1. Session and services
SM Shoots will provide the photography session selected in the booking, on the date and at the time shown in the booking summary. The session length, location type, price, and included deliverables are those stated for the selected collection.
2. Retainer and payment
A 50% retainer reserves the session date and time. If the client chooses to pay in full, the full session price is collected at booking. When a retainer is selected, the remaining 50% balance is due on the scheduled session date before photography begins, unless SM Shoots agrees otherwise in writing.
3. Rescheduling, cancellation, and late arrival
The client will contact SM Shoots as soon as possible if a change is needed. Rescheduling, cancellation, missed-session, and late-arrival terms will be applied as stated by SM Shoots in the final attorney-reviewed agreement. A late arrival may reduce the available photography time so later sessions can begin as scheduled.
4. Weather and circumstances outside either party's control
SM Shoots may recommend a new time, location, or date when weather, unsafe conditions, illness, venue restrictions, or another circumstance outside either party's reasonable control prevents the session from proceeding as planned.
5. Creative style and image selection
The client has reviewed the SM Shoots portfolio and understands that posing, lighting, composition, editing, and final image selection are part of Sara's artistic judgment. Unedited or RAW files are not included unless agreed in writing.
6. Delivery and archiving
Finished photographs will be delivered through a private online gallery within the delivery period stated by SM Shoots. The final agreement will state how long the gallery and archived files remain available. The client is responsible for downloading and backing up delivered files during that period.
7. Copyright and personal use
SM Shoots retains copyright in the photographs. After full payment, the client receives a personal-use license to download, print, and share delivered photographs. The client may not sell the photographs, materially alter them, or use them commercially without written permission.
8. Publication permission
Permission for SM Shoots to publish identifiable client photographs is separate from this agreement. Declining publication permission does not prevent the client from booking or receiving photography services.
9. Limitation of liability
Any limitation of liability, replacement-session remedy, and responsibility for equipment or file failure will be stated in the final Illinois attorney-reviewed agreement.
10. Illinois law and entire agreement
This agreement is governed by Illinois law. The booking details and this agreement contain the parties' agreement for the session, except for later written changes accepted by both parties.