Terms of Service
Effective Date: June 4, 2026
1. Agreement to These Terms
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Chula Vista Photo Studio website, client portal, and all photography services provided by us (collectively, the "Services"). By accessing our website, creating an account, booking an appointment, or using any of our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services. We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use of our services following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.
2. Our Services
Chula Vista Photo Studio provides in-person professional photography services at our studio location in Chula Vista, California. Our services include, but are not limited to, portrait sessions, family photography, headshots, special events, and other photography packages as offered.
All photography sessions take place at our studio. Online tools — including our website and client portal — are provided as a convenience for scheduling appointments and reviewing your photos. They do not replace the in-person service experience.
3. Appointments & Booking
3.1 Scheduling
Appointments may be scheduled through our website’s online booking system, by phone, or by email. Your appointment is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation from us via email or text message.
3.2 Deposits & Payment
Certain sessions may require a deposit at the time of booking to hold your appointment. Deposit amounts and payment terms will be clearly communicated prior to booking. Full payment is due as described in your session agreement or invoice. We accept payment methods as listed on our website.
3.3 Cancellations & Rescheduling
We understand that plans change. Our cancellation and rescheduling policy is as follows:
- Cancellations made at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment may be eligible for a deposit refund or credit, depending on the package.
- Cancellations made less than 48 hours before your appointment may result in forfeiture of your deposit.
- No-shows (failure to appear without prior notice) will result in forfeiture of any deposit paid.
- Rescheduling requests made at least 48 hours in advance will be accommodated based on availability at no additional charge.
We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule appointments due to unforeseen circumstances (illness, equipment failure, emergency, etc.). In such cases, we will notify you as soon as possible and work with you to find an alternative time. Deposits will be fully refunded if we initiate a cancellation and cannot reschedule.
3.4 Late Arrivals
Please arrive on time for your session. Sessions will begin at the scheduled time and end at the originally scheduled time regardless of late arrival, out of respect for other clients. If you anticipate being late, please contact us as soon as possible.
4. Client Portal & Account Use
We provide a password-protected online client portal where you can log in to view, select, and download your proof images following your session.
4.1 Account Responsibility
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. Do not share your login information with others. Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.
4.2 Permitted Use
Your client portal account is for your personal use only in connection with your session(s) at Chula Vista Photo Studio. You may not use the portal for any unlawful purpose or in any way that could harm our systems or other clients.
4.3 Proof Review Period
After your session, your proofs will be made available in your client portal for a specified review period as communicated to you. Please make your selections within that period. We are not responsible for images that are not selected or downloaded within the stated timeframe. Extended access may be available upon request and may be subject to additional fees.
5. Photography & Intellectual Property
5.1 Copyright Ownership
All photographs taken by Chula Vista Photo Studio are the intellectual property of Chula Vista Photo Studio and are protected by United States copyright law. We retain full copyright to all images produced during your session.
5.2 License to Client
Upon completion of payment, we grant you a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the final delivered images for personal, non-commercial purposes. This includes printing, sharing on personal social media, and displaying in your home.
5.3 Restrictions
Unless you have obtained a separate commercial use license from us in writing, you may not:
- Use images for any commercial purpose, including advertising, product promotion, or resale
- Sell, license, or sublicense the images to any third party
- Submit images to stock photography sites
- Alter or modify the images in a way that misrepresents the original work
5.4 Studio Portfolio Use
By booking a session, you grant Chula Vista Photo Studio a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display your session photographs in our portfolio, website, social media channels, and promotional materials. If you prefer that your images not be used for marketing purposes, please notify us in writing prior to your session and we will honor that request.
5.5 Editing & Style
Our photographers exercise professional discretion in selecting and editing images for delivery. The number of images delivered will be as described in your package. We do not provide unedited raw files. Requests for additional retouching beyond standard editing may be accommodated for an additional fee.
6. In-Studio Conduct
We want every session to be a great experience. When visiting our studio, we ask that all clients and accompanying guests:
- Treat our staff and property with respect
- Follow any safety or health guidelines posted at the studio
- Not bring animals to the studio without prior written approval
- Supervise children at all times while on studio premises
We reserve the right to end a session without refund if a client or their guests behave in a manner that is abusive, threatening, or disruptive to our staff or studio environment.
7. Sessions Involving Minors
For photography sessions involving any individual under the age of 16, a parent or legal guardian must be present for the duration of the session. By booking a session involving a minor, the parent or guardian represents that they have full authority to consent to the session and to the terms described in Section 5.4 (Studio Portfolio Use) on behalf of the minor.
8. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability
8.1 Services Provided As-Is
While we strive for excellence in every session, photography involves artistic judgment and results may vary. We do not guarantee any specific outcome, look, or likeness. Our website and client portal are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind.
8.2 Equipment & Technical Issues
In the rare event of equipment failure, file corruption, or other technical issues beyond our control that result in loss of images, our liability shall be limited to a refund of amounts paid for the affected session. We are not responsible for consequential, incidental, or special damages.
8.3 Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Chula Vista Photo Studio’s total liability to you for any claim arising from or related to these Terms or our services shall not exceed the total amount you paid us for the session giving rise to the claim.
9. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Chula Vista Photo Studio, its owners, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of your use of our services, your breach of these Terms, or your violation of any applicable law.
10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising from or related to these Terms or our services shall first be addressed through good-faith negotiation between the parties.
If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, it shall be submitted to binding arbitration in San Diego County, California, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Nothing in this section prevents either party from seeking injunctive or other equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.
11. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any session agreement or invoice you receive, constitute the entire agreement between you and Chula Vista Photo Studio regarding our services and supersede any prior agreements or understandings. If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please reach out to us:
Chula Vista Photo Studio
Chula Vista, California
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 619-422-9281
Website: https://www.chulavistaphoto.com