Terms of Service

Last updated: 22 Dec 2024

These Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) govern the relationship between Rodney Mickle Photographer (“Photographer,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) and the Client (“Client,” “you,” or “your”) for portrait photography services. By booking a photography session or event coverage with us, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

By booking our photography services, you contractually agree to these Terms of Service. If you disagree, please do not proceed with the booking


  • 1.1 Booking Process: To confirm your portrait photography session, you must pay a non-refundable deposit as outlined in your invoice. The deposit secures your booking and is deducted from the total session fee.

    1.2 Deposit Payment: The deposit amount will be specified at the time of booking. Full payment for the session is due before or on the day of the shoot. The session will not take place until full paymentt is received.

    1.3 Rescheduling: You may reschedule your session with at least 48 hours' notice. If you do not provide sufficient notice or fail to attend the session, the deposit will be forfeited. If rescheduling occurs within the same calendar month, the deposit may be transferred to a new date with no penalty.

    1.4 Cancellations: Cancellations within 48 hours of the scheduled session will result in liquidated damages. Cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance will allow for a rescheduling or refund of the deposit, minus any processing fees, if applicable.

  • 2.1 Scope of Services:

    Photographer agrees to provide event photography services that include, but are not limited to:

    • Pre-Session/Pre-event consultation

    • Photography session or event coverage with unlimited image capture

    • Post session/Post-event editing and delivery of images

    2.2 Location: The session location will be mutually agreed upon in advance.

    2.3 Weather or Unforeseen Events: In the event of inclement weather or other conditions that prevent the session/event from proceeding as scheduled (for outdoor sessions), the session may be rescheduled at no additional charge. Both parties must agree on a new date and time for the session.

  • 3.1 Terms and Methods: Full payment for the session/event coverage (less any deposit already paid) is due on the day of the photography service. Payments can be made via cash, credit card, bank transfer, or other approved methods. All payments will use the U.S. dollar.

    3.2 Travel Fee:  If the location is 50 miles outside of Fort Washington, MD, a travel fee may apply. Please communicate all locations for the photography services well in advance.

    3.3 Additional Fees: Additional services, such as extra service time, special requests, retouching, or physical prints, are provided at an additional expense. All additional fees will be discussed and agreed upon before the session takes place.
    3.4 Late Payments: A late fee of [10%] will apply to all invoices unpaid after 60 days from the session date. Failure to settle payment within 180 days may result in legal action to recover fees.

    3.5 Liquidated Damages: The Client acknowledges that any breach of the contracted services resulting in the cancellation or postponement of those services may result in significant harm to the Photographer. As such, all payments made prior to the occurrence of any breach shall be deemed liquidated damages. The parties agree that these payment amounts represent a reasonable estimate of the damages that the Photographer would incur as a result of such breach and are not intended to serve as a penalty. The Client further agrees that the determination of liquidated damages is based on the unique circumstances surrounding the contracted services and reflects the parties' mutual intent to preemptively address potential losses stemming from a breach.

  • 4.1 Image Retouching and Delivery: All images delivered to the Client will undergo professional editing (culling) and global retouching in accordance with the Photographer’s artistic standards. Client acknowledges that more detailed retouching for more involved image manipulations is available at additional expense.  The typical delivery time for the final edited images is 1-4 weeks after the session date. This timeline may vary depending on the session's complexity.

    4.2 Copyright: Rodney Mickle Photographer retains the copyright to all images produced during the session. By accepting this Agreement, the Client acknowledges that they have no ownership or rights to the images other than non-commericial, non-transferable, and perpetual use license to for personal use of the images .

    4.3 Image Usage Rights: The Client may use the images for personal, non-commercial purposes only (e.g., social media, personal websites, and printing for personal use). Commercial use (e.g., advertising, resale, or any promotional material) requires a separate agreement and licensing fee and will be determined on an ad-hoc basis.

    4.4 Online Gallery/File Storage: Final images will be delivered to the Client via an online gallery or file storage device, depending on the service package chosen. The online gallery will be available for 3 months, after which images may be archived or deleted.

  • 5.1 Event Coverage: The Client agrees to:

    • Provide a detailed schedule of the event.

    • Ensure that all necessary permissions are obtained for the Photographer to not delay or deny photography services.

    • Inform guests that photography will be taking place.

    5.2 Timeliness: The Client must arrive on time for the scheduled session/event. If the Client is late, the session will be shortened, and no compensation will be provided.

    5.3 Wardrobe & Styling: The Client is responsible for their wardrobe, styling, and makeup unless otherwise agreed upon. The Photographer can offer guidance, but any dissatisfaction with the Client's appearance in the final images is not the responsibility of the Photographer.

    5.4 Props and Pets: If the Client wants to include pets or props, prior notification is required. The Client is responsible for the safety and care of pets or props during the session.

  • 6.1 Limitation of Liability: The Photographer’s liability is limited to the amount paid by the Client for the session. We are not responsible for personal injury or damage to property incurred during the session/event.
    6.2 Indemnification: The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Photographer from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the event or the use of the images.

    6.3 Force Majeure: The Photographer is not responsible for any failure to deliver services due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to acts of nature, illness, transportation delays, or any other event outside of our control.

  • 7.1 Confidentiality: The Photographer agrees to respect the privacy of the Client and will not disclose any personal information or images without prior consent, except as necessary to fulfill the terms of the contract.

    7.2 Data Storage: The Photographer may store personal information and photographs for archival and backup purposes. The Client agrees that images may be used for promotional purposes (unless otherwise stated in writing) in accordance with data protection laws.

  • 8.1 Governing Law: This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland. Any disputes arising under this Agreement will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

    8.2 Dispute Resolution: Any disputes regarding this Agreement should first be addressed through good faith negotiations between the Photographer and Client. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the parties agree to submit to mediation or arbitration before resorting to litigation.

  • By booking a session with Rodney Mickle Photographer, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions. A signed agreement or online confirmation will serve as proof of acceptance.

    For any questions or concerns, please contact us:
    rodney@rodneymickle.com
    202.744.6359