BUSINESS Policies

BUSINESS HOURS

Our regular business hours are 10am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. 

YOUR SESSION

Be prepared to spend up to 1 hour at your session. This allows us to relax and not feel rushed. If you are running late please phone us. If you are more than 15 minutes late without notifying, I will assume you are not coming. I offer both outdoor studio and on-location sessions. Location sessions can be held inside or outside, in your home or at an alternative location. Please discuss your choice of location with me as the time of day will affect where you can go. If you are unsure I can suggest several locations.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOGRAPHER

Please do not bring your own camera, camcorder or any other recording devices to your session, or allow any family members to do so. If this situation occurs, the photographer reserves the right to terminate the session. If your session is terminated in this way, there will be no refund given.

CANCELLATION/RESCHEDULING

If the need arises to cancel your appointment please do so over the telephone at least 48 hours prior to your session. 780-898-2421

If you, or anyone being photographed, are feeling sick we do suggest rescheduling. Sick people generally do not enjoy being photographed and this will show in your portraits.

RE-SHOOTS

Reshoots are offered at the discretion of the photographer only and will not incur an additional session fee. We do not offer to reshoot for unfortunate personal choices such as hair, clothing, etc.

DISCOUNTS & PROMOTIONS

From time to time we will run special promotions. These sessions are run for a limited time only and session spots fill up fast. If all session slots are full the photographer is under no obligation to extend the promotion or match the offer past the expiration date.

RETOUCHING

All images receive basic retouching. We only retouch temporary things such as stray hairs, spots, acne, etc. If it is permanent, such as a birthmark or scar we will not retouch or remove it unless specifically asked.

COPYRIGHT

Copyright for all images is the sole property of  Mélanie Eckel Photography and protected by Federal Copyright Law. It is ILLEGAL to screenshot, copy, scan, print or reproduce these images in any way without written permission from the photographer. This includes scanning or downloading images for the purposes of emailing or printing them at home. Doing so may result in fines up to $150 000.

USAGE RIGHTS

The photographer has the exclusive right to make reproductions. The photographer shall only make reproductions for the client or for use in the photographer’s portfolio, advertising, samples, website and display within or outside their studio. The photographer also has the right to enter these images into photographic competitions, art exhibitions or publications. No identifying names will be given in connection with usage of any image. We understand that sometimes there are circumstances where you may wish for your images not to be used for any of these purposes. Please notify the photographer if this is the case. No fees, royalties, or payment of any kind will be owed in connection with any usage made of any image captured or created by Mélanie Eckel Photography.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

If the photographer cannot fulfill the terms stated in the portrait agreement, due to causes beyond the control of the parties involved, the client shall have no further liability in respect to the agreement. In the event that photographic materials are lost or damaged, without fault on the part of either party, the limitation will also apply. In such cases, Mélanie Eckel Photography is not liable. The client releases You The Best Photography, and employees of Mélanie Eckel Photography, from all liabilities, claims and damages that may result from any accidents or incidents that may happen during the session, except to the extent that the accident or incident is the direct cause of the photographer’s willful and careless conduct. Please see our reshoot policy.

ONLINE GALLERY

Approximately 10 days after your session your proofs will become available for you to view in an online, personal gallery or delivered on USB for those choosing the Digital All in One Package .

 You will be able to pass on the gallery information to family and friends, so they may place their own orders. Please remember that it is a violation of Federal Copyright Law to copy, save or print the images within the gallery. The online gallery will be available for 6 months. There will be a $30 reloading fee if you wish to have your gallery available for an additional 14 days.

ARTISTIC SELECTION

Many images are captured during the session. Afterward, each image is put through a careful selection process. You will see only the images that meet the high standards of the photographer. Images with eyes closed, unflattering poses and duplicate images are removed permanently after the photographer completes this selection process. The selection process is entirely the right of the photographer and part of the custom portrait process.

ORDERING

Full payment is due at the time of ordering. Each image is printed to order and cannot be changed or canceled after payment has been made. All sales are final.

Please allow 2 weeks for delivery of your portraits.

PRINT & PRODUCT PRICES

Prices are subject to change at any time. The prices in effect at the time of your session will be valid for 30 days after your session.

REPRINTS

We keep all images on file for 7 months after your initial order. You may place a reprint order at any time.

PAYMENT

We accept Cash, Cheque, Mastercard, Visa, and E-Transfer. A $30 fee will be charged for all returned checks. Payment plans are available. Ask your photographer for details.

Non-refundable session fee retainer is required at time of booking.  Post Gallery Orders are due at ordering. ( for wedding please refer to the contract)