Introduction
At Media PathFinder, we strive to provide exceptional photography services and ensure your complete satisfaction. We understand that circumstances can change, and this Refund Policy outlines our procedures regarding cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds.
By booking our services, you agree to the terms of this Refund Policy. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms & Conditions.
Booking Deposits
To secure your photography session or event date, we require a non-refundable booking deposit, typically 30% of the total service fee. This deposit serves to reserve our time and resources exclusively for your event or session and compensates us for the administrative work, preparation, and potential business we decline by reserving your date.
Please note the following regarding booking deposits:
- The booking deposit is non-refundable under normal circumstances.
- Your booking is not confirmed until we receive both the deposit payment and a signed contract.
- The deposit amount will be applied toward your total service fee.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while accounting for the time we've reserved for your session and the potential business we've declined. Cancellation fees are calculated based on how far in advance notice is given:
Wedding Photography Cancellations
- More than 6 months before the event: The non-refundable deposit is forfeited, but no additional fees apply.
- 3-6 months before the event: The non-refundable deposit is forfeited, plus 25% of the remaining balance is due.
- 1-3 months before the event: The non-refundable deposit is forfeited, plus 50% of the remaining balance is due.
- Less than 1 month before the event: The full payment is due and non-refundable.
Portrait and Commercial Photography Cancellations
- More than 30 days before the session: The non-refundable deposit is forfeited, but no additional fees apply.
- 14-30 days before the session: The non-refundable deposit is forfeited, plus 25% of the remaining balance is due.
- 7-14 days before the session: The non-refundable deposit is forfeited, plus 50% of the remaining balance is due.
- Less than 7 days before the session: The full payment is due and non-refundable.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]. The cancellation date will be the date we receive your written notice.
Rescheduling Policy
We understand that circumstances may require you to reschedule your photography session. Our rescheduling policy is as follows:
Wedding Photography Rescheduling
- More than 6 months before the event: One free reschedule, subject to our availability.
- 3-6 months before the event: Rescheduling fee of 10% of the total service fee, subject to our availability.
- 1-3 months before the event: Rescheduling fee of 25% of the total service fee, subject to our availability.
- Less than 1 month before the event: Treated as a cancellation (see Cancellation Policy). A new booking deposit will be required to secure a new date.
Portrait and Commercial Photography Rescheduling
- More than 14 days before the session: One free reschedule, subject to our availability.
- 7-14 days before the session: Rescheduling fee of 10% of the total service fee, subject to our availability.
- Less than 7 days before the session: Rescheduling fee of 25% of the total service fee, subject to our availability.
All rescheduling requests must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]. Please note that we cannot guarantee availability for your preferred new date, but we will do our best to accommodate your request.
If we are unable to accommodate your preferred new date, you may either:
- Select another available date
- Cancel your booking (subject to our Cancellation Policy)
Refund Conditions
We strive to deliver high-quality photography services that meet or exceed your expectations. However, we understand that sometimes issues may arise. Here are the conditions under which refunds may be considered:
Eligible for Refund Consideration
- Photographer illness or emergency: If we are unable to provide services due to illness or emergency and cannot arrange a suitable replacement photographer, you will receive a full refund including the deposit.
- Significant service failure: If we fail to deliver the core services as outlined in your contract due to reasons within our control, partial or full refunds may be considered based on the specific circumstances.
- Force majeure events: In case of unexpected events beyond the control of either party (such as natural disasters, venue closures, government restrictions), we will work with you to reschedule without additional fees. If rescheduling is not possible, we may offer a partial refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit.
Not Eligible for Refund
- Change of mind or personal circumstances: Cancellations due to change of mind or personal circumstances are subject to our standard Cancellation Policy.
- Stylistic preferences: Refunds will not be provided based on subjective preferences regarding photographic style, as our portfolio demonstrates our artistic approach.
- Weather conditions: For outdoor sessions, challenging weather conditions are part of the natural environment. We will do our best to work with the conditions or reschedule if extremely adverse, but no refunds will be provided solely due to weather not meeting expectations.
- Tardiness or uncooperative subjects: If the session is compromised due to clients arriving late or subjects being uncooperative, no refunds will be provided.
Refund Processing Time
When a refund is approved, we will process it according to the following timeline:
- Credit card payments: 5-10 business days
- Bank transfers: 7-14 business days
- Other payment methods: Processing times vary depending on the payment method
Please note that while we process refunds promptly on our end, the actual time it takes for the funds to appear in your account depends on your payment provider or bank's processing times.
Procedure for Requesting a Refund
If you believe you are eligible for a refund based on the conditions outlined above, please follow these steps:
- Submit your refund request in writing to [email protected] within 14 days of the issue arising.
- Include the following information in your request:
- Your full name and contact information
- The date and nature of the service provided
- Your booking reference number
- A detailed explanation of why you believe a refund is warranted
- Any supporting documentation or evidence
- We will acknowledge receipt of your request within 2 business days.
- We will review your request and respond with our decision within 10 business days.
- If your refund is approved, we will process it according to the timeframes outlined in the "Refund Processing Time" section.
Exceptional Circumstances
We recognize that exceptional circumstances may arise that are not covered by this policy. In such cases, we will review the situation on a case-by-case basis with the goal of finding a fair and reasonable resolution.
Examples of exceptional circumstances may include:
- Serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization
- Death in the immediate family
- Unexpected military deployment
- Natural disasters affecting the venue or preventing travel
In these situations, we may request documentation to verify the circumstances before making a determination regarding deposits, payments, or rescheduling options.
Product Purchases
For physical products such as prints, albums, and other merchandise:
Custom-Made Products
Albums, custom prints, and other items created specifically for you:
- Once production has begun, these items are non-refundable as they are custom-made to your specifications.
- If there are defects in materials or workmanship, we will repair or replace the item at no additional cost.
- Design revision requests after approval may incur additional charges.
Standard Products
For standard, non-customized products:
- If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return unused, unopened items within 14 days of receipt for a full refund.
- Shipping costs for returns are the responsibility of the customer unless the return is due to our error or a defective product.
- Products damaged during shipping must be reported within 48 hours of receipt, with photos of the damage.
Digital Products
For digital files and downloads:
- Due to the nature of digital products, all sales of digital files are final and non-refundable once the download link has been provided or accessed.
- If you encounter technical issues accessing your digital files, please contact us for assistance before requesting a refund.
- If digital files are found to have technical defects (corruption, resolution issues), we will provide replacements at no additional cost.
Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. The policy that was in effect at the time of your booking will apply to your transaction.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of our services following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or special circumstances regarding our Refund Policy, please contact us at:
We are committed to resolving any issues in a fair and timely manner.
