial use only. This includes but not limited to, advertising, marketing, website usage and social media platforms owned or managed by the Client. The Client may not alter or edit the images. Exceptions to alterations include, company name, logo or text related to the company and for advertisement purposes. Only the Client can use the images provided by Photographer and may not resell, loan or allot images to a third party.

Creative License

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