Booking
How do I book a session?
Booking is simple, just fill out the contact form on the site or pop me a message to one of my social media inboxes. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. We'll run over a few things, such as what you want to get from the session, if there's any particular photos you want and so on. I'll make all necessary notes and get a date booked in for you.
For events such as weddings, parties etc, we'll schedule a time and date for a meetup-whether this be a phone call, video call or face-to-face, what ever works best for you. This is so we can get to know each other a little and see if I can provide the right style of photography that you're after.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, all photography sessions require a 25% non-refundable booking deposit. For artwork, the full balance will need to be settled upfront.
When is the remaining balance due?
The full balance of your session must be paid:
- 10 calendar days prior to your session date or
- At time of booking, if session date is less than 7 days or
- At time of booking for artwork
I am happy to work out a payment plan or a buy now pay later format. As long as the deposit is paid when it should be and the remaining balance is clear in time.
Anyone wishing to spread the costs, will have a reminder email sent to them, a couple days-a couple weeks before a payment is due. The timings of reminders will be discussed during booking.
Can I reschedule or cancel my booking?
Yes, each booking has the option of one free reschedule, subject to availability.
For cancellations:
- More than 7 days notice: a 75% refund will be given
- Less than 7 days notice: a 50% refund will be given
- Same day cancellations: 0% refund will be given
What happens if the weather is bad?
Living in this beautifully sunny and warm country, there's always that tiny chance of rain (sarcasm, don't worry). I'll will permanently be having the weather app open in the lead up to our session, ready for when the weather decides to make it's usual change. If it looks like it might take a bad turn, I will let you know immediately and we can discuss options. I'm happy to keep the booking in place until the day before, when the 24 hour forecast is available and decide if the booking is changed or cancelled. In this event, a mutual decision will be made as to whether we reschedule or cancel. If the bad weather causes a cancellation, up to a 75% refund will be given. If bad weather causes a reschedule, this will be an additional reschedule to the one recieved with each booking. More will be discussed as and when.
What happens if you have to cancel?
I aim to never have to cancel on a client, unless I have absolutely no alternative. I will try to find you a replacement and give as much notice as possible. In the event I do need to cancel, you will receive 100% refund (this includes the 25% deposit).
How are my photos stored?
All photographs are backed up to encrypted, password-protected storage devices. Access is restricted to me only. When travelling, storage devices are kept securely on my person or in locked storage whenever practical.
Wo owns the rights to the photos and artwork?
I retain the copyright to all photographs I take and artwork I make. Once your gallery has been delivered and paid for, you are granted a licence to use your images in accordance with your booking agreement. For most clients, this means personal, non-commercial use. Commercial clients will receive the appropriate licence for the agreed business use.
All clients will be provided with a consent form during the booking process, where you can choose whether or not you're happy for me to use your photographs on my website, social media, portfolio or other marketing materials. If printed marketing materials are requested, a separate consent form may be provided due to the potential for longer-term use.
You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting me. A new consent form will be completed and kept on file alongside the original. I'll remove your images from my website and social media wherever reasonably possible. Please note that images already used in printed materials may not be able to be removed immediately.
What happens if I lose my photos?
Photos will be kept for up to 3 years from the date of sessions. Of course anything can happen after these, so for peace of mind I do have the additional option of lifetime backup storage. This will be a one time payment per client, that will be applied to all future bookings. It does not need to be purchased immediately, as long as it's within the three years of the gallery you wish to have saved. If you have 2 or more sessions with in the three years, but wish to add the lifetime backup to the 2nd+ sessions, this will also have previous galleries included-I.e. if you have a session one year and one the next year, but only add the lifetime backup on the second session, your gallery from the first session will also be added, at no extra.
When and how will I receive my photos?
Gallery delivery time will vary depend on the size of the session. For smaller sessions, this could be within 7 days. For larger sessions, such as events, this could take up to 4 weeks. If there is anything that will cause a disruption to how long it takes to receive your photos, I will let you know immediately and provide a rough time frame that you should expect to receive them. I will always aim to have your gallery to you by 4 weeks from the session date at the most.
To receive your photos, you will be sent a link to a password secured gallery on Picdrop. Events such as corporate parties, charity events etc, will have a link to view and purchase photos via Pixieset, with a percentage of each sale going to charity.
Do you provide RAW files?
Simply, no.
Can I request extra editing?
By all means, once you've received your photos and notice anything you'd like changing, please let me know. If there's anything you'd like editing, before photos have been taken, I'll make a note to be able to do this before you receive your photos.
Photos
Privacy & personal information
What do you do with my personal information and who can access it?
Any personal information you provide, such as your name, email address, telephone number and postal address, is stored securely and is only used for purposes relating to your booking, order or enquiry. These details can only be accessed by me, unless written permission is agreed in writing in advance, to be shared with those that will be stated when requesting.
Your information will not be sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes. It may only be shared where necessary to provide my services (for example, payment providers or delivery companies), where required by law or in the event of an emergency.
Client records, including photographs (RAW and edited), are normally retained for up to three years from the date of your session. If you purchase the Lifetime Backup service, your images will be retained for as long as that service remains available.
If you would like your personal information updated or removed where possible, please contact me by email. Please note that I may need to retain certain records where required for legal, tax or accounting purposes.
If anyone requires any extra precautions, due to personal circumstances. No questions will be asked as to why. Just let me know what you need, so I can accommodate accordingly.
General
Do you travel outside Berkshire?
Yes, as long as I have enough time to arrange travel, I am happy to travel further. Please note mileage is charged at £0.50 per mile or any public transport costs.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, I am covered by Hiscox insurance for:
- Public and products liability
- Professional indemnity
- Personal accident
- Legal protection
- And others
What should I wear to my photoshoot?
What ever you feel comfortable in and is relevant. I.e if you want professional headshots, don't turn up in a bikini unless you're a bikini model ;)
