Jonathan Owen Essex Photographer
Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions apply to all photography services provided by Jonathan Owen (“the Photographer”). By booking a session and paying the required deposit, the client agrees to these terms.

1. Booking & Payment

  • A 30% booking retainer is required to secure the Photographer’s availability for the agreed date. This retainer is non-refundable as it guarantees commitment from both parties and covers initial preparation time.
  • The remaining balance is due on the day of the booking for private clients and within 30 days for commercial clients.
  • Failure to pay the remaining balance on time may result in cancellation of services without refund of the deposit.
  • If the Photographer agrees to a payment plan, all payments must be made on schedule, and failure to do so may result in cancellation without a refund of any amounts paid.

2. Photographer’s Responsibilities

  • The Photographer will provide professional photography services as agreed upon at the time of booking.
  • Final image selection and editing are at the Photographer’s discretion to ensure consistency in quality and style. Images are carefully curated and edited to the highest standard, ensuring you receive only the best moments from your session.
  • Minor retouching requests (such as blemish removal or cropping) may be accommodated at the Photographer’s discretion, where reasonable. However, extensive retouching or stylistic changes beyond standard editing are not included and may incur an additional fee.
  • The Photographer will take all reasonable care to ensure high-quality images are delivered but is not responsible for factors beyond their control (e.g., venue restrictions, weather conditions, or unforeseen technical failures).

3. Image Rights & Usage

  • The Photographer retains full copyright of all images.
  • Clients may use the images for personal, non-commercial purposes (e.g., social media, personal prints).
  • Any commercial use (e.g., business promotions, advertising) requires prior written consent from the Photographer.
  • The Photographer may use images for portfolio, marketing, and educational purposes unless otherwise agreed in writing before the shoot.
  • Clients may not edit or apply filters to the delivered images, as this may misrepresent the Photographer’s work.

4. Cancellations & Rescheduling

  • If a client cancels within 7 days of the scheduled session, the deposit is non-refundable.
  • Rescheduling outside of 7 days does not require a new deposit, subject to the Photographer’s availability.
  • If the Photographer must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., illness, emergencies), a full refund (including deposit) will be issued, and reasonable efforts will be made to help find a replacement photographer if desired.
  • If the client fails to attend the session without prior notice, the full session fee will still be due. If unexpected circumstances arise, the client is encouraged to contact the Photographer as soon as possible to discuss options.

5. Delivery of Images

  • Images will be delivered in high-resolution digital format via a secure online gallery.
  • The standard turnaround time is 2 weeks for events and portraits, with additional time if required during peak seasons to ensure the highest quality.
  • If expedited delivery is required, an additional fee may apply at the Photographer’s discretion.

6. Event Photography Considerations

  • To maintain energy and focus during extended events, a 15-minute break is required every 4 hours, and for full-day coverage, a meal is appreciated if food is served to guests.
  • The Photographer is not responsible for venue restrictions that may affect photography coverage.
  • If guests or other vendors obstruct shots or interfere with photography, the Photographer is not liable for missed moments.

7. Liability & Force Majeure

  • The Photographer is not liable for circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to technical failure, accidents, weather, or restrictions imposed by venues.
  • In the case of unforeseen force majeure events (e.g., natural disasters, medical emergencies), a full refund including deposit will be issued.
  • The Photographer is not responsible for dissatisfaction due to personal preferences in appearance or style of photography.

8. Agreement & Acceptance

  • By paying the deposit, the client agrees to these Terms & Conditions, forming a binding agreement.
  • Written confirmation (e.g., email) serves as acceptance of this agreement, even if no physical signature is provided.
  • The client acknowledges that they have read and understood these terms before proceeding with the booking.

For any questions or further clarification, please contact Jonathan Owen.