Shuttering Moments

Terms, Policies & Service Guidelines

Effective Date: January 1st , 2026

Our Commitment to Clear Communication

At Shuttering Moments, our goal is simple: clear expectations, clear communication, quality work, and no surprises.

Shuttering Moments provides customized photography, videography, real estate media, youth sports photography, graphic design, website development, marketing assistance, social media content, and other visual and creative services.

Because every project can be different, the exact scope of work, pricing, timeline, deliverables, services, and responsibilities may vary from project to project.

This page establishes the general terms, policies, and service guidelines that apply to services provided by Shuttering Moments.

The specific agreement, work order, estimate, invoice, or other written authorization submitted and accepted for a particular project will identify the specific services being requested, pricing, deliverables, timelines, and project requirements. When a specific written agreement contains terms that are different from these general policies, the specific submitted agreement will control the project-specific terms.

Clients, customers, leagues, organizations, businesses, agents, couples, families, and other persons requesting services from Shuttering Moments are responsible for reading and understanding these policies and asking questions before work begins.

If something is unclear, please contact Shuttering Moments before requesting or approving the work.

1. Pricing & Custom Services

The pricing displayed on the Shuttering Moments website, promotional materials, social media, brochures, advertisements, or other marketing materials is intended as a general pricing guideline unless a specific price is expressly identified as a fixed price for a particular service.

Many Shuttering Moments projects are customized.

Photography, videography, real estate media, graphic design, website development, marketing assistance, social media content, editing, printing, and other services may require different amounts of time, equipment, personnel, editing, preparation, production, or specialized skills.

For that reason, website pricing should not automatically be interpreted as the final price of a custom project.

A project estimate is based on the information and scope of work understood at the time the estimate is prepared.

An estimate is an estimate and is not necessarily the final invoice amount.

The final balance may change when the actual scope of work includes additional services, additional time, additional editing, additional personnel, additional materials, revisions, travel, third-party charges, or other work requested by the client.

The final amount due will be based upon the work actually agreed upon and performed, less any applicable retainer or payments already received.

Before work begins, Shuttering Moments will provide the requester with the applicable pricing, estimate, agreement, work order, or other confirmation necessary to establish the expected scope of work.

2. Work Authorization & Agreements

For services requiring an agreement, the agreement must be completed and submitted before work begins.

The agreement is intended to establish a clear understanding of:

The services being requested;
The scope of work;
The expected timeline;
Deliverables;
Pricing or estimated pricing;
Retainer requirements;
Additional fees;
Responsibilities of Shuttering Moments;
Responsibilities of the requester;
Usage rights;
Printing rights, when applicable;
Other project-specific requirements.

The person submitting the agreement is responsible for reviewing the agreement carefully and asking any questions before submitting it.

Submitting an agreement constitutes the requester’s acknowledgment that they have reviewed the agreement and are requesting the services under the terms stated in that agreement.

Agreements submitted to Shuttering Moments are date and time stamped for recordkeeping and to establish a clear timeline for when the project was authorized.

A copy of an agreement may be provided upon request if the requester did not retain a copy.

3. Changes to Agreements

Changes to an agreement must be confirmed directly by Shuttering Moments.

A requester may not unilaterally change the scope of work, timeline, deliverables, pricing, or other terms of an agreement.

Changes may be confirmed through written communication, including email or other written communication accepted by Shuttering Moments.

Shuttering Moments will document material changes so there is a clear record of what was agreed upon.

If a requested change creates additional work, the additional work may result in additional charges.

A new agreement may be required when the requested change substantially changes the original project.

4. Payments & Invoicing

All invoices issued by Shuttering Moments contain a specific payment due date.

Payment is due on or before the due date stated on the invoice.

Shuttering Moments provides a 7-calendar-day grace period after the invoice due date.

The grace period does not change the original due date. It is provided as a courtesy before a late fee is applied.

If payment remains outstanding after the 7-calendar-day grace period, the applicable late fee will be added to the outstanding balance.

Payments received will be applied to the oldest outstanding balance first, followed by subsequent outstanding balances in date order unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Shuttering Moments accepts payment methods designated by the company, which may include:

Cash;
Check;
Cash App;
Venmo;
Zelle;
Other payment methods specifically approved by Shuttering Moments.

Shuttering Moments reserves the right to verify the identity or ownership of an account used for payment.

5. Late Fees

If an invoice remains unpaid after the 7-calendar-day grace period, a late fee of 15% of the outstanding balance of that invoice will be applied.

Additional late fees will be applied every 30 calendar days based upon the outstanding balance of the invoice, subject to the maximum described below.

The late-fee schedule is based upon the original invoice due date, not the date on which a previous late fee was added.

Late-fee maximum

The maximum late fee that may be assessed during any applicable 30-day period is $100.

Once the applicable late fee reaches $100, subsequent 30-day periods in which the invoice remains unpaid may result in an additional $100 late fee for each 30-day period until the invoice is paid.

Late fees do not replace the original amount owed. They are additional charges resulting from the failure to make timely payment.

All outstanding balances, including applicable late fees, remain the responsibility of the person or entity responsible for the invoice.

6. Retainers of Services

Certain Shuttering Moments services require a retainer to reserve services, dates, personnel, equipment, preparation time, or project resources.

Unless otherwise specifically stated in a written agreement, the retainer is applied toward the project for which it was submitted.

Retainers are not refundable simply because the requester later decides to cancel, change their mind, or no longer wants the originally requested services.

Shuttering Moments commits resources to projects after an agreement and retainer are submitted. The retainer compensates for the reservation and preparation associated with that commitment.

Cancellation and unused retainer credit

If a project is cancelled by the requester, any unused portion of the retainer may remain available as a credit toward future Shuttering Moments services, subject to these policies.

The unused portion of the retainer will remain available for 364 calendar days from the date the original agreement was submitted.

The original agreement date controls the expiration of the retainer credit.

A new service using the retained credit requires a new agreement or work order so that the new project has its own clearly defined scope, pricing, timeline, and deliverables.

The use of a prior retainer does not automatically transfer the original project’s terms to the new project.

A retainer may be transferred to another person or business only with written approval from Shuttering Moments and acceptance by the original requester and the receiving party.

If the new project occurs after the 364-calendar-day retainer period has expired, the original retainer cannot be transferred or extended solely because a new project is being requested.

Exception when Shuttering Moments cannot perform

If Shuttering Moments determines that it cannot fulfill the services specifically agreed upon in the original agreement, and the inability to perform is attributable to Shuttering Moments rather than a third party, force majeure event, unsafe condition, venue closure, client action, or other circumstance addressed by these policies, Shuttering Moments may provide an appropriate resolution, which may include a refund of the unused portion of the retainer.

If the requester wishes to use the retainer toward a different service that Shuttering Moments cannot perform in-house, Shuttering Moments may, at its discretion, approve a refund of the unused portion rather than requiring the credit to be used toward another Shuttering Moments service.

Any such refund is discretionary unless otherwise required by applicable law or specifically stated in the applicable agreement.

7. Cancellation of Services

Cancellation of a service does not automatically create a right to a refund.

Any cancellation will be handled according to the applicable agreement and these policies.

Paid amounts and retainers may be applied toward future Shuttering Moments services according to the applicable retainer policy.

The expiration date of any retainer or applicable credit will be based upon the original agreement.

If a cancellation creates additional work, preparation, rescheduling, travel, materials, or other expenses, applicable charges may apply.

Clients should contact Shuttering Moments before cancelling so the circumstances can be reviewed and the available options can be explained.

8. Additional Work, Editing & Requested Changes

All requested work is potentially billable unless Shuttering Moments specifically confirms in writing that the work will be provided at no charge.

This includes editing, retouching, graphic design, website changes, video revisions, additional photography, additional services, additional production time, additional equipment use, and other requested work.

A requester is responsible for asking questions about fees before requesting the work.

The fact that a requester does not ask about pricing does not mean the requested work is free.

From time to time, Shuttering Moments may offer a service at $0.00 as a promotional opportunity, demonstration, introductory service, marketing promotion, or courtesy.

A free promotional service is a specific exception and does not establish a permanent expectation that the same service will be free in the future.

If additional work requires more time, equipment, editing, specialized skills, personnel, or production, additional charges may apply.

9. Copyright, Ownership & Intellectual Property

Unless a written agreement specifically states otherwise, Shuttering Moments retains ownership of the copyright and intellectual property associated with imagery, photographs, video, graphics, designs, digital products, physical creative products, and other original visual work created by Shuttering Moments.

A client receiving a final product does not automatically receive ownership of the underlying copyright.

A client may receive specific usage, licensing, printing, personal, commercial, or other rights according to the applicable agreement.

The rights granted to a client depend upon the service purchased and the terms contained in the applicable agreement.

Modification of Shuttering Moments work

No delivered image, video, graphic, design, or other creative work may be materially altered, modified, manipulated, recreated, or otherwise changed without prior written consent from Shuttering Moments.

This includes, but is not limited to:

AI alterations;
Generative edits;
Filters;
Color changes;
Removing or adding objects;
Changing people or body features;
Changing backgrounds;
Adding elements;
Removing elements;
Altering graphics;
Altering logos;
Altering video;
Replacing music;
Re-editing delivered creative work.

Normal technical resizing, compression, or cropping automatically performed by a platform such as MLS, a social media platform, printing service, website, or similar service is not considered prohibited modification when the change is required for that platform to display the work properly.

10. Artificial Intelligence & AI Editing Policy

Shuttering Moments does not authorize clients or other recipients to use artificial intelligence or generative-AI technology to alter delivered Shuttering Moments work unless Shuttering Moments provides prior written authorization.

This restriction applies to AI tools and features including, but not limited to:

ChatGPT or other AI image-editing systems;
Google Gemini;
Claude;
Midjourney;
Adobe Photoshop AI or generative tools;
Adobe Lightroom AI/generative tools;
Canva AI;
AI features built into mobile phone applications;
AI photo-editing applications;
Generative fill;
Generative replacement;
AI background replacement;
AI object removal or creation;
AI face or body alteration;
Any future AI platform or technology capable of materially altering the original work.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that work produced and delivered by Shuttering Moments remains representative of the actual work performed by Shuttering Moments.

If a client wants an additional edit, alteration, correction, or creative change, the client should contact Shuttering Moments and request the work directly.

11. Commercial Usage & Licensing

Commercial usage rights are not automatically included with every photography service.

When imagery is created for commercial purposes, the applicable agreement will identify the permitted usage and licensing terms.

Businesses, organizations, agents, and other commercial users must have the appropriate commercial license when required by the applicable agreement.

Commercial licensing may include specific rights for advertising, marketing, branding, promotional campaigns, publications, websites, social media, product sales, or other revenue-generating purposes.

Product photography, branding photography, and marketing photography may include commercial usage rights when those rights are specifically identified in the applicable agreement.

No person or business may assume that receiving an image automatically grants unlimited commercial rights.

Images may not be used in contests, competitions, commercial promotions, products, resale materials, or other activities intended to generate profit outside the rights granted by the applicable agreement without written authorization from Shuttering Moments.

12. Shuttering Moments Marketing & Promotional Rights

Unless the requester submits a written request restricting such use and Shuttering Moments agrees to the restriction, Shuttering Moments reserves the right to use imagery, video, graphics, designs, project examples, business names, company references, and other applicable work created by Shuttering Moments for legitimate business and promotional purposes.

This may include:

Shuttering Moments’ website;
Social media;
Advertising;
Portfolio materials;
Printed marketing;
Promotional materials;
Demonstrations;
Publications;
Business presentations;
Other Shuttering Moments marketing.

If a requester wants restrictions placed on the use of their imagery, name, business information, or project, the request must be submitted in writing directly to Shuttering Moments.

Shuttering Moments will review the request and document any applicable restriction.

13. Real Estate Photography, Videography & Media

Real estate services may include photography, video, graphic design, content creation, and other services according to the applicable agreement.

Basic editing is included according to the selected package.

Property condition

Basic real estate photography documents the property substantially as it exists when the photographer arrives.

The property should be clean, prepared, accessible, and ready for photography at the scheduled appointment time.

The listing agent, property owner, requester, or person responsible for the property is responsible for ensuring that the property is prepared for the scheduled photography session.

Property not ready

If a property is not ready when Shuttering Moments arrives, the photographer may determine that the property cannot reasonably be photographed.

Shuttering Moments reserves the right to leave the property and require a new appointment.

A $100 return/rescheduling fee may apply when the property must be revisited because it was not properly prepared for the original appointment.

14. Real Estate Editing

Standard editing may include:

Color correction;
Exposure correction;
Standard image balancing;
Sky replacement;
Simple object removal.

Simple object removal generally means removal of a single, uncomplicated item.

For example, removing one plastic bottle from a table may fall within standard editing.

More complex editing may include:

Removing numerous objects;
Removing large quantities of clutter;
Reconstructing portions of a room;
Rebuilding walls;
Rebuilding roofs;
Reconstructing property features;
Correcting unfinished construction;
Making unfinished construction appear completed;
Reconstructing areas obscured by excessive clutter;
Significant image manipulation.

Complex real estate editing is subject to an additional $15 per image fee unless otherwise stated in the applicable agreement.

If you are unsure whether requested editing is included, ask Shuttering Moments before requesting the work.

15. Real Estate Shoot Requests & Notice

All services requested for a real estate appointment should be identified when the original booking is made.

Additional services may require specialized equipment, additional personnel, preparation, or scheduling.

At least 48 hours’ notice should be provided when requesting services beyond standard interior and exterior photography.

Shuttering Moments cannot guarantee that a service will be available when it is requested after the original appointment has been scheduled.

16. Real Estate Turnaround & Rush Services

The standard real estate photography turnaround time is generally 48 hours or less, unless otherwise stated in the applicable agreement.

Clients should schedule appointments accordingly.

Requests for delivery in less than 24 hours may be subject to a rush fee.

A rush request is not automatically guaranteed.

Shuttering Moments will determine whether a rush request can reasonably be completed based upon existing workload, personnel, equipment, and production requirements.

17. Real Estate Image Usage

Real estate imagery is licensed for the marketing and sale of the property identified in the applicable project.

The agent or requester may use the images for appropriate marketing of that listing, including listing-related:

MLS marketing;
Flyers;
Social media;
Websites;
Brochures;
Advertising;
Other marketing materials directly related to the property’s sale.

Relisting

If the property does not sell, the agent may relist the same property using the same Shuttering Moments imagery.

Once the property has successfully sold, the original listing license ends.

If the same property is later placed on the market again after having sold, a $150 relisting license fee is required before the original Shuttering Moments images may be reused for the new sale/listing.

The $150 relisting fee applies to the property and the subsequent listing use of the previously delivered imagery.

The images may not be used to generate unrelated profit outside the permitted marketing and sale of the property.

18. Real Estate Client Responsibility

The agent, property owner, requester, or person responsible for the listing is responsible for ensuring that the property and its marketing materials accurately represent the property.

Shuttering Moments is responsible for performing the agreed photography, editing, videography, design, or other contracted services.

Shuttering Moments is not responsible for how an agent, brokerage, owner, third party, MLS, or other party subsequently markets, represents, modifies, describes, or presents the property.

Clients are responsible for ensuring that the final listing and marketing materials comply with applicable laws, MLS requirements, brokerage requirements, advertising requirements, and other applicable rules.

19. Real Estate Image Alteration

The final images delivered by Shuttering Moments are intended to represent the work performed by Shuttering Moments.

No AI alteration or unauthorized modification is permitted.

Normal platform resizing or cropping required by MLS, social media, websites, or other publishing platforms is permitted.

Any material alteration beyond normal platform formatting requires written permission from Shuttering Moments.

If a client wants an image changed, the client should request the alteration directly from Shuttering Moments.

20. Real Estate Invoice Procedure

Beginning September 10, 2026, unless otherwise stated in the applicable agreement, an invoice for real estate work will generally be provided at the completion of the shoot.

The invoice will be provided at the end of the appointment and will identify the applicable amount due and payment due date.

If additional editing is requested during or after the shoot, the invoice may instead be issued or updated when the completed images and download link are delivered.

The applicable invoice will contain the final amount due for the services performed.

21. Youth Sports Photography

Shuttering Moments does not require youth sports leagues or organizations to pay a booking fee to reserve youth sports photography services unless a specific written agreement states otherwise.

Shuttering Moments believes leagues should be able to evaluate the quality of service without being locked into a traditional photography contract solely for the opportunity to try the service.

Parents generally purchase photographs after viewing their athlete’s images.

Parents are not generally required to prepay for photographs unless Shuttering Moments is specifically running a promotion or program that includes advance payment.

22. Youth Sports Booking Authority

All youth sports bookings must be approved and confirmed directly by Michael McMaugh of Shuttering Moments, unless Shuttering Moments provides written authorization for another representative to handle a specific booking.

This requirement exists to ensure that the scope of work, schedule, expectations, league requirements, and service standards are properly communicated and documented.

23. Youth Sports Scheduling & Late Players

Shuttering Moments will make every reasonable effort to arrive on time or early for the agreed-upon youth sports media-day schedule.

Players are expected to arrive at their assigned time.

If a player is missing or arrives late, Shuttering Moments will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the player when the schedule and workload permit.

Possible solutions may include:

Fitting the player into the existing schedule;
Photographing the player at another available time;
Creating a Photoshop/editing request when reasonably possible;
Scheduling a separate photography opportunity.

Shuttering Moments cannot guarantee that a player who misses their assigned media-day appointment will be included in the final gallery or team imagery.

Team photographs are generally taken immediately following individual player portraits.

This allows a late-arriving player an opportunity to potentially participate in the team photograph.

However, inclusion cannot be guaranteed when a player misses their scheduled time.

24. Youth Sports Sibling Photographs

Sibling photographs are encouraged when time permits.

Sibling photographs must be scheduled around the established team and league timeline.

The media-day schedule must remain on track for the benefit of the players, teams, league, parents, and Shuttering Moments.

Sibling photographs cannot be guaranteed if the schedule does not permit sufficient time.

25. Youth Sports Ordering & PhotoDay

Youth sports products may be ordered through the applicable third-party photography delivery and ordering platform, including PhotoDay.

If a parent or purchaser experiences a problem with an order, they should contact Shuttering Moments directly at:

Michael@ShutteringMoments.com

The message should include:

The purchaser’s name;
The order information;
A description of the problem;
Any photographs or screenshots that demonstrate the problem;
Any other information necessary to identify the order.

Shuttering Moments will make reasonable efforts to work with the applicable printing provider to resolve legitimate order issues.

Because printing and fulfillment are performed by a third-party provider, Shuttering Moments does not control the third party’s production process, shipping process, materials, shipping charges, production schedule, or other third-party policies.

Any additional third-party cost that results from a customer-requested replacement, reprint, reshipment, or other service may be the responsibility of the purchaser.

26. Youth Sports Digital Downloads & Team Photographs

Digital downloads are generally provided for individual athlete photographs according to the applicable league and package structure.

Team photographs are generally provided as printable products through the applicable PhotoDay gallery and are not automatically included as digital downloads.

Special digital requests may be submitted to Shuttering Moments.

Special requests are not guaranteed and may depend upon the specific request, gallery configuration, workload, and available files.

For special requests, contact:

Michael@ShutteringMoments.com

27. FaceFind

When available, the FaceFind feature provided through the applicable PhotoDay gallery may be used to help parents quickly locate photographs of their athlete.

FaceFind is an optional convenience feature.

If a parent does not wish to use FaceFind, they may contact Shuttering Moments to ask whether an alternate gallery arrangement can be provided.

A special gallery or alternate arrangement is a special accommodation and may not always be immediately available.

28. Weddings & Wedding Photography/Videography

Wedding services require detailed planning and communication.

The applicable wedding agreement will identify the agreed services, coverage hours, deliverables, staff, timeline, pricing, retainer, and other project-specific requirements.

Shuttering Moments will work with the couple or authorized requester to establish reasonable expectations before the wedding.

29. Wedding Retainers & Cancellation Authority

The person who signs and submits the wedding agreement is the authorized requester for purposes of the agreement unless the agreement specifically identifies additional authorized persons.

The authorized requester is responsible for decisions regarding:

Wedding coverage;
Cancellation;
Date changes;
Venue changes;
Retainer use;
Material changes to the agreement.

A person who is not identified as an authorized requester on the agreement does not have authority to direct Shuttering Moments regarding the retainer or materially change the agreement.

30. Wedding Date & Venue Changes

All wedding date and time changes must be communicated directly to Shuttering Moments.

If the venue changes after the agreement is submitted and the new venue is outside the reasonable service area or materially different from the originally agreed location, Shuttering Moments reserves the right to cancel the coverage.

The applicable retainer policy will then apply.

If the new venue requires additional travel, accommodations, parking, tolls, permits, lodging, or other expenses not contemplated by the original agreement, those expenses may become the responsibility of the requester.

31. Wedding Guest & Vendor Interference

Shuttering Moments will make every reasonable effort to capture the important moments identified by the couple.

However, wedding guests, members of the wedding party, venue staff, vendors, family members, or other individuals may unintentionally interfere with photography or videography.

Examples include:

Standing in front of the photographer;
Blocking the aisle;
Entering the photographer’s shooting position;
Interfering during ceremonies;
Interrupting formal photographs;
Using phones or personal cameras in critical positions;
Preventing access to a requested moment.

When such interference prevents Shuttering Moments from obtaining an image or video, the resulting missed image or moment is outside the reasonable control of Shuttering Moments.

Shuttering Moments is not responsible for missed photographs caused by guest, vendor, venue, or participant interference.

32. Wedding Guest Participation & Reactions

Photography cannot control the mood, behavior, facial expressions, participation, or cooperation of wedding guests, children, family members, or members of the wedding party.

Not every photograph will contain a smile.

Children may become distracted, upset, tired, or uncooperative.

Adults may have unexpected reactions or expressions.

Shuttering Moments will make reasonable efforts to capture genuine moments and obtain the requested photographs, but specific expressions, poses, reactions, or participation cannot be guaranteed.

33. Wedding Shot Lists

Wedding clients are encouraged to provide a list of requested family photographs, formal photographs, important details, and other key images.

Shuttering Moments will make reasonable efforts to complete the requested shot list.

A shot list does not guarantee that every image can be captured when circumstances, timing, weather, venue restrictions, guest interference, delays, safety concerns, or other circumstances prevent it.

34. Wedding Coverage Over Six Hours

When a Shuttering Moments staff member is scheduled to provide wedding coverage for six hours or more, a meal is expected for that staff member.

This applies to each Shuttering Moments staff member assigned to the wedding when that person’s coverage reaches six hours or more.

The client will be informed in advance of the expected number of Shuttering Moments staff members assigned to the event.

Shuttering Moments staff may carry snacks when appropriate, but snacks do not replace the meal expectation for extended coverage.

The requester should communicate any relevant food allergies or dietary concerns to Shuttering Moments in advance so reasonable arrangements can be discussed.

35. Wedding Safety

Shuttering Moments places safety first.

If a situation becomes unsafe, Shuttering Moments may stop or suspend services until the situation is determined to be safe.

If an unsafe condition cannot be corrected, Shuttering Moments reserves the right to discontinue coverage.

Booked or scheduled coverage time remains subject to the applicable agreement even when a safety interruption occurs.

36. Wedding Equipment Failure

Photography and videography equipment can experience unexpected technical problems despite proper preparation.

Shuttering Moments makes reasonable efforts to reduce this risk by checking equipment before and during assignments and bringing backup equipment when appropriate.

If equipment failure occurs and, despite reasonable efforts and available backup equipment, Shuttering Moments cannot continue part or all of the contracted coverage, Shuttering Moments will not be responsible for moments that could not be captured because of the equipment failure.

37. Wedding Additional Time

Additional wedding coverage requested beyond the contracted coverage period is billable.

Additional time will be billed according to the applicable agreement or current Shuttering Moments rates.

Additional balances must be paid according to the applicable invoice before final delivery when the agreement requires payment in full before delivery.

38. Wedding Turnaround

The standard wedding photography and videography turnaround time is 30 calendar days or less, unless otherwise stated in the applicable agreement.

Large weddings, unusually large projects, heavy production workloads, unexpected technical circumstances, or other legitimate production requirements may require additional time.

If additional time is necessary, Shuttering Moments will communicate the revised expected delivery timeline.

39. Family & Portrait Sessions

Family portrait sessions generally accommodate up to four people, unless the applicable agreement states otherwise.

Children 12 months old or younger are not counted toward the four-person limit.

Any person older than 12 months counts toward the participant limit.

Additional participants beyond the included four-person limit are subject to an additional $25 per person fee unless otherwise agreed in writing.

40. Family Session Late Arrivals

Shuttering Moments photographers will make reasonable efforts to arrive on time or early for scheduled family sessions.

Clients are expected to arrive on time and be ready for the scheduled session.

If the client arrives late, the late time generally reduces the amount of time available for the actual photography session.

The photographer will remain available for the originally booked session period but is not required to extend the appointment beyond the scheduled end time solely because the client arrived late.

As a result, late arrival may reduce:

The number of photographs captured;
The number of poses;
The number of requested combinations;
The number of locations;
The number of final images;
Other deliverables included in the package.

The package may therefore be affected by the reduced time available to complete the session.

41. Family Session No-Shows

If a client does not appear for a scheduled session without an approved cancellation or rescheduling arrangement, the applicable retainer may be forfeited because Shuttering Moments has reserved the date and time and has arrived or prepared to perform the service.

A new session will require:

A new date;
A new agreement when applicable;
A new retainer.

42. Family Session Safety

Shuttering Moments will make reasonable efforts to identify and address visible safety hazards at the photography location.

If a client identifies a potential hazard, Shuttering Moments will evaluate the situation.

If the photographer determines that the session cannot safely continue, the session may be stopped or cancelled and a new date may be required.

Safety decisions made by Shuttering Moments staff must be respected.

43. Family Session Pets & Animals

Animals brought to a family session must be reasonably controlled and suitable for participation.

Aggressive or dangerous animals may not participate.

Shuttering Moments reserves the right to discontinue an animal’s participation or stop a session when an animal presents a safety concern to the client, other participants, the photographer, staff, or members of the public.

44. Family Session Expressions & Participation

Shuttering Moments cannot control the mood, behavior, expressions, participation, cooperation, or attention span of children, adults, or animals.

Not every photograph will contain a smile.

Children may become tired, distracted, upset, or unwilling to participate.

Shuttering Moments will make reasonable efforts to create a successful session, but specific expressions or reactions cannot be guaranteed.

45. Portrait Retouching & Additional Editing

Standard editing included with a package will be identified in the applicable agreement.

Additional retouching or complex editing is available when requested and may result in additional fees.

Examples may include:

Detailed skin retouching;
Removing significant objects;
Reconstructing backgrounds;
Body modifications;
Complex facial corrections;
Extensive cleanup;
Composite work;
Other specialized editing.

The fee depends upon the complexity and amount of work required.

46. Print Rights

Receiving digital images does not automatically grant print rights unless print rights are specifically included in the applicable agreement.

If print rights are not included, the client may not reproduce, print, or otherwise manufacture physical copies of the images without purchasing or receiving the applicable printing rights.

Wedding clients receive print rights for the images included in their wedding gallery unless otherwise stated in the agreement.

Shuttering Moments can provide professional printing services for clients who need physical products.

47. Digital Delivery & Download Period

Most Shuttering Moments deliverables are provided digitally.

When a digital download link is provided, the recipient has 14 calendar days to download the delivered files.

The recipient is responsible for downloading and securely storing the files during this period.

After the 14-calendar-day download period expires, the delivery link may be disabled and the files may be removed from the active delivery system.

A $25 fee will apply to requests to recreate or reactivate an expired download link when the files remain available.

Clients should not rely upon Shuttering Moments as their permanent personal storage provider.

48. Archiving & File Storage

Shuttering Moments may maintain archived copies of photographs, videos, designs, project files, and other creative materials.

However, Shuttering Moments is not a permanent personal storage service and does not guarantee permanent retention of any file.

Archived materials may be deleted at the discretion of Shuttering Moments due to:

Storage limitations;
Archive management;
Business requirements;
Age of files;
File redundancy;
Other legitimate storage considerations.

This applies to:

Photographs;
RAW files;
Edited files;
Video;
Original video clips;
Final videos;
Graphic design files;
Website-related files;
Other project materials.

Clients are responsible for maintaining their own backups of files they have received.

49. RAW Files

RAW files are retained by Shuttering Moments when available but are not included in normal client delivery unless specifically stated in the applicable agreement.

RAW files may look significantly different from final delivered photographs because they are unfinished camera files that require specialized software and professional processing.

RAW files may be extremely large and may require a physical storage device for delivery.

If RAW files are requested after the project has been completed, additional fees may apply.

Availability of archived RAW files is not guaranteed.

Shuttering Moments reserves the right to delete archived RAW files according to its file-retention practices.

50. Graphic Design Services

Graphic design services may include:

Flyers;
Business cards;
Brochures;
Advertisements;
Social media graphics;
Marketing materials;
Logos;
Promotional materials;
Other custom graphic work.

The final deliverables provided to the client will be identified in the applicable agreement.

Clients will receive the polished final files specifically identified in the agreement.

Working files, editable files, layered files, source files, design files, and production files remain with Shuttering Moments unless the applicable agreement specifically states that those files will be transferred.

Archived design files are not guaranteed to be permanently stored.

Clients and businesses are responsible for maintaining copies of final files they receive.

51. Website Development

Website development projects begin with a consultation or meeting.

The meeting may be:

In person;
By telephone;
By video conference;
Through another mutually agreed communication method.

The purpose is to understand the business, desired website, functionality, content, design, timeline, and expected final product.

After the initial discussion, Shuttering Moments may provide an agreement, questionnaire, estimate, or other project documentation.

52. Website Pricing & Estimates

Website development is customized.

An estimate is based upon the scope of work understood when the estimate is prepared.

Changes to the requested website, additional pages, functionality, revisions, content, coding, layout changes, design changes, photography, video, or other services may result in additional charges.

The final invoice reflects the work actually performed according to the applicable agreement and approved changes.

53. Website Ownership & Transfer

The client/business maintains ownership of its business website and business-related content according to the applicable agreement.

Shuttering Moments provides website design, development, maintenance, and related services.

Website control, administrative access, transfer of applicable project materials, or other handover requirements may be withheld until the final balance owed to Shuttering Moments has been paid in full, unless the applicable agreement states otherwise.

Website platform fees, hosting fees, domain registration, domain renewal, URL-related fees, subscriptions, applications, plugins, third-party services, and other platform expenses are not automatically included in Shuttering Moments’ service fee.

54. Website Maintenance

Ongoing website maintenance may be provided on an as-needed basis or through a separate maintenance arrangement.

Maintenance may include:

Content updates;
Design changes;
Page changes;
Technical updates;
Image replacement;
Video replacement;
Layout changes;
Other requested services.

Additional work is billable when it exceeds the scope of the original agreement.

All additional fees will be discussed with the client before the additional work is performed.

55. Website Third-Party Services

A website may require services from third-party companies.

These may include:

Website hosting providers;
Domain registrars;
Website builders;
Plugins;
Applications;
Payment processors;
Email services;
Security services;
Analytics services;
Search-engine services;
Social media platforms;
Stock image providers;
Font providers;
Video hosting services;
Cloud storage providers;
Other software or technology providers.

Fees charged by these third parties are the responsibility of the client/business unless the applicable agreement specifically states otherwise.

Shuttering Moments is not responsible for third-party changes to pricing, terms, policies, functionality, outages, account restrictions, service interruptions, domain issues, hosting problems, or other matters outside Shuttering Moments’ control.

56. Website Revisions & Additional Work

Website development involves multiple skills, which may be billed according to the work performed.

Examples include:

Photography editing;
Video editing;
Coding;
Layout design;
Graphic design;
Content formatting;
Website configuration;
Technical troubleshooting.

A request that appears small to a client may require substantial professional work.

For that reason, clients should contact Shuttering Moments before requesting changes so the expected work and potential cost can be explained.

Shuttering Moments may provide an itemized work report upon request when appropriate.

57. Videography Services

Videography projects are customized according to the applicable agreement.

The agreement will establish the expected:

Filming;
Editing;
Deliverables;
Timeline;
Number of revisions, if applicable;
Additional services;
Pricing.

Once a final video has been completed and approved or delivered, subsequent alterations are considered additional work and may be billed separately.

58. Video Revisions & Changes

Changes requested after a final video has been completed may be billable.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Music changes;
Sound-effect changes;
Color corrections;
Font changes;
Caption changes;
Clip changes;
Logo changes;
Length changes;
Reordering clips;
Adding clips;
Removing clips;
Re-editing;
Replacing graphics;
Other alterations outside the original scope.

A request that appears simple may require substantial production work.

Clients are responsible for asking questions about the anticipated cost before requesting additional work.

59. Video Turnaround

Video turnaround times vary according to the project.

Because video production may require extensive filming, organization, editing, rendering, exporting, uploading, revisions, and other production work, each project’s turnaround time may be different.

The applicable agreement will identify the expected turnaround timeline.

60. Music & Licensing

Shuttering Moments may use royalty-free or appropriately licensed music in video projects.

If a client requests a specific commercially licensed song or other copyrighted material that requires a separate license or purchase, the applicable licensing cost is the responsibility of the requester unless the agreement specifically states otherwise.

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram may provide music licensing arrangements for content created directly within their platforms.

Those platform licenses do not automatically transfer to videos produced by Shuttering Moments outside those platforms.

Clients are responsible for complying with applicable copyright and licensing requirements when providing music or requesting specific copyrighted music.

61. Marketing & Social Media Services

Marketing, social media, content creation, advertising, graphic design, website work, and related services are customized services.

The applicable agreement will establish the requested scope.

Additional posts, graphics, campaigns, revisions, content creation, photography, video, strategy, scheduling, research, or other work outside the original scope may be billable.

Shuttering Moments does not guarantee specific marketing results, sales, leads, rankings, engagement, follower growth, or revenue unless a specific written agreement expressly provides otherwise.

Marketing results can be affected by numerous factors outside Shuttering Moments’ control.

62. Travel, Parking, Tolls & Location Expenses

Travel fees will be identified for applicable projects.

For real estate photography, a property located within a 30-mile radius of the Shuttering Moments studio does not incur a standard travel fee.

For properties outside the 30-mile radius, applicable mileage charges may apply to the entire travel distance, including the first 30 miles.

Mileage fees are intended to help cover vehicle use, fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and general wear associated with business travel.

Other expenses may include:

Parking;
Tolls;
Permits;
Location fees;
Studio rental;
Travel accommodations;
Lodging;
Specialty equipment;
Props;
Balloons;
Specialty backdrops;
Materials;
Other project-specific purchases.

Any applicable expenses will be communicated and identified in the agreement or project documentation whenever reasonably possible.

63. Client-Provided Materials

Clients are responsible for ensuring that they have the legal right to provide Shuttering Moments with any materials supplied for a project.

This may include:

Photographs;
Logos;
Graphics;
Video;
Music;
Written content;
Fonts;
Trademarks;
Artwork;
Brand materials;
Other copyrighted or proprietary materials.

The client is responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions, licenses, releases, or rights for materials they provide.

Shuttering Moments is not responsible for infringement resulting from materials supplied by the client when Shuttering Moments reasonably relied upon the client’s authorization to use those materials.

64. Third-Party Services & Providers

Shuttering Moments may use third-party companies or platforms to help provide products or services.

Third parties may include, but are not limited to:

PhotoDay;
Professional printing laboratories;
Shipping companies;
Postal services;
Website hosting providers;
Domain registrars;
Website platforms;
Payment processors;
Cloud storage providers;
Social media platforms;
Software providers;
Music licensing providers;
Specialty product manufacturers;
Other vendors or service providers.

Shuttering Moments does not control third-party pricing, policies, shipping costs, production schedules, outages, product availability, account restrictions, platform changes, domain changes, URL changes, software changes, service interruptions, or other third-party decisions.

For example, shipping charges established by a postal or shipping provider are controlled by that provider and are not controlled by Shuttering Moments.

Shuttering Moments will make reasonable efforts to assist clients with third-party issues when possible, but any additional third-party cost that is outside Shuttering Moments’ control may be the responsibility of the requester.

65. Weather

Weather conditions may affect photography and other outdoor services.

If Shuttering Moments determines that weather conditions are unsafe or that continuing the scheduled service would create an unreasonable safety concern, Shuttering Moments may cancel, postpone, or reschedule the service.

A weather-related rescheduling initiated by Shuttering Moments will generally be completed at a mutually agreeable future date without an additional rescheduling fee.

The decision regarding whether weather conditions are safe for the scheduled service rests with Shuttering Moments when safety is the issue.

A client may not unilaterally cancel a scheduled shoot based solely on weather without first contacting Shuttering Moments.

If the client requests cancellation or rescheduling for reasons other than an approved weather-related cancellation by Shuttering Moments, applicable cancellation, retainer, or other fees may apply.

66. Venue Closures & Service Interruptions

If a venue closes before the scheduled event date, Shuttering Moments will work with the requester to determine whether the event can be rescheduled.

If a venue unexpectedly closes while Shuttering Moments is performing services, Shuttering Moments will perform as much of the contracted work as reasonably possible before the closure.

If Shuttering Moments is required to leave because of the venue closure, Shuttering Moments is not responsible for work that could not be completed after the closure.

Booked and performed time remains subject to the applicable agreement.

No refund will be provided solely because a venue unexpectedly closes during the performance of the contracted services.

67. Force Majeure & Circumstances Outside Our Control

Shuttering Moments is not responsible for failure, delay, interruption, or inability to perform services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

These circumstances may include:

Natural disasters;
Severe weather;
Government restrictions;
Government orders;
Transportation accidents;
Transportation failures;
Vehicle malfunction;
Power outages;
Internet or Wi-Fi outages when internet access is required;
Technology outages;
Third-party platform failures;
Venue closures;
Other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Shuttering Moments.

Shuttering Moments will make reasonable efforts to continue or reschedule services when practical.

68. Safety, Unruly Behavior & Service Discontinuation

Shuttering Moments reserves the right to stop, suspend, or discontinue services when a situation becomes unsafe or when a client, guest, participant, vendor, employee, representative, or other person engages in threatening, abusive, harassing, dangerous, disruptive, or otherwise inappropriate conduct.

This includes situations involving:

Physical threats;
Verbal threats;
Harassment;
Aggressive behavior;
Unsafe behavior;
Property damage;
Interference with equipment;
Interference with staff;
Other conduct that creates an unreasonable safety or operational concern.

When reasonably possible, Shuttering Moments will attempt to notify the authorized requester and allow an opportunity for the situation to be corrected.

If the situation cannot reasonably be corrected, Shuttering Moments may discontinue the service.

Booked or scheduled time remains subject to the applicable agreement when services are interrupted because of circumstances outside Shuttering Moments’ control.

69. Client Dissatisfaction & Completed Work

Shuttering Moments welcomes reasonable communication regarding concerns with completed work.

Clients should communicate concerns directly to Shuttering Moments so that the issue can be reviewed.

A client requesting additional work, additional services, or changes after the agreed work has been completed does not automatically eliminate the original payment obligation.

If the contracted work was performed according to the agreement, the original balance remains due even if the client later decides that they would like additional work, a different style, or additional deliverables.

Additional requested work may be separately billable.

70. Client Communication & Written Approval

Requests made by a client, requester, or authorized person through:

Email;
Text message;
Telephone communication;
Written communication;
Other communication methods accepted by Shuttering Moments

may be used to confirm project instructions, approvals, changes, or additional work.

When the scope of work changes, Shuttering Moments may document the change in writing.

The person requesting or approving the work is responsible for ensuring they understand:

What is being requested;
What is included;
What may cost extra;
The expected timeline;
The expected deliverables.

A request for additional work may create a billable obligation even when the requester initially believes the requested change is minor.

Clients are encouraged to ask about expected costs before requesting additional work.

71. Delivery of Products, Files & Services

The delivery method and expected timeline for products, files, and services will be identified in the applicable agreement whenever appropriate.

Delivery may be provided through:

Digital download;
Online gallery;
Email;
Physical delivery;
Shipping;
Pickup;
Website transfer;
Other agreed-upon methods.

The requester is responsible for providing accurate contact and delivery information.

Shuttering Moments is not responsible for delivery problems caused by inaccurate information supplied by the requester.

72. Additional Services & Promotional Services

Additional services requested after the original scope has been established may result in additional fees.

This includes additional:

Photography;
Videography;
Editing;
Retouching;
Graphic design;
Website work;
Marketing;
Social media work;
Printing;
Production;
Equipment;
Personnel;
Travel;
Other professional services.

From time to time, Shuttering Moments may offer a promotional service for $0.00.

A promotional or complimentary service is a specific offer and is not an ongoing promise or precedent for future projects.

73. Project Changes & Scope Creep

Projects are estimated based upon the scope of work understood at the beginning of the project.

If a client repeatedly changes, expands, adds to, or modifies the requested work, the original timeline and estimate may no longer apply.

Additional work may result in:

Additional hours;
Additional editing;
Additional personnel;
Additional equipment;
Additional production;
Additional fees;
A revised timeline.

Shuttering Moments will communicate material additional costs before performing the additional work whenever reasonably possible.

74. Abandoned or Paused Projects

Projects accepted by Shuttering Moments will generally have a projected timeline.

That timeline may change when:

The scope changes;
Additional work is requested;
Information is delayed;
Client approvals are delayed;
Client communication stops;
Additional revisions are requested;
Third-party services cause delays;
Other project circumstances change.

If Shuttering Moments requests information or approval necessary to continue the project and the client fails to respond, the project may be delayed, paused, or cancelled.

If a project is paused or abandoned, work already performed remains billable.

Any unused portion of the applicable retainer may remain available for future Shuttering Moments services according to the 364-calendar-day retainer policy.

If the remaining retainer does not cover the work already performed, Shuttering Moments may issue an itemized invoice for the outstanding balance.

The client remains responsible for paying that balance according to the invoice terms, including applicable late fees.

75. Final Deliverables & Working Files

Clients will receive the final polished files specifically identified in the applicable agreement.

Working files, source files, layered files, RAW files, project files, editable files, original video clips, production files, or other internal working materials are not automatically included.

If working files are specifically included in the agreement, those files will be delivered according to the terms of that agreement.

If they are not included, Shuttering Moments retains them according to its normal file-retention practices.

76. Business & Client Responsibilities

The requester is responsible for:

Reading the agreement;
Understanding the requested services;
Asking questions before work begins;
Providing accurate information;
Providing required materials;
Meeting deadlines;
Making timely payments;
Providing access to locations;
Preparing properties and locations;
Communicating changes;
Downloading delivered files;
Maintaining backups;
Obtaining required third-party permissions;
Ensuring requested usage complies with applicable laws and licensing requirements.

Shuttering Moments will make reasonable efforts to communicate clearly and perform services professionally.

77. Agreement Controls the Project

The submitted and accepted agreement for the specific project is the primary document establishing the project’s specific terms.

The agreement should identify, when applicable:

Services;
Scope of work;
Pricing;
Estimate;
Retainer;
Payment schedule;
Timeline;
Deliverables;
Number of images;
Coverage hours;
Personnel;
Usage rights;
Print rights;
Additional services;
Other project-specific requirements.

A verbal conversation does not automatically change a written agreement.

Material changes should be confirmed in writing by Shuttering Moments.

When an agreement, written modification, invoice, and these general policies address the same matter, the specific written agreement and approved written modifications will control the project-specific terms.

78. Disputes & Resolution

Shuttering Moments encourages clients to communicate directly with the company before pursuing a formal dispute.

If you believe there is a problem with a service, invoice, product, project, agreement, or deliverable, please contact Shuttering Moments directly and provide the details of the concern.

Shuttering Moments will make a reasonable effort to review the issue and work toward an appropriate resolution.

Nothing in this section prevents a person from exercising rights that cannot legally be waived.

If a formal legal dispute arises, the parties will be subject to applicable law and jurisdiction.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, if Shuttering Moments is the prevailing party in a legal action arising from or relating to services provided by Shuttering Moments, Shuttering Moments may seek recovery of reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, and other legally recoverable costs incurred in defending or pursuing the matter.

This provision does not create an obligation for Shuttering Moments to pay the other party’s legal fees merely because the other party brings a claim.

79. Applicable Law

These policies and applicable agreements are intended to be interpreted under the laws applicable to the State of Rhode Island, unless another jurisdiction is required by applicable law or expressly identified in a specific written agreement.

Nothing in these policies is intended to waive a right or protection that cannot legally be waived.

80. Policy Updates

Shuttering Moments may update these policies from time to time as the business, services, technology, vendors, laws, or business practices change.

The version applicable to a particular project will generally be the version incorporated into or referenced by the applicable agreement.

Existing agreements are not automatically modified solely because a new version of these general policies is published.

Material changes to an existing project will be handled through the applicable agreement or written modification.

81. Contact Shuttering Moments

Questions regarding pricing, agreements, services, editing, usage rights, invoices, additional work, cancellations, scheduling, or any other matter should be directed to Shuttering Moments before work is requested or approved whenever possible.