Terms of Service
Kimberly Goad Photography
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Welcome to Kimberly Goad Photography. These Terms & Conditions outline the policies, expectations, and legal agreements between Kimberly Goad Photography (“Photographer,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and our clients (“Client,” “you,” or “your”).
By booking a session, purchasing artwork, accessing our website, submitting an inquiry, or engaging with Kimberly Goad Photography, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
Our goal is to provide a safe, professional, and enjoyable photography experience while protecting the creative work we produce and ensuring clear expectations for every client.
1. ABOUT KIMBERLY GOAD PHOTOGRAPHY
Kimberly Goad Photography is a boutique photography studio specializing in maternity, newborn, baby, and family portraiture.
Our artwork is created with a focus on timeless imagery, personalized experiences, and professionally crafted products designed to preserve meaningful moments for generations.
Because photography is a custom artistic service, each session is unique and requires preparation, planning, creative direction, and professional expertise.
2. BOOKING & RETAINER FEE
A session date is considered officially reserved only after:
The signed Photography Agreement has been completed.
The required non-refundable retainer has been paid.
The retainer fee reserves your specific date and time and compensates the Photographer for turning away other potential bookings.
The retainer is non-refundable and non-transferable, except where required by applicable law.
Remaining balances must be paid according to the payment schedule outlined in your individual Photography Agreement.
Failure to complete payment may result in cancellation of the session and forfeiture of the reserved date.
3. SESSION SCHEDULING
Photography sessions are scheduled based on availability.
For newborn sessions, clients are encouraged to reserve their session during pregnancy. Newborn sessions are typically scheduled within the first several weeks after birth, with flexibility provided due to each baby's unique arrival date.
The Photographer will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requested dates; however, exact session dates cannot always be guaranteed until after the baby arrives.
4. MATERNITY & NEWBORN SESSION PREPARATION
Kimberly Goad Photography provides preparation guidance to help clients feel confident before their session.
Clients are responsible for:
Arriving prepared according to provided instructions.
Communicating important information regarding allergies, medical concerns, mobility limitations, or special circumstances.
Informing the Photographer of any safety concerns involving children, pets, or family members.
The Photographer reserves the right to modify poses, setups, or session plans when necessary for safety.
5. SAFETY & NEWBORN HANDLING
Newborn safety is our highest priority.
The Photographer has received professional newborn posing education and follows industry safety practices; however, parents and guardians remain responsible for their child's safety and well-being at all times.
Certain poses or setups may require composite images, assistance, or adjustments for safety purposes.
The Photographer will never force a baby into a pose or setup that appears unsafe or uncomfortable.
6. COOPERATION DURING SESSIONS
Photography sessions involve collaboration between the Photographer, clients, and children.
The Photographer cannot guarantee specific expressions, poses, behaviors, or outcomes because every individual responds differently during a session.
Children and newborns may require breaks, feeding, soothing, or additional patience.
The Photographer will make reasonable professional efforts to create beautiful images while prioritizing comfort and safety.
7. CREATIVE STYLE & ARTISTIC CONTROL
By booking Kimberly Goad Photography, clients acknowledge and understand that they are hiring the Photographer for her artistic style and creative vision.
The Photographer maintains artistic discretion regarding:
Image selection
Editing style
Lighting
Composition
Posing
Final artistic presentation
Requests for specific images, poses, editing styles, or Pinterest-inspired recreations cannot be guaranteed.
The final gallery represents the Photographer’s professional artistic judgment.
8. IMAGE SELECTION & EDITING
The Photographer carefully selects and edits images that represent the completed artistic vision.
Clients do not receive:
Unedited images
RAW files
Proof galleries unless specifically included
Images excluded from the final gallery
Editing includes professional adjustments such as color correction, exposure adjustments, and artistic enhancements.
Additional editing requests may require an additional fee.
9. COPYRIGHT & OWNERSHIP
All photographs created by Kimberly Goad Photography remain the copyrighted property of the Photographer under United States copyright law.
The Client receives purchased images and products for personal use only.
Copyright ownership does not transfer with the purchase of digital files or artwork.
The Client may:
✔ Print images for personal use
✔ Share images online for personal purposes
✔ Display purchased artwork in their home
The Client may not:
✘ Alter images with filters or editing apps
✘ Remove logos or watermarks
✘ Sell images commercially
✘ Submit images to publications without permission
✘ Use images for advertising or business purposes
Commercial use requires written permission and separate licensing.
10. MODEL RELEASE & IMAGE USE
Unless otherwise declined in writing, Client grants Kimberly Goad Photography permission to use selected images for:
Website portfolio
Social media
Advertising
Studio samples
Printed marketing materials
Educational purposes
Clients may request privacy regarding image sharing.
A privacy request must be submitted before or during the session.
The Photographer respects client preferences and will honor written restrictions.
11. DIGITAL FILE STORAGE
Kimberly Goad Photography takes reasonable precautions to protect and preserve client images.
Digital galleries are maintained for a limited period as specified in your Photography Agreement.
Clients are responsible for downloading and safely backing up purchased digital files.
The Photographer is not responsible for image loss due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including:
Hardware failure
Software issues
Natural disasters
Technology failures
Gallery expiration
12. PRINTS, PRODUCTS & ARTWORK
Artwork and printed products are custom-created specifically for each client.
Due to the personalized nature of these products:
Orders cannot be canceled once production begins.
Returns are not accepted for correctly produced custom artwork.
Color variations may occur between screens and professional printing labs.
The Photographer partners with professional printing laboratories to provide high-quality products.
13. CANCELLATIONS & RESCHEDULING
The Photographer understands that unexpected situations occur.
Clients should notify Kimberly Goad Photography as soon as possible if they need to reschedule.
Rescheduling is subject to availability.
Retainers remain applied to the originally scheduled session date and may not be transferred unless approved by the Photographer.
Failure to attend a scheduled session without notice may result in loss of the retainer.
14. ILLNESS POLICY
For newborn safety and the health of clients, families, and the Photographer:
Sessions may be rescheduled if:
A family member is ill
A child has contagious symptoms
The Photographer is ill
Please communicate concerns as soon as possible.
15. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Kimberly Goad Photography takes every reasonable precaution to provide a safe and professional experience.
However, the Photographer is not responsible for:
Personal injuries occurring outside reasonable control
Loss or damage to personal belongings
Missed images due to circumstances beyond control
Equipment failure despite professional preparation
If the Photographer cannot perform services due to circumstances beyond control, liability is limited to returning payments received for services not performed.
16. WEBSITE USE
All website content including:
Photography
Text
Branding
Graphics
Logos
Design elements
are owned by Kimberly Goad Photography unless otherwise noted.
Content may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, or used without written permission.
17. CHANGES TO TERMS
Kimberly Goad Photography reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions at any time.
Updated versions will be posted on this website with the revised effective date.
18. CONTACT INFORMATION
Kimberly Goad Photography
Wilmington, North Carolina
Email: kim@kimberlygoad.com
Phone: 910-604-6006