Joseph Charles Photography — Legal & FAQ

General Information

By booking with Joseph Charles Photography, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms outlined in our photography agreement. Below is a summary of our policies and frequently asked questions for your convenience. The full contract or invoice agreement will be provided prior to booking confirmation.

General Practices & Client Satisfaction

At Joseph Charles Photography, every effort is made to provide exceptional service and high-quality images that reflect our professional standards and artistic style. However, photography is an inherently creative service and results are subjective.

By booking our services, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• Creative Style: The client has reviewed the photographer’s portfolio and understands the artistic style, approach, and editing techniques of Joseph Charles Photography.

• Artistic Discretion: The photographer retains full creative control over image composition, lighting, posing, and post-production editing.

• Client Satisfaction: While every effort is made to deliver images the client will love, photographic outcomes are not guaranteed to meet personal taste or expectations.

• Fulfillment of Agreement: If the photographer fulfills all agreed-upon terms — including providing coverage as scheduled, editing and delivering images within the stated timeframe, and meeting the agreed quantity of images — the client acknowledges that the service has been completed in full and payment is non-refundable.

• No Refunds for Subjective Dissatisfaction: Dissatisfaction with artistic style, poses, expressions, or other creative factors does not constitute failure to deliver services or grounds for refund or re-shoot.

Acceptance of Terms & Electronic Agreement

By submitting a deposit, retainer payment, or any form of written or electronic confirmation to book photography services with Joseph Charles Photography (JCP), the client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to all terms and conditions outlined in the Joseph Charles Photography Contract and policies listed on this website.

The client’s deposit or booking confirmation serves as legal acceptance of this agreement, binding both the client and the photographer to the terms stated herein, regardless of whether a physical or digital signature has been obtained.

Once a deposit is received:

• The photographer will reserve the client’s date exclusively.

• The deposit becomes non-refundable, as it represents a commitment by both parties.

• All terms of service, cancellation policies, usage rights, and liability limitations automatically apply in full.

By proceeding with payment or confirming services, the client enters a legally enforceable contract with Joseph Charles Photography, governed by the laws of the State of Illinois and the United States of America.

Wedding Photography Services

• Coverage: Standard wedding packages include up to 8 hours of professional photography coverage.

• Travel & Equipment: All travel and equipment expenses are included unless otherwise specified.

• Delivery: Edited photos are delivered digitally and on USB within 45 days of your wedding date.

• Image Quantity: Clients can expect a minimum of 300 professionally edited images. Unless otherwise agreed too.

Payment & Booking

• Total Fee: The agreed-upon rate (e.g., $2,500) is due in full before the event unless otherwise arranged.

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit secures your date and is applied toward your total balance.

• Payment Methods: Accepted forms of payment will be detailed on your invoice.

Cancellations & Postponements

• Client Cancellation: Deposits are non-refundable in the event of client cancellation.

• Photographer Cancellation: If Joseph Charles Photography must cancel, all funds received will be fully refunded.

• Rescheduling: In the event of postponement, every effort will be made to accommodate your new date, subject to availability.

Image Rights & Usage

• Client Use: Clients receive a non-commercial, perpetual license to print, share, and post images for personal use.

• Photographer Rights: Joseph Charles Photography retains copyright ownership of all images and may use them for portfolio display, social media, or marketing purposes.

• Commercial Use: Any commercial or resale use of images requires written permission.

Editing & Creative Integrity

• All images are professionally edited to reflect the photographer’s style and artistic vision.

• Re-Edits: Additional edits requested after delivery are subject to a $100/hour fee.

• RAW Files: RAW image files are not included but may be purchased for $1,000. The photographer reserves the right to decline RAW file release to maintain artistic integrity.

Liability & Force Majeure

• Joseph Charles Photography is not responsible for issues beyond control such as weather, venue restrictions, or interference from guests.

• In the rare event the photographer cannot fulfill services due to unforeseen circumstances, liability is limited to a full refund of payments received.

• Neither party shall be held liable for cancellations or delays caused by natural disasters, illness, or other events beyond reasonable control.

Meals & Breaks

For full-day events, clients agree to provide a meal for the photographer (and assistant, if applicable) during the dinner service to ensure continuous coverage throughout the day.

Governing Law

All agreements and transactions with Joseph Charles Photography are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois and the United States of America.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to receive my photos?
A: Final edited images are typically delivered within 45 days of your wedding date. Can be subject to extension based on workload. Will disclose with client before original due date comes to pass.

Q: Can I get the unedited (RAW) photos?
A: RAW files can be released for an additional $1,000 fee, subject to photographer approval.

Q: What if my wedding date changes?
A: We’ll do our best to accommodate your new date if we’re available. If not, the standard cancellation policy applies.

Q: Can I share my photos online?
A: Absolutely! You’re encouraged to share your images on social media. We just ask that you tag or credit Joseph Charles Photography when possible.

Q: Do you travel outside of Rockford/Chicagoland?
A: Yes! Travel is included within the Rockford and Chicagoland area. For locations beyond that, additional travel fees may apply.

Q: How long does my Digital Album Link Stay up for?
A: For portrait session, the link will expire in 6 Months. For Wedding Albums, the link expires in 1 year The date of expiration begins from the day of the event or session.