Clear information, before booking
Session Agreement
Review the current photography session agreement before requesting a session.
Effective November 6, 2026
Your session and estimate
Your selected collection includes the session length and edited digital image count shown in your estimate. This is an example invoice and estimate, not a final invoice. The final cost may differ because of changes, additions, studio rental, travel, location or permit requirements, or other agreed services. Items marked “to be quoted” are not included in the displayed base total.
Retainer and confirmation
After reviewing the request, the studio provides the official itemized quote and approves the time for payment. If the session starts more than 72 hours from the time of payment, you may pay the full invoice or a 30% retainer credited toward the invoice total. Full payment is required when the session starts in 72 hours or less. No payment is required to generate an estimate or submit the initial request. After the required payment is received and verified, the studio sends the final booking confirmation. Additional agreed charges and any applicable sales tax are shown before payment.
Final balance deadline
The remaining balance of the agreed invoice is due 72 hours before the scheduled session start, at the exact Pacific date and time shown in your booking. If the initial payment falls within that window, full payment is due upon acceptance and before the session. A studio-approved reschedule updates the deadline to 72 hours before the new session. A requested date change alone does not change the original deadline. Contact the studio promptly if payment assistance is needed. No automatic late fee or chargeback penalty is imposed by this agreement.
Temporary hold and payment deadline
When the studio approves the official quote and issues the payment invitation, the chosen time is held for up to 48 hours from issue, with the exact Pacific deadline shown in the private booking. A reminder is due after 24 hours if the hold is still active. If the required payment is unpaid when the hold ends, the hold is released and a release notice is queued. A reactivation/payment link remains available for up to another 24 hours before the session start, but the time is no longer reserved and must still be available before payment can proceed. After the additional window expires, submit a new request. Email-open tracking does not extend the deadline. A paid booking is not released by this unpaid-hold rule.
Rescheduling and cancellation
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. Notice is measured from receipt of the cancellation or rescheduling request to the scheduled session start, using Pacific time. Exactly 72 hours qualifies for the advance-notice policy. The original appointment remains in place until a replacement date is confirmed by email. For shorter notice or further rescheduling, contact the studio to discuss an exception. Refunds are processed separately and are not completed merely by submitting a cancellation request. The studio may approve an exception; applicable legal rights remain available.
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 and studio fees
No travel fee applies to sessions in Cypress, Cerritos, Stanton, Long Beach, Seal Beach, or Huntington Beach. Other locations may require a travel fee, included in the official quote for review before payment. Studio rental, parking, admission, and required permit fees are separate and disclosed before payment. No automatic deduction of these costs from a refund is authorized by this agreement.
Digital files and personal printing
Your collection includes edited digital photographs; physical prints and products are purchased separately. You may make standard photographic paper prints up to 8×10 inches for personal use through a printer of your choice, and create and order your own holiday cards. You may also order small prints and holiday cards through the studio. Larger photographic prints, albums, canvas, wall art and other photo products are ordered through Orange County Portraits so the studio can oversee print quality. Copyright remains with the photographer. Commercial use and resale require separate written permission.
Groups, pets, and location requirements
Extended family means relatives joining from more than one household, such as grandparents, adult siblings and their families, or cousins. Extended-family sessions and groups above six people require a tailored quote before payment. Up to two pets are included at no additional charge where the venue permits them. More than two pets require advance review and a separate quote. Pet owners remain responsible for handling, cleanup, and applicable location rules. A handler is recommended when the pet is not being photographed. Rental studios and required location or permit fees are additional and must be agreed before payment.
Holiday turnaround
For sessions taking place through December 6, 2026, the studio aims to deliver edited galleries within 72 hours of the session. This seasonal turnaround is an estimate, not a guaranteed deadline, and may vary with seasonal demand or additional editing requests. Include holiday card or gift deadlines in the request so timing can be discussed before confirmation. Printing and shipping require additional time. For sessions taking place outside this window, delivery timing is provided by the studio.
Gallery and optional upgrades
Choose the included number of photographs from the curated gallery. A full-gallery upgrade, if offered, includes the remaining finished photographs in that gallery. It does not include RAW files, every shutter press, tests, missed focus or repetitive frames. Gallery size varies; the additional image count and upgrade price will be shown before purchase. Delivery timing is provided by the studio.
Creative consultation and preparation
After the retainer is verified, you may request a complimentary 30-minute consultation by Zoom or phone to discuss creative vision, the plan, execution and outfits. A requested call time is subject to studio confirmation. The studio will discuss weather, location and any necessary preparation before the session.
Questions? Contact the studio.