Wedding Contract

Please read and sign bellow

Agreement/Jurisdiction: The person(s) whose signature(s) appear on this contract, known as “Client”, agree that Heather Anderson Photography, known as “Photographer”, shall provide services to photograph their wedding and related events to the best of her abilities, in the manner described in this document. This is a binding contract which incorporates the entire understanding of the parties, and any modifications must be in writing, signed by both parties, and physically attached to the original agreement. The laws of the State of California shall govern this contract, and any resulting arbitration shall take place within Southern California. Client assumes responsibility for all collection costs and legal fees incurred by Photographer should enforcement of this contract become necessary. In the event that any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable. Any failure by one or both parties to enforce a provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any other portion or provision of this agreement.

Retainer and Payment: Client shall reserve the time and date of services by signing and returning this contract along with a non-refundable, non-transferable reservation retainer equal to 50% of the total photography fee. No date is reserved until the contract and retainer are received. The balance due for the photography services must be paid in full no less than 7 days before the event date. In the event Client fails to remit payment as specified, the Photographer shall have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement with no further obligation, retain any monies already paid, and not attend this event. Payment must be made using Cash, Personal Check, Cashier’s Check or electronic payment (i.e. Paypal or Square). Payments made using Electronic payment will be subjected to a 3% fee for use of their services. Please make checks payable to Heather Anderson, Returned checks will be assessed a $50 non-sufficient funds fee, and all future purchases/payments must be paid by Cashier’s Check. Unless the contract is canceled, the retainer fee shall be applied to the photography fee total.

Cancellation: If for any reason Client cancels this contract before the wedding date, Photographer will keep the retainer. Cancellation must be made in writing, signed by the contracted party, and sent via Certified Mail by the United States Post Office. If Client fails to supply written cancellation as specified before the wedding date or cancels within 30 days of the wedding date, Client shall be required to pay the full balance due.

Reschedule: In the event that Client reschedules the wedding and Photographer is able to rebook the original wedding date, Client will receive credit for all monies already paid. A new contract may be required. The new package price will reflect pricing in effect when the date change occurs. In the event that Client reschedules the wedding and Photographer is not able to rebook the original wedding date, Client forfeits the retainer but will receive a credit for all other monies paid. Credit may be applied to wedding coverage within one year of original date provided Photographer is available.

Liability: If Photographer or her agent is unable to perform any or all of the duties herein for any reason, including but not limited to, fire, transportation problems, acts of God, accident, illness, or technical problems, and if she cannot provide another competent professional, all money received by Photographer, minus expenses, will be returned to Client, and Photographer shall have no further liability with respect to this agreement. This limitation of liability also applies to any loss/damage of photographs or failure to deliver photographs for any reason. Liability for a partial loss of photographs shall be pro-rated based on the percentage of total. The sole remedy for any actions or claims shall be limited to a refund whose total amount cannot exceed the total monies paid by Client under this Agreement during the time preceding the date on which such liability arises.

Photo Digital Negatives: Upon receipt of a photo files, Client accepts all responsibility for archiving and protecting the photographs. Photographer does not permanently archive image files.  Images will be stored in an online gallery for 1 year.  Photographer is not responsible for the lifespan of any digital media provided or for any future changes in digital technology or media readers that might result in an inability to read discs provided. It is Client’s responsibility to make sure that digital files are copied to new media as required. 

Food/Breaks: The photographer(s) will be allowed bathroom breaks when necessary. Each photographer will be provided a full guest meal for weddings lasting longer than 4 hours. If no meal is provided, the photographer(s) reserves the right to go off-site for a meal for 45 minutes.

Pricing: Services or merchandise not included in this initial contract will be sold at current price when an order is placed. All prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Credit vouchers have no intrinsic cash value and may only be applied toward merchandise purchased from Photographer. All print/album credits and sessions must be used within 6 months of web gallery posting or photographer may substitute a product of reasonable value to fulfill any outstanding credit balance.

Responsibilities: Unless agreed upon in advance, Heather Anderson Photography, shall be the exclusive photographer retained for the event. Photographer may bring one assistant and second shooter at her discretion. Videographers and other vendors as well as semiprofessional photographers must not obstruct or interfere with the official photography and are not allowed to take any still photos during formal sessions. Wedding guests may take photos, but it is the responsibility of Client to prevent family and friends from interfering with Photographer’s duties. Photographer is not responsible for compromised coverage due to causes beyond her control such as other people’s camera or flash, the lateness of the bride, groom, family members and bridal party members or other principles, weather conditions, schedule complications, rendering of decorations, or restrictions of the venues or officiate. Photographer is not responsible for existing backgrounds or lighting conditions which may negatively impact or restrict the photography coverage. Client agrees to confirm the schedule one-week prior to the event and to send the Photographer a copy of the invitation prior to the wedding. Notification of any changes in schedule or location must be made in a timely manner. Changes can be made by phone with a follow-up email for documentation. If email is sent, confirmation of receipt must be obtained.

Harassment: Ensuring the appropriate behavior of all guests and other persons at the wedding and other events covered by Photographer shall be the responsibility of Client. In the event the Photographer or her employee experiences any inappropriate, threatening, hostile or offensive behavior from any guest or other person at the wedding or other event (including, but not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature) then the following process shall be followed: first offense: a verbal warning will be issued to a family member of the client; second offense: the offending person will be required to leave the wedding or event; third offense: Photographer will end wedding coverage immediately and leave the event, Photographer shall be entitled to retain all monies paid hereunder and client agrees to relieve and hold Photographer harmless as a result of incomplete wedding or event photography coverage. 

Chargeable time:  is time the Photographer uses in order to determine the final price of the photography services. Chargeable time begins when Photographer arrives at the agreed upon location. Any additional time required past the set upon hours will be charged at $250.00 per hour (rounded up to the closest half-hour). 

Coverage: Photographer will provide coverage for the dates, locations and continuous hours specified in this Agreement. Additional travel or coverage hours may be added by agreement on the wedding day and must be paid in full before any photos or products are released to the Client. Every reasonable effort will be made to take requested pictures, but no specific pose or photograph can be promised. Any lists supplied will be used for organizational purposes only. Images determined by the photographer to be substandard or duplicated may be edited out. The Photographer will use her professional judgment and sole discretion to select which photos to deliver. Such selection shall constitute all images that will be made available to Client.

Image Processing/Printing: Digital images will be provided in color and black and white. An alternately colored version of a photo may be purchased at the current rate. Limited editing, color correction and/or retouching are included at Photographer’s discretion. Client may request further changes for an additional charge. Photographer is not responsible for any prints that are not ordered directly from her site. For best results, clients with the high-resolution files should order their prints through a reputable lab. The photographer is responsible for having the proofing gallery completed no later than 4-6 weeks after the wedding date has passed. Any other changes and request may or may not slow down the proofing process. Albums can take up to 8 weeks to be delivered after approved template has been sent for printing. 

Model Release: This contract serves as a model release giving the Photographer the irrevocable right to use the photographs in all forms and in all media and in all manners, without any restriction as to changes or alterations, for advertising, trade, promotion, exhibition, or any other lawful purposes. The Photographer can grant use of the images to third parties and all compensation for use and credit for the images remain the property of Heather Anderson Photography, Client waives any right to inspect or approve the photograph(s), finished version(s) incorporating the photograph(s), or the use to which it may be applied, including written copy that may be created and appear in connection therewith. This release is binding on the Client, their legal representatives, heirs, and assigns.

Copyright: All photographs taken by Heather Anderson Photography, are her property, will remain her property and are protected by United States Copyright Laws (USC Title 17). Client hereby waives any claims for ownership, income, editorial control and use of the images. Violators of this federal law will be subject to its civil and criminal penalties. 

Reproduction: When high resolution digital files are purchased, a written release will be supplied with those files. The release grants Client the right to reproduce the images provided for their personal use only and does not allow the photos to be altered, sold or published. Client further agrees not to supply images to any third parties (including vendors associated with the wedding or album designers).