Copyright & Terms of Agreement 

Studio Etiquette Reminder

To ensure the best experience during your session, we kindly ask that cell phone usage be minimized while in the studio. Unnecessary distractions may impact the flow of your session and could result in reduced session time. Please note that any time lost due to distractions will not be compensated, and extensions will require additional payment.

Additionally, in order to protect the integrity of our work and maintain the privacy of our setups, taking photos or videos of the studio setups is strictly prohibited. Any violations of this policy may result in a $500 fine.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we strive to provide a professional and enjoyable experience for all our clients!

This Terms and Conditions document ("Agreement") is entered into between GJD Fotography LLC ("the Company") and any client ("the Client"). By engaging the Company’s services, the Client agrees to the following:

1. Scope of Services

1.1 The Company agrees to provide professional photography and/or videography services as outlined in the booking or proposal.
1.2 A dedicated photographer/videographer, or team, will be assigned based on the size and nature of the project.
1.3 Services offered include events, portraits, corporate photography, product photography, and other custom requests as agreed upon prior to the session.

2. Booking and Payment Terms

2.1 In-Studio Sessions and Events: A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total fee is required to confirm booking. The remaining booking balance is due on or before the appointment. Clients must book at least 24 hours in advance and not more than 365 days ahead.
2.3 Additional Charges:

  1. A $100 late payment fee applies for balances unpaid during the first week after the session date.

  2. A 20% weekly interest fee will apply to overdue payments beyond one week.

  3. Overtime fees for events: $100 per hour, per team member, billed separately.

  4. Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, Debit/Credit Cards, Zelle (gjdfotography@gmail.com), and PayPal.

    2.5 Cancellation Policy:

  5. Cancellations/rescheduling are allowed up to 48 hours before the session without penalty.

  6. Cancellations within 72 hours of the session date will result in a retention of 50% of the initial deposit payment.

3. Date, Time, and Location Requirements

3.1 The Client must provide accurate details about the date, time, and location of events at least 30 days in advance.
3.2 Last-minute bookings made within 72 hours of booking, may incur additional fees, depending on preparation needs.
3.3 The Company is not liable for delays or disruptions caused by factors beyond its control, such as weather, technical malfunctions, or event cancellations.

4. Copyright and Usage Rights

4.1 All photographs and videos remain the intellectual property of GJD Fotography LLC.
4.2 Clients are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the content for personal purposes or business-related events booked with the Company. Commercial use requires written approval and proper attribution to GJD Fotography LLC.
4.3 Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or modification of the images/videos, including editing or removal of watermarks, is prohibited.

5. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:
5.1 Booking and Payment: Secure booking with a deposit and pay the remaining balance as outlined.
5.2 Providing Information: Communicate details about the session (e.g., themes, attire, or specific requirements) promptly.
5.3 Location Arrangements: Secure any necessary permissions for venues and ensure they are clean, safe, and suitable.
5.4 Model Releases: Obtain necessary permissions, including for minors.
5.5 Timeliness: Arrive on time and prepared.
5.6 Communication: Respond to inquiries promptly to ensure smooth coordination.
5.7 Image Selection: Review and select preferred images within a reasonable timeframe.

6. Photographer Responsibilities

The Photographer agrees to:
6.1 Provide services professionally, adhering to high standards of conduct.
6.2 Use properly maintained equipment, with backup equipment available when feasible.
6.3 Retain creative control over the process, including composition, lighting, and editing.
6.4 Deliver final edited images/videos within 10 business days unless otherwise stated.

7. Abandonment and Termination

If the Client chooses to abandon the project, all deposits paid are forfeited, and the Client relinquishes rights to any photos/videos created during the process.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 If technical malfunctions or unforeseen circumstances cause loss or damage to images/videos, the Company will offer a free reshoot.
8.2 The Company is not responsible for delays or disruptions due to weather, equipment failure, or other uncontrollable events.

9. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the state of Illinois.

10. Copyright Notice
All content, including but not limited to photographs, videos, and related works produced by GJD Fotography LLC, are protected by copyright laws. By engaging our photo and video production services, you are acknowledging and agreeing to the following terms and conditions:
10.1. Ownership: The copyright of all content created by GJD Fotography LLC remains the sole property of GJD Fotography LLC. As such, you may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or transmit any of our content without obtaining prior written permission from GJD Fotography LLC.
10.2. Usage Rights: Our clients are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the photographs and videos provided by GJD Fotography LLC solely for personal or commercial purposes directly related to the client's business. This license is limited to the intended usage specified in the agreement between the client and GJD Fotography LLC and does not include the right to sublicense the content to any third party.
10.3. Alterations: Any alteration, modification, or manipulation of our content, including cropping, editing, adding filters, or removing watermarks, without the explicit written consent of GJD Fotography LLC is strictly prohibited.
10.4. Attribution: When using our content, clients agree to provide proper attribution to GJD Fotography LLC. This includes crediting GJD Fotography LLC as the source of the photographs or videos whenever and wherever they are used, in print or digital media.
10.5. Infringement: Unauthorized usage or distribution of our content is a violation of copyright laws. GJD Fotography LLC reserves the right to take legal action for any copyright infringement, seeking remedies available under applicable laws.
10.6. Confidentiality: Clients acknowledge that any pre-production discussions, concepts, ideas, or methodologies shared by GJD Fotography LLC are confidential and may not be disclosed or used without our express written permission.
By engaging our photo and video production services, you signify your understanding and agreement to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in this Copyright Notice.

The client has the right to abandon any project at any time with which they forfeit the initial deposit as well as any right to the photos and/or videos that were created during the entire process; that also includes logo designs, business card layout designs and real estate packages.

By engaging GJD Fotography LLC, the Client acknowledges they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.

GJD Fotography LLC reserves the right to update or modify this notice at any time without prior notice to clients. It is the client's responsibility to review and comply with the most recent version of this Copyright Notice.

Types of image licenses

GJD Fotography LLC offers various types of licenses for the use of our photographs. By purchasing or using our images, you agree to the terms outlined for the selected license type. Below are the license types, their descriptions, and specific terms:

1. Personal Use License

Description:
This license is for non-commercial, private use of the images (e.g., printing for personal display, sharing with friends and family).

Includes:

  • Printing for personal enjoyment (e.g., wall art, albums).

  • Sharing digitally on personal accounts (with credit to GJD Fotography).

Excludes:

  • Use in advertisements, promotions, or revenue-generating activities.

  • Resale or redistribution of the image in any form.

2. Print Release License

Description:
Allows the client to print the images for personal use without needing to return to us for printing services.

Includes:

  • Printing photos at labs, stores, or online services for personal use.

  • Digital sharing for personal, non-commercial purposes.

Excludes:

  • Use for commercial purposes or profit generation.

  • Editing or altering the images beyond basic cropping or resizing.

  • Resale or third-party distribution.

3. Commercial License

Description:
Grants permission to use images for promotional or revenue-generating purposes, such as marketing, branding, or advertisements.

Includes:

  • Use in advertisements, websites, brochures, or social media campaigns.

  • Modifications like cropping or adding text (as permitted by agreement).

Excludes:

  • Ownership of the copyright (GJD Fotography retains all rights).

  • Resale of the image as a standalone product.

  • Use outside the agreed-upon terms (e.g., time, region, or platform).

4. Editorial Use License

Description:
For journalistic or educational purposes, these images may be used in blogs, news articles, or reports.

Includes:

  • Use in non-commercial blogs, news stories, or publications.

  • Digital or print distribution for informative purposes.

Excludes:

  • Use for commercial advertising or promotional campaigns.

  • Modifications beyond basic cropping or resizing.

5. Exclusive License

Description:
Provides the client with sole rights to use an image, preventing its use or licensing to others.

Includes:

  • Exclusive use in advertisements, branding, or campaigns.

  • Freedom to modify the image within agreed terms.

Excludes:

  • Transfer or resale of rights to third parties without consent.

  • Use beyond the agreed timeframe or purpose.

6. Public Display License

Description:
This license is for displaying images in public spaces, such as galleries, offices, or exhibitions.

Includes:

  • Permission to display images in specific agreed locations.

  • High-resolution files for quality printing.

Excludes:

  • Reproduction or commercial use without additional licensing.

  • Digital sharing or redistribution.

General Terms for All Licenses:

  • GJD Fotography retains the copyright to all images unless explicitly stated otherwise.

  • Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of our images is prohibited.

  • Clients are responsible for adhering to the agreed-upon terms of their specific license.

For any questions or to inquire about custom licensing terms, please contact us at:

  • Email: gjdfotography@gmail.com

  • Phone: 662-380-1689

  • Website Contact page