Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
By using our website or booking photography, videography, or marketing services with Spilt Coffee Studio, you agree to these terms.

1. Services
We provide professional photography, videography, and marketing services across all genres. Details are outlined in individual service agreements.
2. Booking & Payment

Deposit: 25% non-refundable deposit required to reserve your date (unless otherwise noted)
Payment: Cash, check, card, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle accepted
Pricing: Customized per project; quotes valid 30 days
Late Payment: May result in delayed delivery

3. Delivery

Timeline: 2-6 weeks after session (rush available for fee) (unless otherwise noted)
Format: Password-protected online viewing gallery 
Selection: We choose which images/videos are edited and delivered
Revisions: Minor adjustments included; major re-edits subject to fees

4. Cancellations & Rescheduling

Deposits: Non-refundable under all circumstances
Cancellations: Less than 14 days notice forfeits entire fee
Rescheduling: Must occur within 3 months or deposit forfeited; 48 hours notice preferred
Our Changes: We may reschedule due to illness/weather; no penalty to you
No-Shows: Forfeit all fees paid
Refunds: All sales final; refunds only if we cannot fulfill services

5. Copyright & Ownership

Ownership: We retain full copyright to all work created (unless otherwise noticed)
Our Use: We may use work for portfolio, website, social media, marketing, and competitions
Opt-Out: Request in writing before session (may affect pricing)

6. Your Usage License

Personal Clients
You may:
Share on personal social media with credit (@spiltcoffeestudio)
You may NOT:
Use for commercial purposes
Significantly alter or edit images
Remove watermarks
Sell or distribute to third parties

Commercial Clients
Usage rights specified in your service agreement, which may include advertising, marketing, and promotional use within defined scope and duration.

7. Model & Property Releases

Service agreements include optional model release (accept or decline)
You're responsible for obtaining releases from third parties and minors
You warrant authority to grant permission for all photographed individuals and locations

8. File Storage

Archive: Files stored for 6 months after delivery, then deleted
Your Responsibility: Download and back up files immediately
Re-Delivery: $25 fee within 6 months; impossible after

9. Session Conduct

Cooperate and follow creative direction
Outdoor sessions subject to weather and terrain risks
You participate at your own risk
We may terminate session for intoxication or unsafe behavior (no refund)

10. Creative Control

We retain full creative and artistic control over deliverables
Shot lists are considered but not guaranteed
Dissatisfaction with style does not qualify for refund

11. Liability

Liability Cap: Limited to amount you paid for services
Equipment Failure: Not liable for equipment failure, data loss, or theft despite backup systems
Force Majeure: Not liable for natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, or circumstances beyond our control
Third Parties: Not responsible for venue closures or vendor failures
Indemnification: You hold us harmless from claims arising from your breach of this agreement or misuse of files

12. Assistants & Education
We may use assistants or second shooters and may photograph sessions for educational purposes.
13. Disputes

Concerns must be submitted in writing within 14 days of delivery
Disputes governed by Illinois law; venue is Cook County, Illinois
No class action participation

14. Privacy
See our Privacy Policy for data handling practices.
15. Changes
We may update these terms at any time. Continued use means acceptance of changes.