Terms of Service

Effective date: 2025-01-01

Bookings

• Bookings are confirmed upon written acceptance of a quote and scheduled date.
• We may request a retainer to secure the date.
• Changes to scope after booking may affect pricing and timelines.

Payments

• Fees are quoted in USD for clarity unless otherwise specified.
• Invoices are due upon receipt unless stated differently in writing.
• Late payments may incur a 1.5% monthly service charge or the maximum permitted by law.
• Any third-party costs (e.g., location fees, permits, rentals) will be billed at cost plus handling unless included in the quote.

Cancellations

• Rescheduling is subject to studio availability.
• Non-refundable retainers may apply if canceled within 72 hours of the booking.
• Costs incurred prior to cancellation (e.g., permits, rentals, travel) are billable.

Deliverables

• Standard color-corrected images unless retouching is explicitly requested.
• Delivery via secure online gallery or file transfer.
• Delivery timelines are estimates and depend on scope and prompt client feedback.
• Raw files are not provided unless agreed in writing and may incur additional fees.

Usage Rights

• Client receives a non-exclusive license for agreed uses.
• We retain copyright unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Unless stated otherwise, licenses are non-transferable and limited to the territory, duration, and media specified in the quote.
• Prohibited uses include resale, sublicensing, use in AI training datasets, or any unlawful or defamatory use.
• LightFrame Studio may display work for portfolio, awards, and self-promotion unless client opts out in writing before the shoot.

Client Responsibilities

• Provide accurate briefs, schedules, and access to locations and subjects.
• Obtain necessary permissions, clearances, and releases unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Designate a single point of contact empowered to provide approvals on set and during post-production.

Data Protection and Privacy

• We process client data solely to deliver the contracted services and communicate project updates.
• Personal data is stored securely and retained only as long as necessary for the stated purposes or legal obligations.
• Upon written request, we will delete or export personal data subject to legal and contractual constraints.

Archiving and Retention

• Final deliverables are retained for 90 days from delivery unless otherwise agreed.
• Long-term archival is not guaranteed; clients are responsible for backing up delivered assets.

Model and Property Releases

• Client is responsible for obtaining model and property releases unless explicitly included in our SOW.
• We can provide standard release templates upon request.

Force Majeure

• Neither party is liable for delays or failures due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, illness, acts of government, or power/network failures.
• We will work in good faith to reschedule where possible.

Liability

We take all reasonable care with equipment and data. In the unlikely event of failure, our liability is limited to a re-shoot or refund of fees paid. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, or losses arising from delays beyond our reasonable control.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

• These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, USA, without regard to conflict of law principles.
• Disputes will first be addressed through good-faith negotiations; if unresolved within 30 days, the parties agree to binding arbitration in Wilmington, Delaware, in English.

Updates to Terms

• We may update these Terms to reflect changes in law or our services.
• Material changes will apply to new engagements and to ongoing projects upon mutual written acknowledgment.

Contact

For questions about these Terms or your project, contact our studio at +1 (415) 284-9073 or via email provided in your booking documentation.

Language and Interpretation

• These Terms are prepared for an international audience in clear English. Translations may be provided for convenience; the English version governs in case of conflict.
• If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

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