The client acknowledges that booking commits my time and resources to their event/service, making cancellations result in lost income and business opportunities that are challenging to quantify precisely. Therefore, the following cancellation restrictions and other limitations will be enforced:
 

 

COVID-19/SICKNESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Clients booking with me understand and accept the following: (1) Participation may involve exposure to and illness from infectious diseases, including COVID-19. While specific regulations and personal precautions can mitigate this risk, the potential for severe illness and fatality remains; (2) Clients voluntarily assume all risks associated with illness and infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, even in cases of negligence by the Released Parties; and (3) Clients knowingly accept the risks of injury, harm, and loss related to the activity, including any negligence, fault, or misconduct by the Released Parties.
 

 

To ensure the safety of myself, my studio, and future clients: clients booking and visiting the studio for a photography session must have a body temperature below 98.6°F / 37.5°C. Clients and their companions must not exhibit any symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms. Moreover, clients should not have had contact with a COVID-19 patient within 14 days preceding their session. By booking, clients confirm the accuracy of the aforementioned declarations. The following sick policy is established to safeguard both Ava + Otis Designs clients and my family: Individuals displaying symptoms such as a barking cough, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, rash, spots near hands, feet or mouth, runny nose, or any other easily communicable disease will be requested to reschedule their session no earlier than five days after symptoms subside. If a client arrives at the studio with such symptoms, despite the policy, I retain the right to request their departure, and they will forfeit the session fee. As a family and baby photographer, protecting my vulnerable clients from unnecessary germ transmission is my top priority.
 

 

BOOKING POLICIES

The mandatory booking retainer for photography sessions is nonrefundable. Session dates and times are confirmed and secured only after payment of the non-refundable booking retainer. I will commence the photoshoot once the session is fully paid for. Even clients opting to pay in cash must submit the nonrefundable booking retainer online to reserve their session slot. Client use of DSLR cameras or other professional equipment during sessions is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition extends to GoPros, tripods, and other professional camera equipment. Cell phones are allowed for personal use behind-the-scenes but should not interfere or disrupt the session.

 

For newborns and babies in diapers, I do not photograph babies without their diaper. I do not allow poses that I deem unnatural or unsafe for the baby. Suspended poses from props are strictly prohibited. Regarding cake smash sessions, clients may bring their desserts, cakes, or food items for photography during the session, without affecting the session price. I am not liable for children or adults unwilling to participate or cooperate during a session, nor for any injuries or damages to personal belongings during sessions. In cases where extreme weather conditions prevent a session, such as exceptionally high temperatures or unexpected storms, both photographer and client will reschedule at a mutually agreed date without extra charges. Clients may reschedule within a week for personal reasons without repaying the deposit. However, failure to reschedule within a week will necessitate the repayment of the deposit and remaining balance for a new session.

​

LATE POLICY

A thirty-minute grace period is allowed for clients to arrive at their session. Beyond this grace period, clients will be considered a no-show, the session will be terminated, and rescheduling will be required. This agreement is binding, and any retainer or fees paid are considered earned upon invoice payment, with no refunds granted for cancellations, no-shows, session postponements, date/time changes, or session rescheduling.

​

EDITING + PHOTO PURCHASING POLICIES

Ava + Otis Designs retains ownership of the photographs taken, with the unrestricted right to use, reproduce, edit, print, and publish for business purposes without prior client approval. Ava + Otis Designs will not provide clients with unedited images or files under any circumstance. While clients may share the photos they receive or purchase from their session, they are requested to credit my business. I retain the rights to all photos captured by my camera/phone/Go-Pro and other devices used for business purposes. Clients may use images taken of themselves for personal use such as portfolios, prints, and/or social media accounts, provided proper credit is given to Ava + Otis Designs. Filters and re-edits are prohibited. Ava + Otis Designs and the client shall not be held accountable for any misuse or miscrediting of images by others once posted online in digital format.

 

Client-suggested edits must be communicated to Ava + Otis Designs before purchase. Additional editing fees will be required for further edits after images or galleries are purchased.

 

Clients may opt to purchase additional digital files from their session, if desired. Photo packages must be selected within 30 days of receiving their personalized gallery. Photo package options are non-exchangeable, non-combinable, and non-refundable. All sales are final. Some galleries may feature examples of personalized stationery items, which are not included in the photo package and must be separately purchased – either as digital or printed stationery items. Clients lose access to their galleries after 30 days and may regain access by paying a $50.00 unarchiving fee. After three months, photos will be deleted. I am not liable for lost photos after 30 days or after clients purchase and download their digital files.

 

Various photo packages are available and will be discussed post-session with the client. The number of photos in the final gallery may vary. Currently, my photo turnaround time is between 1.5 - 3 weeks after the session date, excluding studio closure days and holidays. All photos will be edited, and no unedited files will be provided to clients. Prices are subject to change.

 

Full payment for services like stationery items, custom piñatas, and memory boxes made on the website is non-refundable. Clients must approve these items during creation before shipment. Once shipped, I am not responsible for damages occurring during transit.

 

 

Ultimately, I reserve the right to refuse service to individuals who do not adhere to my policies.