Terms & Conditions for Portrait Sessions


(Family, Maternity & Couple Shoots)

By paying the booking fee, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to the following Terms & Conditions.


1. Booking & Payment

  • A non-refundable booking fee of 50% is required to secure your session date and time.
  • The remaining 50% balance is due 7 days prior to the scheduled shoot date.
  • Bookings are only confirmed once the booking fee has been received.
  • If the balance is not paid on time, Stephen Michael reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the session.


2. Cancellation & Rescheduling

  • The booking fee is non-refundable.
  • A reschedule may be accommodated with at least 48 hours’ notice, subject to availability.
  • In the case of illness, emergencies, or unfavorable weather (for outdoor shoots), rescheduling will be handled with flexibility where possible.
  • Repeated rescheduling may incur an additional fee.


3. Late Arrival

  • Clients are expected to arrive on time for their session.
  • Late arrival may result in reduced shooting time.
  • Sessions delayed by more than 20 minutes may be treated as a no-show and forfeited.


4. Creative Direction & Editing

  • Stephen Michael retains full creative control over the shoot, including:
  • Lighting
  • Composition
  • Posing guidance
  • Location usage
  • Image selection and colour grading/editing are done at Stephen Michael’s discretion and are consistent with the brand’s style.
  • RAW/unedited images are not provided.
  • Any requested re-edits or additional edits beyond the delivered gallery will be charged at a set rate.


5. Delivery of Images

  • Final edited images will be delivered via an online gallery.
  • Turnaround time is typically 2 weeks, unless otherwise communicated.
  • All photo and video material will only be released once full payment has been received.


6. Usage & Copyright

  • Stephen Michael retains full copyright ownership of all images.
  • Clients are granted a personal-use license to download, share, and print images.
  • Images may not be altered, edited, or used for commercial purposes without prior written consent.
  • Stephen Michael reserves the right to use images for portfolio, website, and marketing purposes, unless otherwise agreed in writing.


7. Client Responsibilities

  • Clients are responsible for:
  • Arriving prepared and on time
  • Ensuring all participants are ready for the session
  • Communicating any specific expectations or must-have shots in advance
  • Stephen Michael is not responsible for missed moments due to lack of cooperation, late arrival, or unforeseen circumstances beyond control.


8. Weather & Circumstances beyond control

  • Outdoor sessions are weather dependent. If conditions are unsuitable, the shoot will be rescheduled.
  • In the event of circumstances beyond control (e.g. extreme weather, illness, acts of God), Stephen Michael reserves the right to reschedule the session.


9. Liability

  • While every effort is made to ensure a safe and successful shoot, Stephen Michael is not liable for:
  • Injury, loss, or damage incurred during the session
  • Loss of images due to technical failure, theft, or unforeseen circumstances (though all reasonable precautions are taken)


10. Acceptance of Terms

  • Payment of the booking fee constitutes full acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
  • These terms apply to all portrait sessions unless otherwise agreed in writing.