Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Silent Groves Photography. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website silentgroves.sbs (the "Website") and the photography services provided by Silent Groves Photography ("we," "our," or "us"). By accessing the Website or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Website or services.

1. Website Use

1.1 Content

All content on this Website, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, photographs, videos, designs, icons, logos, and software, is the property of Silent Groves Photography and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, display, prepare derivative works based on, or otherwise use any content from our Website without our prior written consent.

1.2 User Conduct

When using our Website, you agree not to:

• Use the Website in any manner that could disable, overburden, damage, or impair the Website or interfere with any other party's use of the Website
• Use any robot, spider, or other automatic device, process, or means to access the Website for any purpose, including monitoring or copying any of the material on the Website
• Use any manual process to monitor or copy any of the material on the Website or for any other unauthorized purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to, interfere with, damage, or disrupt any parts of the Website, the server on which the Website is stored, or any server, computer, or database connected to the Website
• Introduce any viruses, Trojan horses, worms, logic bombs, or other material that is malicious or technologically harmful
• Otherwise attempt to interfere with the proper working of the Website

2. Photography Services

2.1 Booking and Payment

When booking photography services with us, you agree to the following terms:

• A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total fee is required to secure your booking date
• The remaining balance is due 7 days before the scheduled photography session
• For last-minute bookings (less than 7 days in advance), full payment is required at the time of booking
• We accept payment via credit/debit card, bank transfer, or PayPal
• All prices are in British Pounds (GBP) and include VAT where applicable

2.2 Cancellation and Rescheduling

Our cancellation and rescheduling policy is as follows:

• Cancellations made more than 30 days before the scheduled session: deposit is non-refundable, but any additional payments will be refunded
• Cancellations made 14-30 days before the scheduled session: 50% of the total fee is payable
• Cancellations made less than 14 days before the scheduled session: 100% of the total fee is payable
• Rescheduling requests are subject to our availability and must be made at least 14 days before the originally scheduled session
• One reschedule is permitted without additional fees, provided sufficient notice is given
• Additional rescheduling requests may incur an administrative fee of £50

2.3 Service Delivery

Regarding the delivery of our photography services:

• We will make every effort to provide the services as described and agreed upon
• Session duration is as specified in your booking
• Additional time may be available at our discretion for an additional fee
• The number of final edited images delivered will depend on your package, as detailed in your booking confirmation
• Delivery timeframes for final images are as follows:
  • Portrait sessions: 1-2 weeks
  • Events: 2-4 weeks
  • Weddings: 4-6 weeks
• Rush delivery may be available for an additional fee

2.4 Weather Conditions

For outdoor sessions:

• In case of unsuitable weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperatures), we reserve the right to reschedule the session
• The decision to reschedule due to weather will be made at our discretion
• No fees will be charged for weather-related rescheduling

3. Copyright and Image Usage

3.1 Copyright

All photographs created by Silent Groves Photography remain our intellectual property. Copyright is not transferred to the client upon purchase of digital files or prints.

3.2 Personal Use License

When you purchase digital images or prints, you are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the images for personal purposes, which includes:

• Printing for personal display
• Sharing on personal social media accounts (with credit to "Silent Groves Photography")
• Using in personal correspondence (such as holiday cards or announcements)

3.3 Commercial Use

Commercial use of any images requires a separate commercial license. Commercial use includes but is not limited to:

• Advertising or promotional materials
• Publication in books, magazines, or websites for profit
• Product packaging
• Resale or distribution of the images

Please contact us for commercial licensing options and fees.

3.4 Portfolio Usage

Unless explicitly specified in writing, we reserve the right to use any images created during your session for our portfolio, website, social media, contests, and other promotional purposes. If you prefer that your images not be used in this manner, please discuss this with us before your session.

4. Image Editing and Retouching

4.1 Standard Editing

All images delivered to clients include our standard editing process, which includes:

• Color correction
• Exposure adjustment
• Contrast and tone adjustment
• Basic skin retouching (for portraits)
• Removal of minor distractions

4.2 Advanced Retouching

Advanced retouching services are available for an additional fee and may include:

• Extensive skin retouching
• Body contouring
• Background replacements
• Composite images
• Removal of significant elements

Please inquire about advanced retouching options and pricing.

4.3 Artistic Discretion

We maintain artistic discretion regarding the editing style and process. We aim to maintain consistency with the style presented in our portfolio. Requests for specific editing styles should be discussed before booking.

5. Digital Files and Prints

5.1 Digital File Delivery

Digital files are delivered via an online gallery, which will remain active for 30 days after delivery. We recommend downloading and backing up your images promptly.

5.2 Print Quality

For optimal print quality, we recommend ordering prints directly through us or through our approved professional print labs. We cannot guarantee the quality of prints made through consumer labs or retail outlets.

5.3 Image Alterations

Clients agree not to alter the images in any way, including but not limited to: cropping, applying filters, or editing. Doing so may result in poor quality results and is a violation of these Terms.

6. Client Responsibilities

6.1 Punctuality

Clients are expected to arrive on time for scheduled sessions. Late arrivals may result in shortened session time, as we may have other commitments following your appointment.

6.2 Preparation

Clients are responsible for their own preparation for the photoshoot, including clothing, hair, makeup, and any props or accessories discussed in pre-session consultations.

6.3 Conduct

Clients and anyone accompanying them to a session are expected to behave in a respectful manner. We reserve the right to end a session if anyone exhibits inappropriate, offensive, or dangerous behavior, with no refund provided.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Silent Groves Photography shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Any loss of profits, revenue, data, goodwill, or other intangible losses
• Any damages resulting from acts of God, illness, accidents, equipment failure, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control
• The loss, damage, or corruption of digital files
• Disappointment with the stylistic results of the photography

Our total liability for any claims arising under these Terms shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the services giving rise to the claim.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Silent Groves Photography and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that such parties may incur as a result of or arising from your violation of these Terms.

9. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising under these Terms shall be resolved through:

1. Informal negotiation - We will attempt to resolve any disputes through good-faith negotiations
2. Mediation - If informal negotiations fail, the dispute shall be submitted to mediation in accordance with the rules of the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR)
3. Legal proceedings - If mediation is unsuccessful, legal proceedings may be commenced in the courts of England and Wales

10. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in England and Wales.

11. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Website. Your continued use of our Website or services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the revised Terms.

12. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such provision shall be struck from these Terms, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.