Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: September 9, 2026

Welcome to Copper Ridge Photography ("we," "us," or "our"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your relationship with us regarding all lifestyle photography sessions, digital gallery deliveries, print product orders, and your use of our website. By booking a session or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Booking, Deposits & Payments

  • Retainer Deposit: A non-refundable retainer deposit of 50% of your total package price is required to secure your specific photography session date and time. Your booking is not finalized until this deposit is received and your Photography Contract is signed.

  • Remaining Balance: The remaining 50% balance of your session fee is strictly due 48 hours prior to your scheduled session time.

  • Cash Exception: If you choose to pay your remaining balance in cash, payment is due immediately upon the photographer's arrival at the session location, prior to the start of shooting.

  • Failure to Pay: If the balance is not paid 48 hours in advance (and no cash payment has been explicitly arranged), we reserve the right to cancel the session, and your 50% retainer deposit will be forfeited.

2. Delivery Timelines & Gallery Access

  • Turnaround Time: Your final edited digital images will be delivered via an online gallery within an average of 2 weeks from your session date. Peak seasonal rushes may slightly affect this timeline, and we will communicate any changes.

  • Image Storage: We will host your online gallery for 30 days after delivery. It is your sole responsibility to download and backup all high-resolution files. We are not liable for lost or corrupted files after this 30-day hosting period expires.

  • Raw Files: We do not deliver unedited or "RAW" files under any circumstances, as they do not represent our finished professional lifestyle product.

3. Cancellation, Rescheduling & Weather

  • Client Cancellation: If you cancel your session entirely, your 50% retainer deposit is non-refundable.

  • Client Rescheduling: We require at least 48 hours notice to reschedule a session. Your deposit may be transferred to a new date if notice is given before this window.

  • Weather & Emergencies: Lifestyle photography relies heavily on outdoor conditions and natural light. If weather conditions prevent a safe or high-quality shoot, we will make the final call to reschedule at no additional cost. If an emergency forces us to cancel and a new date cannot be mutually agreed upon, your money will be fully refunded.

4. Intellectual Property & Usage Rights

  • Copyright Ownership: Copper Ridge Photography retains full legal copyright to all images captured during your session.

  • Personal Use License: Upon full payment, you receive a non-exclusive, perpetual license to download, print, and share the images for personal, non-commercial use only.

  • Prohibited Adjustments: You may not sell, license, or use the images for commercial profit. You may not alter, edit, or apply filters to the delivered images, as this distorts our professional artistic branding.

5. Limit of Liability

  • Technical / Equipment Issues: If we cannot perform our duties due to unforeseen equipment failure, corrupted memory cards, or theft, our maximum liability is limited strictly to a full refund of any monies paid by you for that specific session.

  • Safety: You assume all physical risks associated with the photography session location. We are not responsible for any personal injuries, property damage, or clothing damage sustained during the shoot.

6. Governing Law

  • These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of West Virginia, with any legal disputes handled within Berkeley County.