SGThompson Photography – Easy-to-Understand Commercial Photography Terms.
Note: Words with capital letters (like "Photographer" or "Client") are explained at the end under “Definitions.”
1. Written Instructions Only
All instructions Photographyand changes must be clearly written down and agreed to. No verbal agreements.
2. Copyright and Permission to Use Photos
The Photographer keeps ownership of all the photos. The Client is allowed to use the selected photos the Photographer provides, but this use is limited. The Photographer can still use the photos for:
3. When the Client Can Use the Photos
The Client can only start using the photos once full payment has been made—unless the Photographer gives written permission earlier.
4. Usage Terms
The Photographer owns all the copyright. The Client is given a non-exclusive license to use the photos:
5. Credit to the Photographer
The Photographer must always be given proper credit whenever the photos are used. The way this credit is shown must be approved by the Photographer.
6. Privacy
The Photographer will follow privacy laws and take care to protect the Client’s personal information.
7. Payment
The Client must pay the agreed amount as per the Booking or Order agreement.
8. Late Payment
If payment is late, the Client may be charged 2% interest per month on the unpaid amount.
9. Responsibility for Damages
If the Client breaks any of these terms or doesn’t pay, they will need to cover any costs, losses, or legal fees the Photographer has because of it.
10. Cancelling or Rescheduling
If the Client cancels or postpones:
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They may still have to pay for what was already booked or invoiced.
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The Client must make sure everyone needed for the photo session arrives on time.
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Late arrivals may result in cancellation or rescheduling at the Photographer’s choice.
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The booking and any paid fees can be transferred to another person as long as the session type, date, and time stay the same.
11. Confidential Information
If any information is confidential, the Client must clearly say so. The Photographer will keep it private unless it’s needed to do the job.
12. Responsibility for Legal Issues
The Client is responsible for any legal issues (like copyright infringement or defamation) that come from using the photos or the content they ask the Photographer to create.
13. Colour Changes
Photos may fade or look different on uncalibrated screens. The Client accepts this and won’t hold the Photographer responsible for any colour changes over time.
14. Consumer Guarantees Act (New Zealand law)
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If the Client is using the photos for personal use, they are protected under this law.
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If the photos are for business use, this law doesn’t apply, and only these terms apply.
15. Photographer Not Responsible for Certain Losses
The Photographer isn’t responsible for:
16. Photographer’s Maximum Liability
If something goes wrong, the Photographer’s total responsibility to the Client will not be more than what the Client has paid.
17. Cancelling the Order
If the Client wants to cancel, they must do so in writing and give enough notice. The Client still has to pay for any work already done. The Photographer will stop work after receiving the cancellation notice.
18. Things Outside of Anyone’s Control (Force Majeure)
Neither the Client nor the Photographer will be held responsible for things they can’t control, such as:
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Natural disasters
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War
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Strikes
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Government actions
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Accidents
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Bad weather
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Transport delays
Definitions
Photographic Works – Photos in any form (prints, digital images, etc.) created by the Photographer
Photographer – Inspire Photography or the person/studio doing the work
Order – The Client’s request for photography, including any invoice
Client – The person or company who hired the Photographer
Licence – Permission to use the photos under specific terms
Booking – Any appointment made for photos or meetings with the Photographer
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