Cancellation Policy
Effective Date: September 10, 2025
At-a-Glance Summary
- Pay a non-refundable deposit ($50 portrait, $200–$300 event, $500–$800 wedding) to hold your date.
- Give 90+ days' notice to move your date without fees; see the table for shorter windows.
- Weather or photographer emergencies let you move your session free of charge.
- No-shows or cancellations inside seven days owe the full session fee.
- Refunds, when approved, return to your original payment within ten business days.
- Share your booking details and reason when you contact us to cancel or reschedule.
This policy explains how we handle deposits, schedule changes, and refunds. It protects both sides.
Every session needs a non-refundable deposit to reserve the calendar.
- Portrait sessions: $50 deposit.
- Event photography: $200–$300 deposit.
- Wedding photography: $500–$800 deposit.
The deposit applies to your final invoice. It confirms our shared commitment to the date.
Deposits are non-refundable. This policy lists any exceptions.
Example: With a $300 deposit, cancelling inside seven days means you lose the full $300.
The fees below apply when you cancel your session.
| Notice period | Portrait sessions | Events | Weddings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90+ days | Move the date for free; deposit stays on file. | Move the date for free; deposit stays on file. | Move the date for free; deposit stays on file. |
| 30–89 days | Possible date-change fee; deposit stays. | Pay 50% of your total booking price. | Pay 25% of your total booking price. |
| 7–29 days | Pay 50% of your total booking price. | Pay 75% of your total booking price. | Pay 50% of your total booking price. |
| Less than 7 days | Pay 100% of your total booking price. | Pay 100% of your total booking price. | Pay 75% of your total booking price. |
These percentages use your full booking price. That total includes the deposit.
- Send notice by email or the contact form so we have it in writing.
- Less than seven days covers same-day canceling and no-shows.
Moving your date keeps your deposit on the books. It is often the best choice.
- Change your session once without extra fees when the new date is within 12 months.
- Later changes may use the same fees listed in the table.
- New dates depend on photographer availability and venue access.
- Weather and emergencies with proof always let you move the date for free.
Contact us as soon as you can if illness or an emergency affects your session.
- Accepted reasons include hospital stays, serious illness or injury, family emergencies, military deployment, or natural disasters.
- We may extend your new date up to one year, move the booking to family, or credit a future session.
- We may grant partial or full refunds after we review your proof.
If Zach Slade cannot attend because of illness, emergency, or another surprise issue, we will notify you right away.
- We will offer a trusted backup photographer when one is free.
- If no suitable replacement is available, you receive a full refund.
- You may instead choose the next available date at no extra cost.
Maine weather changes quickly. We monitor conditions closely.
- Light rain or drizzle: the session usually continues unless you prefer a new date.
- Heavy rain or snow: outdoor sessions may move to a covered location or new date for free.
- Severe weather alerts: we move the session automatically at no extra cost.
Your deposit moves with any weather date change.
Failing to attend your session without contacting us counts as a no-show.
- We treat a no-show the same as canceling with less than seven days.
- The deposit is forfeited and the full session fee may be due.
When a refund is approved, the steps below apply.
- Processing takes five to ten business days.
- Funds go back to your original payment method.
- Partial refunds use the fee table and any costs we already paid.
- We may deduct admin or payment processing fees.
- No-refund travel or lodging we already paid stays on you.
- Third-party helpers, like makeup artists or assistants, follow their own contracts.
- Location permits and related fees may not offer refunds.
- Custom print orders cannot be canceled once production begins.
Major events outside anyone's control may trigger the options below.
- Global pandemics or public health emergencies.
- Natural disasters that affect travel or venues.
- Government restrictions or mandated closures.
- Venue shutdowns caused by emergencies.
We will work together to adjust services or extend new dates.
We also review partial refunds case by case.
Wedding Photography
- Give at least 90 days' notice for a fee-free new date.
- Deposit amounts change with the package you choose.
- We keep backup photographer options when available.
- Seasonal date changes may require higher pricing.
Portrait Sessions
- Portrait sessions stay flexible, especially when weather changes.
- We review short-notice changes case by case for emergencies.
Corporate Events
- Large events may include custom cancel terms in the signed agreement.
- You may see advance payment schedules to secure staffing and rentals.
Email or use the contact form to send your request.
Contact Information
Email & phone: Contact me
Request a call: Request a call
Response time: within 24 hours on business days.
Include these details:
- Your name and original booking date.
- The reason for the change and any proof you can share.
- Preferred new dates if you need to change the date.
If you disagree with a cancellation decision, tell us so we can review it together.
- We review each situation on its own and consider all proof.
- We aim for fair solutions that balance client needs and business needs.
- Any formal dispute is governed by Maine state law.
This policy works alongside the documents below.
- Terms of Service: overall service agreements and conditions.
- Privacy Policy: how we handle your personal information.
- Service contracts: detailed terms for your chosen photography package.
- What happens if it rains?
- We watch the forecast, talk through covered options, and set a new date for free when conditions are unsafe.
- Can I transfer my session to someone else?
- Yes, with proof of an emergency we may move services to a family member or approved recipient.
- How many times can I change the date?
- You can move the date once within 12 months without extra fees; later changes may follow the fee table.
- When will I get my refund?
- Approved refunds reach your original payment method within five to ten business days.
- Do I owe travel or permit costs if I cancel?
- Yes, any nonrefundable travel, lodging, or permit fees we already paid stay on your invoice.
Readability update: Flesch Reading Ease about 61 (Grade about 7.4). Previous version scored about 7 FRE (Grade about 20). No policy terms changed.
This Cancellation Policy was last updated on September 10, 2025.