Policies & Procedures
Please read carefully
All galleries will be completed in 3-4 WEEKS
BEFORE BOOKING - PLEASE READ
Session Fees / Deposits
All deposits/session fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. No exceptions! This fee covers initial communication, all planning, location hunting, and block off a specific time frame for your session and it also covers the time and skills invested by Mercedes Lenz Photography.
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Deposits are 50% of the session fee. Deposits are due at the time of booking.
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We will not reserve a date or time without payment.
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The remaining balance is due NO LATER than 24hrs before your scheduled session.
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You may make payments towards the amount due, as long as it’s paid in full on time.
It is very important you stay committed to your session.
Rescheduling / Cancellation
If you need to reschedule for any reason, we ask that you give at least (1) one weeks notice. One cancellation is allowed per session and non-refundable deposit will be applied. After that you will not receive credit for deposit and will need to fill out a new contact form.
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Rescheduling or canceling your sessions date within one week may incur additional fees and you will not receive a refund of your sitting fee deposit.
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Please plan enough time to get to your session. Whether that be getting the kids ready or navigating through rush hour traffic. If you are running late please call us.
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If you have a 60 minute session scheduled and you are 20 minutes late, you will then have a 40 minute session. If you are more than 20 minutes late without calling/communicating, you will forfeit your session and we will have the right to cancel.
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If you no call no show, you are forfeiting your booking fee and we will not schedule with you again. Please be mindful that when we block off a time spot for you, we are holding that spot for only you. Therefore, we are not able to schedule someone else. We will not tolerate no call no show clients.
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Mercedes Lenz Photography reserves the right to reschedule any session due to photographer illness, personal emergency, or inclement weather. If we are late, we will communicate that with you and your session time will not be affected.
Location, Fees, Permits, and House Rules.
If client chooses to shoot at a location that charges for access or requires permits, they shall be responsible for all fees associated with shooting there, including but not limited to entrance fees and parking. Client shall also be responsible for organizing access to the location and any permits required for doing so. Mercedes Lenz is limited by the guidelines of the location. Client is responsible for negotiating deviations from the location’s house rules.
Weather Limitations
Mercedes Lenz reserves the right to reschedule a session due to weather conditions including but not limited to rain, wind, snow, dust, extreme temperatures, etc.
Artistic Style
Client acknowledges that Mercedes Lenz requires and retains discretion as to how its services shall be provided (e.g. choice of poses, lighting, lenses, etc.) Client is familiar with the photographer’s portfolio and is requesting services with knowledge of the photographer’s style, that their services are of a unique and artistic nature and is constantly evolving therefore images created may be different from images taken in the past.
Image Outcome
Mercedes Lenz does not warrant that it will provide specific images and shall not be liable if key individuals fail to appear or cooperate during the portrait session
Culling, Editing, and RAW Images
Mercedes Lenz retains complete control over the culling and editing process. After the portrait session, each image is put through a careful selection process where photographer selects images that meet her high standards of quality. Images with eyes closed, unflattering poses, and duplicate images are removed permanently during the culling process. Mercedes Lenz does not guarantee a minimum number of images in client’s final image gallery. Under no circumstance will Mercedes Lenz release RAW image files. Mercedes Lenz retains complete control over which images are delivered in color and which images are delivered in black and white.
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Mercedes Lenz strives to have your final images/ gallery ready to view within 3-4 weeks after your session. However, due to the level of attention we provide to your images, your wait may be longer but that will be communicated. We appreciate your patience! If you'd like to pay an expedite fee, you may for an additional $150 to have the gallery complete in 2-3 days.
Copyright and Reproduction
Copyright is a property right. Under the Federal Copyright Act of 1976, photographs are protected by copyright from the moment of creation. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, the owner of the “work” is generally the photographer or, in certain situations, the employer of the photographer. Under copyright law, the photographer owns the copyright and can use it for any editorial use without permission of the person in the picture. This includes using the images for marketing and branding.