Clear information, before booking
Retainer, Cancellation and Rescheduling
Understand the 30% retainer, confirmation process, 72-hour rescheduling notice, and cancellation acknowledgment.
Effective November 6, 2026
A 30% retainer, credited toward the total
The retainer is 30% of the priced session total and is credited toward the final invoice. It is not an additional fee. For the displayed base collections, the retainers are $104.70 for Essential, $224.70 for Signature, and $359.70 for Complete. Tailored quotes and agreed additions can change the total and retainer. Unpriced group, studio, or location requirements must be reviewed before payment instructions are provided.
48-hour unpaid hold and 24-hour reactivation window
Studio approval and issue of the official payment invitation begin a 48-hour hold. The exact Pacific deadlines appear in the private booking. A reminder is due after 24 hours. If the retainer remains unpaid, the hold is released at 48 hours and a release notice is queued. A reactivation/payment link remains available for another 24 hours, subject to the time still being available. That additional window is not a hold. After it expires, a new request is required. Email opens do not extend deadlines. Verified paid bookings are not released by this rule.
A request is not a confirmed reservation
Submitting the initial request does not hold a date or confirm an appointment. The studio reviews availability, full session duration, location, costs, and the retainer. Only a separate studio confirmation email confirms a reservation. After retainer payment is verified, the studio sends the final booking confirmation. Initial requests do not block the calendar. Studio-approved quotes create the timed hold described above.
Cancellation and rescheduling
Unpaid requests may be cancelled without a fee. Client cancellations received at least 72 hours before the scheduled session receive a refund of 50% of the retainer. With less than 72 hours’ notice, the retainer is nonrefundable. With at least 72 hours’ notice, the retainer may transfer once to a new available date, subject to studio confirmation. If the studio cancels and no replacement date is agreed, all payments for the cancelled session are refunded. Unavoidable events are handled under the separate unavoidable-events provision. Use the private booking link to request changes. A replacement date takes effect only after studio confirmation. Cancellation does not itself execute a provider refund. Earlier accepted agreements retain their original terms.
Unavoidable events
Orange County Portraits is not responsible for delays or inability to perform caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, wildfire, earthquake, evacuation orders, or emergency government or venue closures. The studio will notify the client promptly and make reasonable efforts to arrange an alternative date or location. Payments will transfer to an agreed replacement session without a studio rescheduling fee. If no replacement can be agreed, payments for services not provided will be refunded. This provision does not excuse the studio’s own negligence or misconduct or limit rights that cannot legally be waived.
Travel fees
No travel fee for sessions in Cypress, Cerritos, Stanton, Long Beach, Seal Beach, or Huntington Beach. Other locations may require a travel fee, which will be included in your official quote before payment.
Keep the accepted agreement
The session agreement and acceptance date remain available through the private management link. Save the link securely or link an optional account after requesting the session. The current policy page explains the process; it does not replace or rewrite a prior accepted agreement.
Questions? Contact the studio.