Terms of Service

1.1. This agreement governs the provision of professional photography services by Dasha Photography (the ‘Photographer’) to the Client.

1.2. The services covered under these terms include:

• Wedding Photography: Comprehensive coverage of wedding ceremonies and celebrations.
• Elopement Photography: Coverage of intimate, small-scale wedding ceremonies.
• Engagement Photography: Pre-wedding portrait sessions for couples.
• Proposal Photography: Documentary coverage of marriage proposals.

2.1. Booking Fee: A non-refundable booking fee of 20% of the total quote is required to secure the Photographer’s services for a specific date. No date is reserved until this fee is cleared.

2.2. Payment Methods:

• Stripe: Online payments via credit or debit card.
• Invoice (Direct Bank Transfer): Payments to the Photographer’s bank account as specified on the issued invoice.
• Cash: Accepted by prior written agreement only.

2.3. Payment Deadlines:

• Standard Sessions (Engagement & Proposal): The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 3 days prior to the session date.
• Large-Scale Events (Wedding & Elopement): The remaining balance must be paid in full within 14 days following the event date.

2.4. Late Payments: Any balance unpaid by the relevant deadline will incur a 5% administrative surcharge per week on the outstanding amount.

3.1. Punctuality: The session duration is fixed as per the booking confirmation. Time lost due to Client lateness will not be compensated or added to the end of the session.

3.2. 30-Minute Rule: If the Client is more than 30 minutes late without prior notification, the session will be considered a "No-Show". The Photographer reserves the right to leave the location, and all fees paid (including the booking fee and balance) will be forfeited.

3.3. Conduct: The Client is responsible for ensuring a safe and respectful environment. The Photographer may terminate the session immediately, without a refund, if they encounter harassment, violence, or threats to their safety or equipment.

4.1. Portfolio Acknowledgement: The Client confirms they have reviewed the Photographer’s portfolio and accept the artistic style, including lighting, composition, and post-production techniques.

4.2. Selection Process: The Photographer has the sole right to select the images for the final gallery. The Client acknowledges they are purchasing the Photographer’s professional curation.

4.3. RAW Files: Under no circumstances will RAW (unedited) files or outtakes be provided. The final product consists exclusively of edited high-resolution JPEG images.

4.4. Timelines:

• Previews: Delivered within 7 days.
• Full Album: Delivered via a digital gallery within 4 weeks.

5.1. Copyright: The Photographer retains all copyright under the Copyright Act 1994.

5.2. Licence for Use: The Client is granted a non-exclusive, perpetual licence for personal, non-commercial use of the images.

5.3. AI Provisions: The Client is permitted to upload images to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for personal generative purposes.

5.4. AI Restrictions: Any AI-based use that defames the Photographer, infringes on their professional reputation, or creates unlawful content (e.g., "deepfakes") is strictly prohibited and constitutes a breach of contract.

6.1. Storage: The Photographer will store backup copies of the final images for 1 year post-delivery as a courtesy. After this period, the Photographer is not liable for file availability.

6.2. Technical Failure: In the event of catastrophic hardware failure, data loss, or theft, the Photographer’s liability is limited to a full refund of the amount paid by the Client.

6.3. Third-Party Obstructions: The Photographer is not responsible for images compromised by guests’ electronic devices, poor weather conditions, or venue restrictions beyond the Photographer's control.

7.1. Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform due to events beyond their reasonable control (e.g., natural disasters, government-mandated lockdowns).

7.2. If a session is cancelled due to Force Majeure, the booking fee will be refunded minus any documented administrative expenses already incurred by the Photographer.

8.1. These terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand. Any disputes shall be settled in the New Zealand courts.