Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction & Agreement

Welcome to LuxeLens Studio ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our photography services, website, and any related services provided by LuxeLens Studio.

By booking our services, making a payment, or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our services.

2. Services & Bookings

All photography services are subject to availability and must be booked in advance through our official booking process.

Booking Process:

• Initial consultation (in-person, phone, or video)
• Provision of detailed quote and agreement
• Signed agreement returned by client
• Deposit payment received (50% of total fee)
• Booking confirmation sent via email

We reserve the right to decline any booking at our discretion. For complex projects, we may require additional meetings and planning sessions.

3. Payments & Deposits

All fees are quoted in US Dollars (USD) and are subject to applicable taxes unless otherwise stated.

Late Payments: Payments not received by the due date may result in cancellation of services and forfeiture of deposit. A late fee of 1.5% per month will be applied to overdue balances.

Payment Methods: We accept bank transfers, credit cards, and PayPal. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.

4. Cancellations & Rescheduling

We understand that circumstances may change. Our cancellation and rescheduling policies are designed to be fair to both parties.

Cancellation Policy:

• More than 30 days before shoot: Full deposit refund minus a $100 administration fee
• 15-30 days before shoot: 50% of deposit refunded
• Less than 15 days before shoot: No refund of deposit
• Day of shoot/no-show: Full payment forfeited

Rescheduling Policy:

• More than 30 days before shoot: Free rescheduling to available date
• 15-30 days before shoot: $100 rescheduling fee applies
• Less than 15 days before shoot: Treated as cancellation (see above)

5. Copyright & Image Usage Rights

Copyright Ownership: LuxeLens Studio retains full copyright of all images created during the provision of services. This is standard practice in professional photography.

Client Usage Rights: Upon full payment, clients receive a license to use the images for personal or commercial purposes as specified in their agreement.

Standard License Includes:

• Personal use (prints, albums, personal social media)
• Business use (website, marketing materials for the client's business)
• Unlimited reproduction for personal/business needs
• No geographical restrictions

Restrictions:

• Images may not be sold or licensed to third parties
• Images may not be used in defamatory or illegal contexts
• Copyright notices must not be removed or altered
• Images may not be substantially edited without permission

Commercial Licensing: Additional licensing options are available for advertising agencies, stock usage, or third-party commercial use. Please inquire for rates.

Photographer's Rights: We reserve the right to use images for our portfolio, marketing, competitions, and educational purposes unless otherwise agreed in writing.

6. Privacy & Data Protection

We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Information We Collect:

• Contact information (name, email, phone, address)
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
• Event/project details
• Photographic images

How We Use Your Information:

• To provide and manage photography services
• To communicate about bookings and deliveries
• For internal record keeping
• To improve our services
• For marketing (with your consent)

Data Retention: We retain client information for 7 years for tax and legal purposes. Images are archived indefinitely unless deletion is requested.

Your Rights: You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information. Contact us to exercise these rights.

7. Liability & Limitations

Limitations of Liability:

• Maximum liability limited to total fees paid for services
• Not liable for lost profits or indirect damages
• Not liable for equipment failure (we carry backups)
• Not liable for circumstances preventing photography (illness, accidents, weather)
• Not liable for images lost in transit (we provide secure digital delivery)

Client Responsibilities:

• Provide accurate information and requirements
• Obtain necessary permissions for locations
• Ensure subjects have appropriate permissions (for commercial work)
• Provide safe working environment
• Make payments according to schedule

Insurance: We carry professional liability insurance. Proof of insurance available upon request for venue requirements.

8. Image Delivery & Editing

We strive to deliver exceptional quality images within agreed timeframes.

Delivery Timeline:

• Portrait Sessions: 7-14 business days
• Weddings: 4-6 weeks
• Commercial Projects: As per project timeline
• Rush Service: Available at 50% additional fee (subject to availability)

Editing & Retouching:

Our standard editing includes color correction, exposure adjustment, and basic retouching. Additional retouching (extensive skin work, object removal, etc.) is available at additional rates.

Delivery Method:

Images are delivered via secure online gallery with high-resolution download options. Physical products (prints, albums) have separate production and shipping timelines.

Archiving: We archive client images for 2 years. After this period, we cannot guarantee availability. Clients are responsible for backing up their images.

9. Changes to Terms & Conditions

We reserve the right to modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website.

Notification: For existing clients, we will notify you of material changes via email. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

Applicable Terms: The terms in effect at the time of booking will govern that specific project, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, USA.

Dispute Resolution Process:

1. Direct Negotiation: Parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes through good faith negotiation
2. Mediation: If negotiation fails, parties agree to mediation before pursuing legal action
3. Arbitration: Any unresolved disputes shall be settled by binding arbitration in New York, NY

Venue: Any legal proceedings shall be brought in the courts of New York County, New York.

Attorney's Fees: In any dispute, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.