Refund Policy

Last Updated: April 15, 2024

1. Introduction

At CalmSeaside Photography, we are committed to providing high-quality photography services and ensuring client satisfaction. This Refund Policy outlines the conditions under which we provide refunds for our services and products.

By booking our services or purchasing our products, you agree to the terms of this Refund Policy. Please read it carefully before making any payments.

2. Booking Fees and Deposits

2.1 Non-Refundable Booking Fee

To secure your photography session date and time, we require a booking fee (typically 25% of the total service fee). This booking fee is non-refundable as it compensates us for:

  • Reserving your date in our calendar
  • Declining other potential clients for that time slot
  • Administrative work related to your booking
  • Pre-session preparation and planning

2.2 Transferable Booking Fee

While booking fees are non-refundable, they may be transferable to another date within 6 months of the original date, subject to our availability and the following conditions:

  • The request to transfer must be made at least 30 days before the original session date
  • The transfer option can only be used once per booking
  • If our rates have increased between the original booking date and the new date, the difference will be payable

3. Cancellations and Refunds for Photography Services

3.1 Client Cancellations

Our refund policy for client-initiated cancellations is as follows:

Timing of Cancellation Refund Amount
More than 30 days before the session Full refund minus the non-refundable booking fee
14-30 days before the session 50% refund of the total fee (excluding the booking fee)
Less than 14 days before the session No refund

Cancellation notices must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected].

3.2 Photographer Cancellations

In the rare event that we need to cancel your session due to illness, emergency, or other circumstances beyond our control, you will be entitled to:

  • A full refund of all payments made, including the booking fee, OR
  • Rescheduling to another available date at no additional cost

If we are able to provide a replacement photographer of similar style and quality (with your approval), no refund will be issued.

3.3 Weather-Related Cancellations

For outdoor sessions that are weather-dependent:

  • If we determine that weather conditions are unsuitable for photography, the session may be rescheduled at no additional cost
  • The decision to cancel due to weather will be made by CalmSeaside Photography
  • Personal preferences regarding weather conditions should be discussed during booking

Weather-related cancellations do not qualify for refunds but will be rescheduled.

4. Refunds for Physical Products

4.1 Custom Printed Products

For custom printed products such as albums, prints, and wall art:

  • Due to the custom nature of these items, orders cannot be canceled once production has begun
  • If you discover a defect in materials or workmanship, you must notify us within 7 days of receiving the product
  • Defective products will be replaced at no additional cost
  • We are not responsible for damage that occurs after delivery due to improper handling or display

4.2 Non-Custom Products

For non-customized items such as frames or photography accessories purchased through us:

  • Items must be returned unused, in original packaging, within 14 days of receipt
  • Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the client
  • A refund will be issued for the full product cost once we receive and inspect the returned item

5. Digital Products and Downloads

For digital products, including digital image files and presets:

  • Due to the instant-delivery nature of digital products, all sales are final and non-refundable once the download link has been provided
  • If you experience technical difficulties accessing your files, please contact us for assistance
  • If we are unable to resolve technical issues within 7 days, a refund may be considered at our discretion

6. Photography Quality Guarantee

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality photography. However, we understand that subjective preferences vary.

6.1 Quality Concerns

If you have concerns about the quality of your images, please follow these steps:

  1. Contact us in writing within 14 days of receiving your images
  2. Clearly explain your specific concerns
  3. We will review your concerns and respond within 7 business days

6.2 Reshoots and Partial Refunds

In cases where we determine that technical quality issues exist that are within our control:

  • We may offer a partial or complete reshoot at no additional cost
  • If a reshoot is not possible or desired, we may offer a partial refund
  • The amount of any partial refund will be determined on a case-by-case basis

Artistic interpretation, style, and subjective preferences do not qualify for refunds or reshoots, as examples of our work are readily available in our portfolio.

7. Payment Processing and Refund Methods

Refunds will be processed using the same payment method used for the original transaction unless otherwise agreed:

  • Credit/debit card refunds typically process within 5-10 business days
  • Bank transfer refunds may take 5-7 business days to appear in your account
  • Other payment methods will be refunded according to their standard processing times

8. Force Majeure

If a photography session must be canceled due to events beyond our control (such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or government restrictions), we will work with you to reschedule the session. If rescheduling is not possible, we will provide a credit for future services valid for 12 months from the original session date.

In these circumstances, the non-refundable booking fee remains non-refundable, but any additional payments made will be applied to the rescheduled session or converted to a credit.

9. Special Circumstances

We understand that unforeseen events occur. In cases of serious illness, bereavement, or other exceptional circumstances, we may consider exceptions to our standard refund policy. Such exceptions are made at our sole discretion and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Documentation may be requested to verify special circumstances.

10. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. The policy in effect at the time of your booking will apply to your transaction.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about our Refund Policy or need to request a refund, please contact us at:

CalmSeaside Photography
Flat 15 Vanessa Avenue
Harrisonhaven RG8 0UN
United Kingdom

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 864 937 9317

We aim to respond to all inquiries within 2 business days.