policies
Travel Fee Policy
I’m based in Bryson City, NC, and include travel within a 20-mile radius in all sessions
For locations outside of that radius, a travel fee will be added:
20–40 miles: $50
40-60 miles: $75
60+ miles: custom quote based on distance and session details
For extended travel (long distances or full-day sessions), additional costs such as gas, time, or lodging may be required.
Travel fees are due with your deposit to secure your session date.
Deposit Policy
To book a session, I require a 20% non-refundable deposit.
Your date isn’t officially saved until that deposit is paid.
Deposits are applied toward your total session cost. The remaining balance is due 5 days before your session.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Deposits are non-refundable.
If you need to reschedule, I allow one reschedule as long as I have at least 5 days notice.
If you cancel within 5 days of your session or do not show up, your deposit will be forfeited and a new deposit will be required to book again.
I understand that life happens, so in the case of emergencies or unexpected situations, exceptions may be made at my discretion.
Late & No-Show Policy
Please do your best to arrive on time.
For regular sessions, I allow a 10-minute grace period. After that, your session time may be shortened.
If you’re more than 20 minutes late, the session may be canceled and counted as a no-show.
Mini sessions are booked back-to-back, so there’s no grace period. If you arrive late, your session time may be shortened or lost.
No-shows will lose their deposit, and a new one will be required to book again.
In certain situations, I may make exceptions at my discretion.
Weather Policy
Since most of my sessions are outdoors, weather can sometimes be unpredictable.
If conditions are unsafe or not ideal (such as heavy rain, storms, or high winds), your session will be rescheduled.
Weather decisions will be made at my discretion, typically within 24 hours of your session.
Your deposit will transfer to your new date with no additional cost.
Clouds, fog, smoke, and overcast conditions are not considered valid reasons for rescheduling, as these elements can enhance the overall aesthetic and lighting of the session.
Turnaround Time & Delivery Policy
Final images will be delivered within 21 days of your session date.
Sneak peeks may be provided within a few days, but are not guaranteed.
Delivery times may vary depending on workload, season, and session type. Any delays will be communicated.
Image Delivery & Selection Policy
Final images will be delivered through an online gallery (Pixieset) for viewing, downloading, and sharing.
Only fully edited, high-resolution images are delivered.
RAW or unedited images are not provided under any circumstances.
Image selection is determined by the session type. Additional images may be available for purchase.
Images may not be altered, edited, or filtered after delivery.
Editing Style Policy
By booking with Samantha Stephenson Photography, clients agree to my editing style and artistic approach.
My work is consistent with the portfolio displayed on my website and social media.
Final images are delivered in my signature style and will not be altered beyond standard editing.
Requests for significant changes to editing style, tones, or overall aesthetic will not be accommodated.
Minor retouching or adjustments may be made at my discretion.
Usage & Copyright Policy
All images created by Samantha Stephenson Photography remain the sole property of the photographer and are protected under copyright law.
Clients are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license for personal use only, including printing and sharing.
Images may not be edited, altered, or used for commercial, promotional, or financial gain without prior written permission.
Model Release Policy
By booking a session with Samantha Stephenson Photography, clients grant permission for images to be used for portfolio, website, social media, advertising, and other marketing purposes.
All images will be used in a professional and respectful manner.
Clients who do not wish for their images to be used must communicate this prior to the session.
Client Responsibility Policy
Clients are responsible for arriving on time and being fully prepared for their session, including outfits, participants, and any necessary items.
Samantha Stephenson Photography is not responsible for missed moments or unsatisfactory results due to late arrival, lack of preparation, or uncooperative participants.
Payment Policy
Payment is accepted through approved methods (such as Cash App or other agreed-upon platforms).
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to book a session. The remaining balance is due 5 days prior to the scheduled session date.
Failure to complete payment by the due date may result in cancellation of the session.
Final images will not be delivered until full payment has been received.
Gallery & File Storage Policy
Final images will be delivered through an online gallery.
The online gallery will remain active for 30 days from the delivery date. Clients are responsible for downloading and backing up all images within this timeframe.
After 30 days, the gallery will expire and images may no longer be accessible.
Samantha Stephenson Photography is not responsible for lost or deleted images after the gallery has expired.
For backup purposes, image files may be stored for up to 2 years from the session date. Retrieval of images after gallery expiration is not guaranteed and may be subject to an additional fee.
Session Coverage & Missed Moments Policy
Samantha Stephenson Photography will make every reasonable effort to capture all requested moments during the session.
However, I am not responsible for missed images or unsatisfactory results due to factors beyond my control, including but not limited to late arrival, uncooperative participants, weather conditions, lighting limitations, or restrictions at the location.
Creative Control Clause
Samantha Stephenson Photography maintains full creative control over all sessions, including posing, lighting, composition, and final image selection.
While client input is welcomed, not all requested images or ideas are guaranteed.
Safety Policy
Samantha Stephenson Photography reserves the right to end or refuse a session if conditions are deemed unsafe, including but not limited to hazardous locations, dangerous weather, or inappropriate behavior.
In such cases, no refunds will be issued.
Respect & Conduct Policy
All clients and participants are expected to behave in a respectful and appropriate manner during sessions.
Any form of harassment, inappropriate behavior, or refusal to follow direction may result in the session being terminated without refund.
Reshoot & Refund Policy
Due to the nature of photography services, refunds are not provided once a session has been completed.
Reshoots are not guaranteed and will only be considered in cases of technical failure or circumstances directly caused by Samantha Stephenson Photography.
Dissatisfaction based on personal preference, style, or subject cooperation does not qualify for a refund or reshoot.
Force Majeure Policy
Samantha Stephenson Photography is not liable for failure to perform services due to circumstances beyond control, including but not limited to severe weather, illness, emergencies, or other unforeseen events.
In such cases, sessions will be rescheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.