Terms and Conditions.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

In the following contract conditions, " the photographer" shall mean Once in a Lifetime Photography, Paul Hickey, or any photographer appointed by Once in a Lifetime Photography. "The Clients" shall be those whose names appear on the contract. If the clients arrange for a third party to meet the costs of this contract, the contract remains with the clients. These conditions cannot be varied unless expressly agreed by the photographer in writing.

1. Copyright and Image Usage

The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 assigns the copyright of the images to the photographer. The photographer grants the clients:

  • Personal use rights for images

  • Full printing rights for personal use

  • Rights to share pictures on social media

  • Rights to provide images to other wedding vendors

While clients are welcome to edit images for their personal use, only unedited versions of the delivered images should be used when tagging or crediting Once in a Lifetime Photography on social media or other platforms. This ensures that our professional work is represented accurately.

2. Display and Promotional Use

The Clients hereby allow the photographer to:

  • Display any photographs from the wedding.

  • Use images for promotional purposes, including websites, social media, competitions, and advertising.

  • Submit pictures for wedding photography awards. The photographer will use images sensibly and respect any specific concerns the clients raise.

3. Booking and Payment

  • A non-refundable booking fee of 10% of the total package price is required to secure the date.

  • The remaining balance is due 28 days before the wedding date.

  • Payments accepted via bank transfer, credit card, or debit card

  • All prices quoted are valid for 30 days from the quotation.

4. Cancellation Policy

In the event of cancellation by the clients:

  • The booking fee is non-refundable

  • Cancellations 1-3 months before: 50% of total fee payable

  • Cancellations less than 1 month before: 100% of the total fee payable

  • All cancellations must be received in writing.

5. Coverage and Creative License

The photographer shall be granted artistic license regarding:

  • Poses and staging

  • Locations used

  • Photographic style and editing

  • Creative techniques employed

While every effort will be made to capture specific shots requested by the clients, the photographer's judgment on creative and technical matters shall be deemed correct.

6. Photography Coverage

  • An assistant photographer is typically provided to support wedding day coverage.

  • For simultaneous coverage of multiple locations (e.g., bride and groom preparations at different venues), a professional second photographer can be booked for an additional fee of £300

  • The need for a professional second photographer will be discussed during planning and must be arranged in advance.

7. Image Delivery

  • Final edited images will be delivered within 6-8 weeks (maximum 12 weeks during peak season)

  • Images provided via online gallery

  • High-resolution digital files included

  • Full printing rights granted to clients

  • Images will be fully edited to the photographer's professional standard.

8. Technical Failure and Liability

In the unlikely event of total photographic failure or photographer illness:

  • A full refund of all money paid will be offered.

  • Assistance in finding a replacement photographer where possible

  • Partial re-shoots may be arranged where practical. The photographer maintains professional indemnity insurance and uses professional backup equipment, including:

  • Multiple camera bodies

  • Dual card slots

  • Same-day image backups

  • Secure cloud storage

9. Privacy and Data Protection

The photographer will:

  • Store your details securely.

  • Never share your information with third parties.

  • Use contact details only for wedding-related communication.

  • Retain images securely for a minimum of 12 months.

10. Pre-Wedding Planning and Timeline

  • A detailed questionnaire will be provided upon booking.

  • A pre-wedding consultation (in person, via phone, or Zoom) will be scheduled 2-3 weeks before the wedding.

  • Venue visits available within 25 miles of DY11 6UQ

  • Photography coverage starts three hours before the ceremony.

  • Coverage continues until at least one hour after the first dance.

  • Timeline planning is included in the questionnaire and pre-wedding consultation.

11. Photography Schedule Requirements

  • Group photographs require approximately 5 minutes per group.

  • Three couple portrait sessions are typically scheduled:

    • After group photographs

    • After wedding breakfast

    • Evening creative session

  • Specific timing requirements will be discussed during planning.

12. Breaks and Refreshments

  • A main meal is to be provided during the wedding breakfast.

  • Photographer to be seated in a separate room or quiet area

  • The photographer will remain available to capture any significant moments during mealtime.

13. Force Majeure

The photographer shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to the following:

  • Illness

  • Accident

  • Civil unrest

  • Extreme weather conditions

  • Or any other circumstances beyond reasonable control