TERMS & CONDITIONS

1 – Agreement & Acceptance

1.1 Booking Confirmation

Confirmation of a booking by WhatsApp, email, signed proposal, or payment of any amount constitutes acceptance of these Terms. Digital confirmation has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.

1.2 Entire Agreement

These Terms supersede any prior verbal or written agreements about the same subject matter, except where a separate written contract explicitly states otherwise.

2 – Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms:

• “Studio” – Masoud Raoufi Photography Services Co. L.L.C.
• “Client” – Any individual or legal entity booking or receiving services from the Studio.
• “Services” – Photography, videography, and related creative, production, social media, and content services provided by the Studio.
• “Deliverables” – Final edited work product provided by the Studio (such as edited photos, videos, and other digital files).
• “Working Day” – Any day other than Friday, Saturday, or a UAE public holiday (unless otherwise agreed in writing).

3 – Booking, Deposits & Payments

3.1 Deposits – General Rule

Unless otherwise stated in a service-specific Schedule (Section 29), a non-refundable 50% deposit is required to secure a booking. The remaining 50% is due by the invoice due date.

3.2 Real Estate / Airbnb

For Real Estate & Airbnb services, different rules apply. A separate AED 250 non-refundable booking fee applies instead of the 50% deposit. See Schedule 29.1 – Real Estate & Airbnb Photography.

3.3 Payment Methods

Payments may be made by bank transfer, payment link, or any method stated on the invoice. All bank charges or transfer fees are borne by the Client.

3.4 Late Payments

If full payment is not received within the timeframe stated on the invoice:

• If full payment is not received within 7 days of the invoice due date, the outstanding balance may increase by 10%.
• If still unpaid after 14 days, the outstanding balance may increase by 20% in total.
• The Studio may withhold deliverables and suspend further work until all due amounts (including any penalties) are paid in full.

Any more lenient arrangement must be agreed in writing and is at the Studio’s discretion.

3.5 Currency & Taxes

Unless otherwise stated, all prices are in AED and exclusive of VAT or other applicable taxes, which may be added according to UAE law.

4 – Scope of Services

4.1 General Scope

The Studio provides professional photography and videography services for (without limitation): product, advertising, fashion, corporate, industrial, real estate, events, lifestyle, food, and social media content, plus related editing and delivery.

4.2 Excluded Services

Unless explicitly agreed in writing, the Studio does not provide:

• Event planning or coordination
• Catering
• Hair, makeup, or grooming services
• Cleaning, staging, interior styling, or décor
• Furniture supply or similar services

4.3 Service-Specific Schedules

Additional service-specific terms apply for certain service types (e.g. Real Estate & Airbnb, Event Coverage, Corporate Photography, Product & E-commerce, Food Photography). These are set out in Section 29 (Service-Specific Schedules) and form part of these Terms.

If there is any conflict between the general Terms and a Schedule, the relevant Schedule overrides the general clauses only for that specific service type.

5 – Scheduling, Timing & Late Arrival

5.1 Arrival

Where applicable (e.g. studio or corporate sessions), Clients should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

5.2 Grace Period

A 30-minute grace period is allowed for minor delays or last-minute adjustments.

5.3 Late Start / Location Not Ready

If the Client or the location is more than 45 minutes late or not ready, the Studio may:

• Shorten the session without any fee reduction, and/or
• Treat the booking as cancelled and retain the deposit or charge applicable cancellation fees as per Section 20.

Readiness rules specific to Real Estate / Airbnb are set out in Schedule 29.1.

6 – Creative Direction & Style

6.1 Portfolio & Expectations

The Client acknowledges that they have reviewed the Studio’s portfolio and have booked the Studio based on that style and quality.

6.2 Creative Control

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Studio retains full creative control over composition, framing, lighting, editing style, and artistic judgment during the shoot and in post-production.

6.3 Stylistic Changes

Requests for substantial stylistic changes after the shoot has started or after editing has begun may be treated as additional work and charged at the Studio’s standard rates.

7 – Client Responsibilities & Permissions

7.1 Permissions & Licences

The Client is responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions, licences, and approvals for:

• Use of locations and venues
• Filming/photographing individuals (including minors, where applicable)
• Using logos, products, trademarks, or other third-party content

7.2 Indemnity for Permissions

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold the Studio harmless against any claims, damages, or costs arising from failure to secure such permissions.

8 – Wardrobe, Props & Equipment

8.1 Client-Provided Items

Unless explicitly included in the quotation, the Client is responsible for providing wardrobe, props, styling elements, makeup, and hair.

8.2 Damage to Studio Property

Any damage to Studio-owned props, sets, backdrops, or equipment caused by the Client or their guests will be charged at the full repair or replacement cost.

9 – Social Media Account Handling (If Applicable)

9.1 Access & Credentials

Where social media management is part of the Services, the Client must supply accurate credentials and ensure that they are authorized to grant the Studio access.

9.2 Limitations of Liability

The Studio will use reasonable care but is not liable for unauthorized access, hacking, platform outages, or account-related issues beyond its direct control.

10 – Models, Participants & Releases

10.1 Authority to Film/Photograph

By booking a session, the Client authorizes the Studio to photograph/film all participants involved in the project, unless a written opt-out is provided before the session.

10.2 Releases & Consents

The Client must inform all participants and secure any necessary model releases, parental consents, or property releases.

10.3 Indemnity for Releases

The Client indemnifies the Studio against claims arising from the Client’s failure to obtain such releases or consents.

11 – Delivery Method, Timeline & File Expiry

11.1 Standard Delivery Method

Unless otherwise stated, Deliverables are provided via the Studio’s Google Drive, with links shared by WhatsApp or email.

Delivery is deemed complete once the download link is shared. The Studio is not obliged to upload files to the Client’s cloud, external drives, or other platforms unless agreed in writing.

11.2 General Delivery Timeline (Non–Real Estate)

For most projects (unless otherwise specified in a Schedule), final edited Deliverables are provided within 7–14 Working Days after:

• The shoot date; or
• The date the Studio receives all required selections/approvals from the Client,

whichever is later.

11.3 Service-Specific Timelines

Specific timelines (including rush delivery options) for Event Coverage, Corporate, Product & E-commerce, Real Estate, and Food Photography are set out in the relevant Schedules under Section 29.

11.4 Link Expiry

Download links remain active for 7 days from the date they are first shared. Retrieval or re-upload after expiry may incur an administrative fee (see Section 13.3).

12 – Revisions & Additional Work

12.1 Included Revisions

Unless otherwise specified in a Schedule, the Client is entitled to one (1) round of minor revisions, requested within 48 hours of initial delivery.

12.2 Minor Revisions

“Minor revisions” include small adjustments such as:

• Light colour and exposure tweaks
• Minor cropping or straightening
• Light retouching

12.3 Major Revisions & Extra Rounds

Major alterations (e.g. heavy retouching, complex composites, AI-generated changes, significant content changes, or multiple revision rounds) are billable, typically at:

• AED 250 per revision round (project-level); or
• The Studio’s hourly or per-image rate, as communicated in advance in writing.

13 – Storage & File Management

13.1 Retention Period

The Studio retains project files and raw data for up to one (1) month after delivery or full payment (whichever is later). After this period, files may be deleted without notice.

13.2 Client Responsibility for Backups

The Client is responsible for downloading and backing up Deliverables promptly. The Studio is not responsible for lost files after the retention period.

13.3 Retrieval After Retention Period

If the Client requests retrieval of files after the specified retention period and the files are still available, an additional administrative fee of AED 250 per retrieval will be charged.

14 – Usage Rights & Licence

14.1 Standard Licence

Upon full payment, the Client receives a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use the Deliverables for:

• Personal use; and
• Digital business use (websites, social media, presentations, internal documents).

14.2 Commercial Advertising Use

Use of Deliverables in large-scale commercial advertising (e.g. billboards, TV commercials, magazines, product packaging, or resale) requires a separate written licence and may be subject to additional fees.

14.3 Restrictions on Transfer

The Client may not sell, sublicense, or transfer Deliverables to third parties unless expressly agreed in writing. Stricter or additional restrictions for Event Coverage, Product & E-commerce, etc., may be detailed in their Schedules.

15 – Intellectual Property

15.1 Copyright

Unless a separate written copyright assignment (buy-out) is agreed and paid for, the Studio retains full copyright in all photographs, videos, and creative works produced.

15.2 RAW Files

RAW files are not supplied unless expressly included in the quotation or the applicable Schedule.

16 – Portfolio & Marketing Rights

16.1 Use in Portfolio

Unless the Client opts out in writing before the session, the Studio may use Deliverables for portfolio and marketing purposes, including:

• Website and social media
• Printed materials and brochures
• Showreels, presentations, or award submissions

16.2 Non-Publication Requests

Clients with special privacy or confidentiality requirements must request non-publication in advance. A non-publication fee may apply, especially for commercial or e-commerce work.

17 – Confidentiality & NDAs

17.1 Confidential Information

Both parties agree to keep confidential any non-public business, financial, technical, or personal information obtained in the course of the project, except where disclosure is required by law.

17.2 NDAs

For highly sensitive projects, a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) can be signed.

18 – Product Handling (Physical Items)

18.1 Shipping & Transit

For product shoots, the Client is responsible for shipping products to and from the Studio and bears all risks in transit.

18.2 Care & Limitations

The Studio will take reasonable care of products on-site but is not liable for:

• Minor wear or packaging damage; or
• Issues inherent to the product itself.

18.3 Collection of Products

The Client must collect products after the shoot. The Studio generally does not arrange courier or delivery services unless agreed in writing.

19 – Client Delays & Cooperation

19.1 Timely Inputs

The Client must provide instructions, briefs, approvals, feedback, and assets (logos, products, access credentials, etc.) in a timely manner.

19.2 Consequences of Delay

Significant delays or lack of response from the Client may:

• Extend delivery timelines; and/or
• Result in reasonable additional fees (for rescheduling, storage, re-editing, or re-shooting), to be agreed in writing before being charged.

This replaces any previous strict “per-day penalty” approach and is intended to be more balanced and fair.

20 – Cancellation & Rescheduling

20.1 General Projects – Cancellation

(Excluding services with separate rules in Section 29)

• Cancellation 7 or more days before the day of shoot
  • The non-refundable deposit is forfeited; no further charges apply.
• Cancellation within 7 days but more than 48 hours before the shoot
  • The Client pays a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the total project fee, with a minimum of AED 1,000.
  • Any deposit already paid will be applied towards this cancellation fee. If the deposit is less than AED 1,000, the Client must pay the difference.
• Cancellation within 48 hours of the shoot
  • The Client pays 100% of the total project fee.

20.2 Rescheduling – General Projects

• One (1) reschedule may be allowed without additional fee, subject to the Studio’s availability, if requested at least 72 hours before the shoot.
• Further reschedules or same-day changes may be treated as cancellations and charged in line with the above rules.

20.3 Service-Specific Rules

Real Estate, Event Coverage, Corporate, Product & E-commerce, and Food Photography may have different or additional rules in their respective Schedules, which override this section for those service types.

21 – Safety, Conduct & Right to Stop

21.1 Unsafe or Abusive Situations

If the Studio’s staff or equipment are placed in an unsafe, abusive, or unlawful environment, the Studio may suspend or terminate the session immediately.

21.2 Fees in Such Cases

In such cases, all fees up to that point remain payable, and the session may be treated as completed for billing purposes.

22 – Force Majeure

22.1 Definition

Neither party is liable for failure or delay in performance due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, pandemics, acts of government, strikes, war, civil unrest, major technical outages, or serious equipment failure.

22.2 Rescheduling

Amounts already paid remain non-refundable, but the Studio will work with the Client in good faith to reschedule where possible and reasonable.

23 – Limitation of Liability

23.1 Cap on Liability

The Studio’s total aggregate liability for any claim arising from the Services is limited to the total fees actually paid by the Client for the specific project giving rise to the claim.

23.2 Exclusions

The Studio is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages, including loss of profit, opportunity, or reputation.

24 – Indemnification

24.1 Client Indemnity

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold the Studio harmless from all claims, damages, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of:

• The Client’s breach of these Terms
• The Client’s failure to obtain necessary permissions or releases
• The Client’s misuse, alteration, or unlawful use of Deliverables

25 – Warranties Disclaimer

25.1 Professional “As-Is” Standard

The Services and Deliverables are provided on a professional “as-is” basis. The Studio commits to a professional standard of care but cannot guarantee that the Client’s subjective taste or expectations will always be met.

25.2 No Guarantee of Results

No guarantee is given regarding specific commercial outcomes (e.g. sales, bookings, social media reach, or engagement).

26 – Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

26.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates.

26.2 Amicable Resolution

The parties will first seek an amicable resolution through good-faith discussion.

26.3 Courts & Arbitration

Failing an amicable resolution, disputes shall be submitted to the courts of Dubai, UAE. By mutual agreement, disputes may instead be referred to arbitration under the rules of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC).

27 – Digital Approval

27.1 Binding Digital Approvals

Approval given via email, WhatsApp, SMS, or other digital communication is binding and has the same effect as a handwritten signature, including approval of:

• Quotations and invoices
• Shot lists and creative briefs
• Sample images, proofs, and final selections

28 – Service-Specific Schedules

The following Schedules contain additional or modified terms for specific services. They form part of these Terms. If there is any conflict, the relevant Schedule overrides the general clauses only for that service type.

• 29.1 – Real Estate & Airbnb Photography
• 29.2 – Event Coverage Services
• 29.3 – Corporate Photography
• 29.4 – Product & E-Commerce Photography
• 29.5 – Food Photography (On-Site & Studio)

29.1 Schedule – Real Estate & Airbnb Photography

1 – Scope of Responsibility

The Studio’s role is limited to capturing and delivering real estate images/videos. The Client must ensure that the property is clean, staged, and ready. The Studio does not provide cleaning, staging, furniture arrangement, or interior design.

2- Booking & Payment

• A non-refundable booking fee of AED 250 is required to confirm the booking.
• This fee is deducted from the final invoice amount.
• Written confirmation (WhatsApp/email) together with payment of the booking fee is sufficient to confirm the booking.
• By allowing the Studio to conduct the shoot, the Client confirms acceptance of the Studio’s portfolio style as the quality standard.
• Payment of the remaining balance is due upon or immediately after delivery. Dissatisfaction with style, framing, or angles is not grounds for non-payment.

3 – Timing & Readiness

• The property must be fully ready at the agreed time.
• A 30-minute grace period is allowed.
• If the property is still not ready after 30 minutes, the Studio may cancel the session and the Client will be liable for 100% of the agreed fee, as the time slot was reserved.

4 – Access & Liability

If the Client provides keys, door codes, or leaves the property accessible, the Studio is not responsible for the property’s security, condition, or any loss/damage during times when the Studio is not present.

5 – Weather Conditions

Humidity, fog, dust, or rain may affect visibility. The shoot will usually proceed regardless of weather. The Studio does not guarantee that images will match the naked-eye view, and no free reshoots are offered solely for weather reasons.

6 – Delivery Timeline

• Daylight-only shoots: edited images delivered within 24 hours of shoot completion.
• Day & night shoots: images delivered within 36 hours after completion of the night session.

Delivery is via Studio Google Drive; once links are shared, the Studio’s delivery obligation is fulfilled, in line with Section 11.

7 – Night / Sunset Charges

Night or sunset imagery (e.g. city lights, sea or landmark views) may incur an additional 50% of the project fee, which will be quoted in advance.

8 – Amenities & Common Areas

The Client must obtain permission from building management/security for photography of amenities (lobbies, gyms, pools, etc.) and provide access cards or a representative. The Studio will only photograph when spaces are reasonably empty to respect privacy. If permission is denied, the Studio has no obligation to shoot these areas.

9 – Views & Perspectives

The Studio will make reasonable efforts to capture notable views (e.g. Burj Khalifa, sea view), but appearance depends on lens choice, framing, lighting, and weather and cannot be guaranteed.

10 – Editing & Retouching

Standard real estate editing includes HDR blending, exposure balancing, colour correction, and minor retouching (e.g. removing small cables or marks). The Studio will not:

• Replace furniture
• Redesign interiors
• Alter views with AI or add landmarks that do not exist

11 – Accuracy & Integrity

Images should accurately represent the property. Excessive digital manipulation intended to mislead potential tenants/buyers is not permitted.

29.2 Schedule – Event Coverage Services

1 – Scope of Service

Event coverage includes photography and/or videography for corporate, private, or public events. The Studio’s responsibility is to capture the event and deliver RAW and/or edited content as specified here and in the quotation.

2 – Delivery Commitment

• RAW Photos: uploaded to the Studio’s Google Drive; link shared via WhatsApp within 8 hours after each event day.
• RAW Video Footage: same as above (within 8 hours).
• Highlight Video(s):
  • Single-day events: one (1) highlight video of approx. 30–90 seconds, delivered within 24 hours after the event.
  • Multi-day events: one (1) highlight per day plus one (1) overall recap, all delivered within 24 hours after the final day.

Delivery is via Studio Google Drive only; once links are shared, the Studio’s delivery obligation is fulfilled, in line with Section 11.

3 – Access & Permissions

The Client is responsible for event passes, security clearances, stage access, and all required permissions. The Studio is not liable for missed coverage caused by access restrictions.

4 – Booking, Deposit & Rescheduling

• A non-refundable 50% deposit of the total fee is required to confirm the booking.
• Due to the time-critical nature of events, rescheduling is treated strictly. If the Client requests to change or reschedule a confirmed date, an additional penalty of up to 50% of the total amount may apply, depending on the notice given and costs already incurred.
• The exact policy for a specific event can be clarified in the quotation to keep it fair and transparent.

5 – Usage Rights & Restrictions

• Copyright remains with the Studio until full payment is received.
• After full payment, the Client receives a non-exclusive licence to use the content for its own business and promotional channels.
• The Client must not share or re-license content to third parties (organizers, partners, vendors) without written consent from the Studio. Third parties require separate licences.
• Unauthorized redistribution or commercial use by third parties may result in additional fees and possible legal action.

6 – Force Majeure & Delays

Technical issues, venue constraints, or force majeure events that cause delays will be communicated promptly. Reasonable efforts will be made to complete delivery as soon as possible. Such delays do not entitle the Client to refunds, but the Studio will act in good faith to minimize impact.

7 – Client Indemnity

The Client indemnifies the Studio against claims arising from:

• Failure to secure event permissions; and/or
• Misuse or unauthorized redistribution of the delivered material.

29.3 Schedule – Corporate Photography

1 – Scope of Service

Covers staff portraits, executive headshots, teams, and business lifestyle imagery at the Studio or at the Client’s location.

2 – Booking & Payment

• Bookings are confirmed after receipt of payment for at least one session (e.g. AED 300 per headshot, or as per quotation).
• A non-refundable 50% deposit of the total project value (minimum AED 300) is required to secure the date.
• If the Client arrives more than 30 minutes late, the Studio may shorten or cancel the session and treat the deposit as a cancellation fee.

3 – Rescheduling

• Changes requested at least 1 day before the session may be accommodated, subject to availability.
• Same-day rescheduling or no-show may be treated as a full cancellation, with the booking fee forfeited.

4 – Delivery Timeline

• Standard delivery: edited photos within 4 Working Days after the shoot.
• Urgent delivery (same-day or within 24 hours) may be available for an extra fee per photo (e.g. AED 150), to be agreed in advance.
• Delivery is via Studio Google Drive; links are shared by WhatsApp or email.

5 – Editing & Retouching

• Standard editing includes: exposure, colour adjustment, basic facial retouching, and light background cleanup.
• One (1) minor revision per image is free if requested within 5 days.
• Major edits (body reshaping, heavy retouching, complex background changes) are chargeable (e.g. AED 50 per image per round) and are not part of the standard service.
• Changes to clothing, clothing colour, or background colour will incur an additional fee of AED 100 per edit, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

6 – Client Responsibilities

The Client must ensure:

• Clothing is clean, ironed, and presentable;
• Grooming, hair, and makeup are properly prepared;
• Where relevant, male clients arrive clean-shaven if that is the desired look.

Requests to fix clothing issues, stains, poor grooming, or similar problems in post-production are treated as chargeable major retouching.

7 – Usage Rights

Upon full payment, the Client may use the photos for internal and online corporate purposes. Large-scale advertising use may require an additional licence as per Section 14.

29.4 Schedule – Product & E-Commerce Photography

1 – Scope of Service

Designed for simple catalogue-style product images on plain backgrounds for platforms such as Amazon, Noon, websites, and social media. Styled, conceptual, or lifestyle work falls under Commercial Photography and is quoted separately.

2 – Booking & Payment

• Booking is confirmed when the Client pays 50% of the invoice.
• By paying, the Client confirms acceptance of the Studio’s existing style as shown in its portfolio.
• No final files are released until 100% of the invoice is paid.

3 – Client Brief & Mood Board

• Before shooting, the Client should provide a mood board and brief with angles, style references, and expectations.
• If no brief is provided, the Studio will shoot at its own professional discretion and is not obliged to reshoot for stylistic dissatisfaction.

4 – Product Delivery & Collection

• The Client must deliver products to the Studio in suitable condition and packaging.
• While monitored by CCTV and handled with care, the Studio does not take responsibility for inherent product defects or for damage or theft beyond reasonable measures.
• After the shoot, the Client must collect the products; the Studio does not handle shipping unless agreed in writing.

5 – Shooting Procedure & Approvals

• The Studio may share preview shots during the session for angle/framing confirmation. Once a sample is approved, that direction is considered final.
• If the Client is unavailable for live feedback, the Studio proceeds using its own judgment.
• For large product batches (e.g. 10+ products), reshoots are generally not offered unless the Studio agrees at its discretion.

6 – Editing & Retouching

• Standard edits: exposure, colour correction, dust/fingerprint removal, background cleanup.
• Complex edits (advanced shadows, reflections, colour matching between batches, reconstruction) are chargeable.
• The Studio does not create AI mockups, fantasy composites, or unrealistic product depictions.

7 – Revisions & Timeline

• Standard delivery: within 7 Working Days of the photoshoot.
• The Client may request minor revisions within 48 hours of receiving files; additional or late revisions are chargeable.
• Delivery is via Studio Google Drive; links are shared by WhatsApp or email.

8 – Usage & Portfolio Rights

• After full payment, the Client may use the images for e-commerce and marketing.
• The Studio may use images in its portfolio and marketing unless a non-publication fee is paid for privacy.
• The Client indemnifies the Studio against claims arising from defective, unsafe, or mislabelled products.

29.5 Schedule – Food Photography (On-Site & Studio)

1 – Scope of Service

This Schedule applies to all food and beverage photography for restaurants, cafés, hotels, cloud kitchens, catering, and packaged F&B brands, whether:

• On-site at the Client’s premises (e.g. restaurant, hotel, kitchen); or
• In-studio at the Studio’s location.

Unless stated otherwise in this Schedule, the general Terms & Conditions apply.

ON-SITE FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY (RESTAURANT / HOTEL / KITCHEN)

2 – Fresh Preparation & Timing

2.1 The Client must ensure that all dishes to be photographed are freshly prepared specifically for the photoshoot, not taken from customers’ orders.

2.2 Hot dishes, grilled items, and dishes with melted cheese or sauces should be prepared shortly before they are photographed so they look fresh and appetizing.

2.3 For desserts and temperature-sensitive items (e.g. ice cream, sorbets, cold desserts, frozen drinks), the Client must:

• Wait until the photographer confirms that the table setup and lighting are ready; and
• Only then prepare and bring the dessert to the set so it can be captured at its best condition.

2.4 The Client understands that some food items may require multiple plates/portions to maintain freshness during the session and agrees to provide such quantities when needed.

3 – Kitchen / Restaurant Readiness

3.1 The shooting area (dining room, bar, terrace, or kitchen pass) must be clean, tidy, and free from unnecessary clutter at the agreed time.

3.2 The Client is responsible for:

• Ensuring the kitchen can support the shoot (without compromising hygiene rules or service);
• Assigning a point-of-contact (chef or manager) to coordinate the sequence of dishes; and
• Keeping the area around the set reasonably quiet and organized.

4 – Chef & Service Staff Cooperation

4.1 The chef, waiters, and service staff must follow the photographer’s reasonable directions regarding:

• Plate presentation and rotation;
• Garnishing and arrangement;
• Position of cutlery, napkins, glasses, bottles, and other table elements;
• Timing of when dishes are brought to and removed from the set.

4.2 The Client agrees that these adjustments are made only to achieve the best visual result and do not affect the actual recipe or taste of the dish.

4.3 If staff repeatedly ignore or refuse reasonable guidance from the photographer, the Studio:

• Cannot guarantee optimal results; and
• Is not responsible for reshoots or refunds due to poor cooperation.

IN-STUDIO FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

5 – Food Styling (Not Included by Default)

5.1 Professional food styling is not included in standard food photography pricing.

5.2 If a food stylist is required (for example for high-end campaigns, menu covers, or complex dishes), the stylist’s fee is separate and additional to the Studio’s fee.

5.3 The Studio can:

• Recommend or arrange a professional food stylist on the Client’s behalf; or
• Work with a stylist chosen and paid directly by the Client.

5.4 If the Client chooses not to use a food stylist, the Studio will do basic plating adjustments only. The Client accepts that results may not match high-end styled images shown in the Studio’s portfolio or references.

6 – Ingredients & Food Preparation in Studio

6.1 Some dishes (e.g. salads, sandwiches, burgers, breakfast plates, drinks) may need to be prepared or assembled inside the Studio to control freshness and appearance.

6.2 In such cases, the Client agrees that:

• The cost of ingredients is not included in the base photography fee; and
• Ingredients will be charged separately, either:
  • As a fixed agreed amount; or
  • As per actual receipts plus a service fee, as stated in the quotation.

6.3 The Client may send their own ingredients or products; however, the Studio may recommend additional or replacement ingredients when existing ones do not meet visual standards.

7 – Ingredient Quality & Shopping by the Studio

7.1 Where the Studio is responsible for buying ingredients, the Client agrees that:

• All shopping must follow the Studio’s quality standards; and
• The Studio will choose brands, types, and quality levels that best match the Studio’s creative vision (e.g. no poor-quality bread or low-grade produce if it harms the final image).

7.2 The Client must trust the Studio’s judgment on ingredient selection for visual purposes. Requests for very specific brands or products must be clearly communicated and agreed in writing before shopping.

7.3 Ingredient costs (including premium bread, meat, vegetables, garnishes, drinks, etc.) and shopping time:

• Will be invoiced separately from the photography fee; and
• Must be settled according to the payment terms in the main contract.

7.4 Any leftover ingredients and food used for the shoot are:

• Either disposed of by the Studio in a safe and hygienic manner; or
• Collected by the Client on the same day, if requested in advance.

GENERAL FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY CONDITIONS

8 – Props, Backgrounds & Tableware

8.1 Plates, cutlery, boards, linens, and backgrounds used during the shoot may be:

• Provided by the Studio from its own prop collection; and/or
• Provided by the Client (e.g. restaurant’s own plates, bowls, branded items).

8.2 All props owned by the Studio remain the property of the Studio and must not be taken away by the Client or staff.

8.3 If any Studio props are broken or damaged due to Client or staff negligence, replacement costs will be charged to the Client.

9 – Realism, Integrity & Retouching Limits

9.1 Food images must represent the dish honestly. The Studio will not:

• Use completely different ingredients that misrepresent the dish; or
• Add unrealistic elements with AI/compositing to create a dish that is not actually served.

9.2 Standard editing includes:

• Colour correction, contrast, and exposure adjustments;
• Minor cleanup (crumbs, small spills, fingerprints, etc.);
• Simple background cleanup and straightening.

9.3 Heavy retouching (changing the structure of dishes, rebuilding ingredients, or extensive compositing) is considered additional work and is subject to extra fees as per Section 12.

10 – Responsibility for Food Safety & Hygiene

10.1 The Client is solely responsible for food safety and hygiene, including:

• Storage and preparation during on-site shoots; and
• Providing safe, in-date ingredients for studio shoots.

10.2 The Studio is not responsible for any food served to customers or consumed by staff, models, or crew before or after the photoshoot.

11 – Cancellations & Wasted Ingredients

11.1 If a confirmed food shoot is cancelled or rescheduled at short notice (as defined in Section 20), the Client remains responsible for:

• Any booking fee or deposit; and
• Any ingredient and styling costs already incurred by the Studio, including purchased food and stylist fees.

11.2 These costs are non-refundable, as ingredients and stylist time cannot usually be reused for another project.