TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Booking & Confirmation
• Work will begin once the quote and scope of work are approved in writing.
• A booking fee of $100 or 25% of the session fee (whichever is higher) is required to confirm your session. This amount is credited toward your final balance.
• The booking fee is refundable only if cancellation is made more than 4 weeks prior to the scheduled session.
• No dates are held until the booking fee has been received.
• If the booking fee is not received by the due date listed on the invoice, the session time may become unavailable and be offered to other clients.
• For large-scale or commercial projects, a non-refundable booking fee of up to 50% of the total fee may apply.

2. Cancellation Policy:
• Cancellations made more than 4 weeks before the scheduled session will receive a full refund of the booking fee.
• Cancellations made within 4 weeks of the session date will result in forfeiture of the booking fee, as time has been reserved and planning has commenced.
• No additional cancellation fees apply.
• In case of exceptional circumstances (e.g. illness, emergencies), rescheduling may be offered at no extra charge.

3. Rescheduling by the client:
• Rescheduling is allowed with at least 72 hours' notice.
• One reschedule is permitted without penalty. Further date changes may incur a $150 fee per occurrence.
• In the case of severe weather conditions affecting an outdoor session, rescheduling will be arranged at no extra cost.

4. Postponement by Photographer:
• If the photographer becomes unavailable due to illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances, the client will be offered:
a) A rescheduled session at no extra cost, or
b) A full refund of the booking fee if rescheduling is not possible.
• Alyatau Photography will make every reasonable effort to provide timely notice and minimise disruption.

5. Image Usage:
• The photographer retains copyright to all images. Clients receive usage rights for personal, non-commercial use.
• For commercial, business, or promotional use, the client receives a non-exclusive licence to use the final images for the intended purpose(s) stated in the quote or agreement (e.g. website, social media, internal documents, advertising).
•The licence does not include rights for resale, third-party use, or distribution beyond the agreed scope unless explicitly stated and priced.
•Images are licensed per usage type (e.g. digital use, print, paid ads). Additional usage can be negotiated separately.
• Alyatau Photography reserves the right to use selected images for portfolio, website, social media, exhibitions, or competitions, unless the client requests otherwise in writing.

6. Client Responsibilities:
• The client is responsible for securing all necessary permissions (e.g. location access, talent/model clearance).
• If models or staff are involved, the client agrees to ensure they have signed appropriate release forms. Alyatau Photography can supply a standard release upon request.

7. Creative Control & Approval
• Retouching and edits are provided in line with the photographer’s professional style. Requests outside the agreed look/tone may incur additional fees.
•Two rounds of reasonable revision (e.g. basic retouching tweaks) are included. Further changes are quoted separately.

8. Image Delivery:
• Final edited images are delivered digitally via Dropbox or private gallery (if specified in an invoice) within 2–3 weeks of the session, unless agreed otherwise. Rush edits may be available for an additional fee. Please enquire in advance..
• Raw files are not included unless specifically arranged in writing.
• Additional retouching beyond the agreed package will incur extra charges.

9. Payment Terms:
• Full payment is due by the invoice due date.
• Final deliverables will be released once full payment is received.
• A 10% late fee may apply if full payment is not received within 14 calendar days of the due date.

These terms aim to provide clarity and fairness for both parties and may be updated periodically.