GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS — Family & Individual Photography

(For private clients — consumers)

Last updated: November 1st, 2025



1. Purpose

These General Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all photography services provided by Laura Ponchel / Laura Ponchel Photography, established in the Netherlands, to private individual clients, including families, couples, newborn photography, maternity photography, portraits, and personal sessions.

By booking a session, the client agrees to these Terms.


2. Booking and Reservations

2.1. Booking Confirmation

A booking is confirmed only after:

Written acceptance of the offer or quote

Payment of any non-refundable retainer fee (if applicable)


2.2. Retainer Fee

Unless otherwise stated, a retainer is required to secure the date.

The retainer is non-refundable, except in specific cases described in section 6.


2.3. Right of Withdrawal (EU Consumer Rights)

For services booked remotely (online/email), clients have a 14-day withdrawal period, unless the session is scheduled within this period and the client explicitly waives this right.


3. Prices and Payments

3.1. All prices are in euros (€), including VAT.

3.2. The remaining balance is due on or before the session date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3.3. Failure to pay may result in cancellation of the session.


4. Session Details

4.1. Location and Timing

Clients must arrive on time. Delays will shorten the session duration. Outdoor sessions may be rescheduled in case of unsuitable weather.


4.2. Children and Safety

Parents remain responsible for supervising children during the session.


4.3. Creative Direction

The photographer chooses the artistic style, lighting, and composition.

The client acknowledges the photographer’s artistic approach and accepts that results may vary.

5. Image Selection, Editing, and Delivery

5.1. Image Selection

The photographer selects the best images. Unedited files or RAW files are not provided.

5.2. Editing

Standard editing includes:

Color correction

Exposure adjustments

Cropping

Minor skin retouching

Advanced retouching (body reshaping, object removal, composites) is subject to an extra fee.

5.3. Delivery Timeline

Images are delivered digitally within 4 weeks unless specified otherwise.


5.4. Gallery Availability

Online galleries remain available for 12 months. Clients are responsible for downloading and storing their files.


6. Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Refunds

6.1. Cancellation by Client

More than 14 days before the session: 100% refund (except retainer)

14–7 days before: 50% of the total fee

Less than 7 days: 100% fee payable


6.2. Rescheduling by Client

One free reschedule is allowed if requested at least 48 hours in advance.


6.3. Cancellation by Photographer

In case of illness, emergency, or force majeure:

The photographer will offer a new date

If rescheduling is impossible, the client receives a full refund, including retainer

No further compensation is owed.


7. Client Responsibilities

7.1. The client must ensure:

Proper cooperation during the session

Accurate information (location, participants, conditions)

Necessary permissions to photograph in chosen locations

7.2. If the client behaves inappropriately, the photographer may terminate the session without refund.


8. Copyright and Image Usage

8.1. Copyright

The photographer retains full copyright and moral rights over all images, as per the Dutch Auteurswet (Copyright Act).


8.2. Personal Use License

The client receives a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the delivered images for:

Personal viewing

Personal printing

Personal social media sharing (with credit appreciated)


8.3. Prohibited Uses

Clients may NOT:

Alter images with third-party filters or editing apps

Use images for commercial purposes

Sell or distribute images to third parties

Submit images to contests without written approval


8.4. Photographer’s Portfolio Usage

With explicit permission (consent), the photographer may use selected images for:

Portfolio

Website

Social media

Marketing materials

Consent is always optional for private individuals, in compliance with GDPR.


9. Privacy and Personal Data (GDPR Compliance)

The photographer processes personal data, including photographs, according to the Privacy Policy.

Key points:

Data collected: contact details, images, session notes

Purpose: service delivery, communication, billing

Rights: access, correction, deletion, restriction, objection

Full details are in the Privacy Policy.


10. Liability

10.1. The photographer is not liable for:

Weather conditions

Location restrictions

Clothing choices or styling dissatisfaction

Client injuries caused by unsafe behavior

10.2. Liability is limited to the total amount paid for the session.


11. Gift Cards

Gift cards are valid for 12 months, non-refundable, and cannot be exchanged for cash.


12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by Dutch law.

Any dispute will be submitted to the courts located in the photographer’s business region unless resolved amicably.