We hate that our contract is so long, but these clauses were caused by instances of lack of expectation in the past, so in reality, I’m ok with it being long now due to CLEAR expectations being agreed upon (for both parties).
At the bottom of this page, we had Chat-GPT summarize it in short for you folks that do not like to read. You really SHOULD read it and understand it.
Full Contract
Additional Costs
Clients shall reimburse the photographer for any additional costs incurred, including travel, meals, parking, and other costs noted in the initial booking link (if applicable).Photographer Attendance & Scheduling Conflicts
If the photographer fails to appear at the scheduled place and time, a full refund will be issued. The client acknowledges that the photographer is retired from the military and currently employed as a civilian contractor for the US Air Force. Work obligations related to this employment may occasionally necessitate schedule adjustments. Should an unforeseen work-related conflict arise, the photographer will promptly contact the client to discuss rescheduling. If rescheduling is not feasible, a full refund will be issued.Retainers & Scheduling
Retainers are non-refundable and secure the agreed appointment. The retainer covers guaranteed time and services rendered, including consultations and processing fees. In cases of inclement weather, retainers can be applied to reschedule within one year. However, retainers will not be refunded or rescheduled due to subjective dissatisfaction with weather conditions. Multiple retainers are required for multiple dates or times. A single rescheduling exception is permitted for genuine emergencies communicated ASAP. Retainer payment is required to confirm all appointments, regardless of contract signature status.Weather Rescheduling
In cases of inclement weather posing safety risks, the photographer and client will collaboratively reschedule to a mutually convenient time. If rescheduling is impossible, the photographer will issue a refund (excluding the retainer). Ordinary weather conditions (e.g., clouds, natural lighting variations) do not qualify for cancellation, rescheduling, or refunds.Delivery of Photographs
Photographs (digital JPEG files) will be delivered within three days of the session or one month following final payment for weddings. If delays occur due to emergencies, illness, or unforeseen events, the photographer will inform the client and provide a revised timeline. Clients must promptly download photos unless requesting basic edits. Client requests for basic editing must be communicated prior to downloading. Downloading images without edit requests indicates satisfaction, making the transaction final. Galleries typically remain available for one year but may be removed earlier due to storage constraints. Any significant unresolved delays may be resolved via mediation or legal assistance.Photo Selection & "Choice Select" Option
The photographer uses professional discretion to select the best images based on quality, composition, and lighting. Clients trusting the photographer’s judgment is encouraged. Concerns or special preferences must be communicated prior to the photographer's image selection or before downloading.
(a) “Choice Select” Option:
(i) A $100 fee grants clients the ability to select their preferred images from the session.
(ii) Clients must select images by tagging favorites within three days post-session.
(iii) Additional images beyond the included quantity cost $20 each.
(iv) If the selection is incomplete within three days, the photographer selects images to maintain delivery deadlines.
Client Cooperation
Clients must cooperate and assist in achieving desired photographs (e.g., posing, communication, pre-shoot consultations). The photographer is not liable for images not taken due to lack of client cooperation.Personal Safety & Awareness
Clients remain responsible for their own safety and situational awareness, though the photographer will provide guidance for safe conditions whenever possible.Communication
Clear and consistent communication via email, social media, text, or phone calls is expected from both parties. Both client and photographer are expected to respond within 24 hours (within 1 hour on appointment day). If deadlines are exceeded, prompt contact from the client is required. The photographer prioritizes overdue work when notified, acknowledging other employment and obligations.Copyright & Print Release
The photographer retains copyright of all images, granting clients unlimited, non-exclusive rights for personal use and reproduction. Clients may not authorize third-party business use without written consent. This clause also serves as the client's official print release.Drone Footage
Drone footage, if requested, is strictly recreational (non-commercial) and subject to a $100 equipment fee.Editing Policy
(a) Clients must not modify the photographer's images, including applying filters or cropping, on social media or any other media.
(b) Basic edits (e.g., lighting adjustments, minor blemish removal) are included in the session fee.
(c) One round of basic editing revisions is included per request.
(d) Advanced editing requests (head swaps, makeup applications, body modifications) incur additional charges based on complexity.Style & Expectation
Clients acknowledge reviewing JoJo’s Foto’s portfolio and understanding its unique artistic style. Clients trust the photographer's expertise unless specific expectations are clearly communicated in advance.Marketing & Advertising
The client grants permission for image use in photographer's marketing and advertising. This includes all persons photographed under the client's custody (social-media exclusion upon written request). The client affirms that any other photographed persons have verbally consented to this term.Legal Compliance & Fees
The photographer does not endorse or condone unlawful behavior during sessions (e.g., restricted area access, unpermitted fires, alcohol restrictions). Any fines, fees, or legal consequences caused by client negligence will be reimbursed by the client, plus an additional $500 inconvenience fee and any associated legal defense fees.Personal Appearance & Preferences
The photographer is not responsible for factors within client control (e.g., hair, sunburn, clothing choice, squinting, blinking). Clients must communicate editing preferences in writing before the editing process begins.Environmental Factors
Weather and atmospheric conditions (clouds, lighting, flares, visual anomalies) are not grounds for refunds, cancellations, or rescheduling.Digital Image Downloads & Storage
Clients must download delivered images within 30 days. Gallery accessibility beyond 30 days is not guaranteed, with expired galleries incurring a $100 re-upload fee. The photographer is not liable for client data loss beyond initial delivery. Clients should backup images promptly.Non-Disparagement Agreement
Negative commercial comments or reviews are prohibited. Dissatisfaction must be addressed directly between the parties. Legal resolution must replace public negative commentary. Both parties agree to this term.Self-Perception
The photographer is not responsible for client self-perception or emotional reactions to images. Images reflect captured reality and artistic perspective only.Inconvenience Fee
Cancellations or rescheduling within 24 hours of appointment (including no-shows) will incur a $100 inconvenience fee charged to the client's card.Props & Errand Running
Clients provide their own props unless clearly included in the session package or explicitly agreed in advance. The photographer does not purchase or supply props, nor run errands for the client. Special requests outside photography services may incur additional charges if accepted.
Applicable Law & Disclaimer
This contract is governed exclusively by the laws of Bay County, Florida, and applicable federal laws. Any mention of past or present affiliation with the United States Military or employment with the US Air Force as a contractor is strictly informational and biographical in nature. Neither the United States Military nor the US Air Force is a party to or responsible for enforcement or compliance of this agreement.
Chat-GPT Summary
Summary of Terms:
Clients are responsible for reimbursing the photographer for additional costs related to travel and other specified expenses.
If the photographer fails to appear, a full refund will be issued. The photographer's military duties take precedence, and refunds will be provided if military missions interfere with photography services.
Retainers are non-refundable and cover guaranteed time and services. Inclement weather may allow for rescheduling within one year, but retainers cannot be refunded based on weather conditions.
Rescheduling due to inclement weather is possible, but other weather conditions do not qualify for cancellation or refund requests.
The photographer delivers digital files within a specified time frame. Clients should promptly download and review the photos. The transaction is considered final upon downloading. Online galleries may be accessible for a limited time.
The photographer has the discretion to select the best photos. Clients are encouraged to trust the photographer's expertise.
Clients should cooperate with the photographer during the session to ensure desired photographs are captured.
Clients are responsible for their safety during the session.
Clear and timely communication is expected between the photographer and client.
The photographer retains the copyright of the photos but grants the client non-exclusive rights for personal use. Authorization is required for others to use the photos.
Drone usage incurs an additional equipment fee.
The photographer provides basic edits, and additional editing requests may have extra costs.
Clients should be familiar with the photographer's style and communicate preferences.
The photographer has rights to use photos for marketing purposes.
Clients must abide by laws during the session, and any violations may result in reimbursement of fines and an inconvenience fee.
The photographer is not responsible for certain factors or preferences that could have been addressed before the shoot.
Weather conditions or natural phenomena are not valid reasons for canceling or requesting a refund.
Clients must download their digital files within the specified timeframe. The photographer is not liable for loss or damage after delivery.
Negative commercial comments should be avoided, and disputes should be resolved directly.
The photographer's role is limited to capturing and delivering images.
Cancellation or rescheduling within 24 hours may incur an inconvenience fee.
The contract is governed by the laws of the County of Bay in the State of Florida, and the military entities mentioned are not involved in the contract.
Please note that this is a summary, and it is always recommended to review the full contract for complete understanding.
Condensed Summary for Lazy Readers:
Clients pay for additional costs and cooperate with the photographer.
Retainers are non-refundable but can be applied to reschedule due to inclement weather.
Photos are delivered digitally within a timeframe.
Photographer selects the best photos based on expertise.
Clients should communicate preferences before the shoot.
Clients promptly download photos; photographer not liable for loss or damage.
Avoid negative comments and follow laws during the session.
Cancellation/rescheduling within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Photographer retains copyright, grants non-exclusive rights for client's paid photos.
Editing limited to basic adjustments; additional editing may have extra costs.
No modifying or editing photos without permission.
Contract governed by laws in Bay County, Florida. Military entities not involved.
Again, please refer to the complete contract for detailed information on print rights, copyright, and editing policies.