TERMS & CONDITIONS

Image delivery by ftp

Clients who do not have their own ftp site can download the free DropBox application here - DropBox

To avoid delays it is best to do this before the shoot date. Once downloaded create a new folder in your DropBox and invite me to join the folder, so that I can add your images without delay.

Bookings and cancellations

Provisional bookings can be held until 2 weeks before the proposed shoot date at which time they must be confirmed in order that the date can be held.

Clients who cancel at short notice may be charged a percentage of the agreed photographic fees to allow for lost time that cannot be re-booked with other work. I always try to re-book the diary rather than charge for cancellations but in cases of very short notice this is the scale: 3 week days 30%, 2 week days 60%, less than 24 hrs 100%. Any pre-shoot or non-redeemable expenses* will also be charged.

Cancellation charges for photographic fees do not apply to outdoor work which has to be rescheduled due to weather conditions.

Payment

For all new clients - full payment is required before images are released on the first 3 jobs and any pre-shoot or non-redeemable expenses* must be paid in advance.

After 3 jobs have been completed an account application can be made for 30-days credit with payment by Direct Debit.

My fees are highly competitive and this is only possible with careful attention to credit control.

All invoices state: "Upon full payment of this invoice Stephen Potts, as owner of the Copyright in all the Photographic Material supplied, grants a Licence for Use of the Material."

Working with models

There are 2 principal routes for booking models - models sourced through a modelling agency and independent models:

Models booked through a modelling agency - the agency will charge a fee for the model's time and an additional cost which depends upon the usage of the photography, taking into account:
> The various media required - TV, Print, Billboard, Web etc
> Geographical territories where it will be used
> The length of time covered by the use
The agency deals with casting and pays the models directly, some agencies will also provide make-up artists and stylists if required.

Independent (self-employed) models - these models who will work for an hourly rate , some websites are available for casting calls, however care is needed in dealing with varying levels of experience. Models sourced in this way usually sign a full release so the images can be used without restriction.

Which solution is right for your project will depend on your budget and the level of involvement you are happy to accept in the casting process:
> Models from an agency will usually cost more but a reputable agency will ensure that their models know what they are doing and are reliable professionals. The agency will also take all the legwork out of the casting process.
> Models who are not represented by an agency will usually suit a tighter budget but the client or someone acting on their behalf (perhaps paid) will need to work on casting and it is strongly recommended that references be asked for and followed up to ensure that models booked this way are reliable, remembering that the cost of a no-show could be considerable.

* pre-shoot or non-redeemable expenses

These may include things like model fees, transportation, equipment / prop hire, set building, travel and accommodation. Every effort is made to minimise this exposure but on occasion it is unavoidable that such costs will be incurred.