Terms of Service
Booking, Rates, Payment & Retainers
A non-refundable retainer (25% of full cost) is due at booking to secure your date/time for any 30 minute+ sessions. A retainer fee is not required for single portrait photos in our studio.
Payments accepted: cash, mobile invoice apps, bank transfer, Zelle. Sessions aren’t confirmed until the retainer fee is received.
Quotes are valid for 7 days unless otherwise stated.
Travel beyond 20 miles from our studio — $1.25 per mile round trip (starting at mile 21)
Military command style and OMPF photos (studio) - $25 per photo
Single portraits (studio) - $25
30 minute studio session - $75 (at least 5 edited images, 1 outfit)
30-minute session at 1 location of choice — $100 (includes at least 5 edited images, can be more at photographer’s discretion, 1 outfit)
1-hour session at 1 location of choice — $150 (includes at least 10 edited images, can be more at photographer’s discretion, 2 outfits)
Additional time — $50 per 30 minutes over the original session time
Client will be reminded when the shoot is coming to an end and asked if they would like an additional 30 minutes at the stated rate. We will not continue shooting after the original set session time without the client’s consent. There will be a 5 minute grace period at the end of each session that the client will not be charged for. Clients will have a 10 minute grace period at the beginning of a session if they are not there at the agreed start time at no charge.
Multiple locations for standard shoots (30 minutes or 1 hour) more than a 5 minute walk from the original location will be treated and charged as a separate photoshoot. If a client books 2 photoshoots in the same day, they will receive 20% off the second shoot.
Multiple locations and outfit changes for event shoots are included within your reserved time. Travel between locations and wardrobe changes count toward the session duration. Time beyond the booked window (rounded up to the next hour) is billed as overtime at $200 per hour.
Session Start, Grace Periods & Late Arrivals
Please arrive ready to shoot at your scheduled time.
Start grace window: If you arrive within 10 minutes of your start time, we’ll extend the session by the exact minutes you were late (up to 10 minutes).
If you arrive at or after 11 minutes past your start time, no extension is provided and the session still ends at the original end time.
End grace window: A brief buffer may be offered solely to decide on add-on time; no shooting occurs during either grace window.
These rules apply to both 30-minute and 1-hour location sessions, at any number of chosen locations within the booked duration.
Rescheduling, Cancellations & No-Shows
Reschedule once at no charge when requested ≥48 hours in advance (subject to availability).
Cancellations: retainers are non-refundable. If you cancel within 48 hours, up to 100% of the session fee may be due.
No-shows (15+ minutes late with no contact) may be treated as a cancellation.
Weather & Safety
For unsafe weather or conditions, we’ll reschedule at no penalty. Photographer has final say on safety.
For outdoor sessions, bring backups (jackets, umbrellas, etc.). Light rain/wind may still be workable at photographer discretion.
Military Portraits & Uniform Sessions
Client is responsible for uniform regulations and grooming standards.
For base access/locations requiring permissions, client handles access coordination and confirms that photos comply with all policies.
Creative Direction & Deliverables
Photographer manages posing, lighting, and locations to achieve the best result; specific shot requests are welcomed but not guaranteed.
Turnaround: Proofs typically within 7–10 business days; final edits within 2–3 weeks after selections (weddings/events may be longer; timeline confirmed in your invoice/contract).
Editing: Includes color correction, exposure, and basic retouching. Extensive retouching/composites are optional add-ons.
RAW files are not provided.
Galleries, Selections & Archiving
Proof galleries are delivered online. Final selections are edited and delivered as high-resolution JPEGs via download link.
Galleries remain available for at least 30 days; please download and back up your images. Long-term archiving is not guaranteed.
Copyright, Licensing & Model Release
Copyright remains with Shimmering Shores Photography.
Clients receive a personal license to print and share the delivered images for personal, non-commercial use (credit appreciated).
Commercial use (ads, product listings, brand marketing, paid promotions) requires a separate license.
Portfolio/Promotion: By booking, you grant Shimmering Shores Photography permission to use images on our website, social media, ads, and printed materials.
If you need privacy (e.g., sensitive job roles), request a Privacy Addendum before the session; a privacy fee may apply.
Content Ownership & Posting (Studio Use Notice)
Photos created are the property of Shimmering Shores Photography.
Sessions may be posted on our website, social media, and marketing unless a pre-approved privacy addendum is signed.
Client Responsibilities
Arrive on time, prepared (outfits pressed, hair/makeup ready).
Secure any permits/permissions for chosen locations.
For minors, a parent/guardian must be present and must sign consent.
Payment Issues, Refunds & Chargebacks
Due to the custom nature of photography, all payments are final once services are rendered or deliverables provided.
Chargebacks on valid services will be disputed with all supporting documentation.
Conduct & Safety
We maintain a professional, family-friendly environment. Harassment, unsafe behavior, or damage to equipment/locations may result in session termination without refund.
Reshoot Policy
If a technical failure prevents usable images, we’ll reshoot or refund at our discretion.
Dissatisfaction with styling, subject expression, or preferences not communicated during the session does not warrant a reshoot or refund.
Force Majeure
Neither party is liable for events beyond reasonable control (illness, accidents, natural disasters, government restrictions). Retainers remain non-refundable; we’ll reschedule at the earliest availability.
Limitation of Liability
Maximum liability is limited to the amount paid for the session associated with the claim.
Agreement & Governing Law
Booking any session constitutes acceptance of these Terms.
These terms of service are subject to change. Clients will only be held to the most current version at the time they book our services.
Governed by the laws of the State of California; venue in San Diego County.