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Food Photography Service Agreement

1. Deliverables & Image Selection

• Artistic Curation: The Photographer will perform a professional selection of the images taken during the session. The Client will receive only the best, professionally edited images as determined by the Photographer and client if the client is present during the photo session.

• Deliverable Count: The Client is entitled only to the specific number of images included in their purchased package.

• Unedited Files: The Photographer does not provide RAW or unedited files. These are considered unfinished work and are not representative of the final professional service.

2. Reservation & Deposits

A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your session date and time. This deposit covers administrative costs and the purchasing of props and materials for the session, along with the Photographer’s commitment to your specific date. In the event of any cancellation, this deposit remains non-refundable. A card on file at the time of booking is required to book a session or sessions. 

3. Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

Because the Photographer commits specific time and resources to each project, the following fees apply to all cancellations: 

• 3 Days Notice: The Photographer retains the initial deposit; no further fees are due.

• 2 Days (48 Hours) Notice: The Client is responsible for paying 50% of the total session fee.

• Same-Day Cancellation / No-Show: The Client is responsible for paying 100% of the total session fee. I new invoice will be sent out to the client to secure payment.

4. Late Arrival & Overtime Fees

The session begins at the agreed-upon start time.

• Late Fee: If the Client or the kitchen is not ready to begin at the scheduled time, a late fee of $50 for every 30 minutes of delay will be added to the final invoice.

• Deducted Time: Time lost due to delays will be deducted from the total session time. The session will conclude at the originally scheduled end time unless otherwise agreed upon by the Photographer.

5. Food Styling & Subject Readiness

• Subject Freshness: The Client is responsible for providing food items that are camera-ready. The Photographer is not liable for the natural degradation of food (e.g., wilting, melting, or browning) due to kitchen delays or Client-directed changes.

• Styling Approval: If the Client is present, they must approve the "hero" plate setup before the final shot. If the Client is absent, the Photographer’s artistic judgment is final. Re-shoots requested after the food has been photographed will incur additional fees.

6. Workspace Safety & Liability

• Equipment Safety: The Client is liable for any damage to the Photographer’s equipment (cameras, lighting, etc.) caused by the Client, their staff, or kitchen personnel (e.g., spills, tripping over cables).

• Property Damage: The Photographer is liable for any damage due to the surfaces being used for each photo session. 

7. Creative Rights & Usage

• Copyright: The Photographer retains the copyright to all images.

• Usage License: The Client is granted a license to use the final images for marketing, social media, and menus. Unless otherwise agreed upon by the photographer.

8. Archiving

The Photographer will keep final images on file for 30 days following delivery. The Client is responsible for downloading and backing up all files upon receipt.

9. TRAVEL EXPENSES

The Photographer is available for travel worldwide. Please note that all assignments, regardless of distance from the Photographer’s home base, incur travel-related costs. Because every project is unique, travel fees are determined on a client-by-client and project-by-project basis. These fees are not fixed and must be discussed and agreed upon in writing during the booking process. Factors influencing these costs include:

• Total distance and transit time.

• Transport of specialized lighting and food styling equipment.

• Current market rates for fuel and transportation.

 International & Long-Distance Requirements

For assignments requiring air travel or international border crossings:

• Documentation: The Client is responsible for any fees associated with visas or equipment carnets.

• Lodging: Safe, stay accommodations is the responsibility of the client booking the photo session. The location and price of the lodging location must be agreed upon by the photographer and the client and must be paid for prior to the photographer traveling to the client

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10. Rescheduling

If the Client requests to reschedule the shoot, the Photographer will make every effort to accommodate the new date. however:

• A Rescheduling Fee of $[75] will apply if the request is made within [3] days of the original shoot date.

• Any price increases in travel (e.g., a higher airfare for the new date) will be the sole responsibility of the Client.

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11. Cancellation Fees

Cancellations must be made in writing and emailed to the photographer at lydasham15@gmail.com. Because the Photographer reserves specific dates and may decline other work to accommodate the Client, the following fees apply:

• Notice of [48-72] hours or less: The Client is responsible for [50-100]% of the agreed-upon professional shoot fee.

• Notice of [7] days or less: The Client is responsible for [25-50]% of the agreed-upon professional shoot fee.

12. Force Majeure (The "Acts of God" Clause)

Neither party shall be liable for delays or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond their control (e.g., extreme weather, natural disasters, or government travel restrictions). In such cases, the Photographer and Client will work in good faith to reschedule, though the Client remains responsible for any non-refundable costs already paid to third parties.

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