Refund Policy
Last updated: October 15, 2023
1. Introduction
At Subtle Harmony Photography, we are committed to ensuring your satisfaction with our services and products. This Refund Policy outlines the conditions under which we offer refunds, the refund process, and exceptions to our refund policy.
This policy applies to all photography services, digital products, and physical products purchased through our website or directly from Subtle Harmony Photography.
2. Photography Session Deposits and Payments
2.1 Session Deposits
To secure a photography session date and time, we require a non-refundable deposit. This deposit is used to reserve your session date and begin preparation for your shoot. The deposit amount varies depending on the type of session and will be clearly communicated to you before booking.
2.2 Deposit Refund Conditions
Session deposits are non-refundable except in the following circumstances:
- If Subtle Harmony Photography is unable to perform the photography services due to illness, emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances, you will be entitled to a full refund of your deposit or the option to reschedule.
- In the event of severe weather conditions that make outdoor photography impossible (for outdoor sessions only), you may reschedule without losing your deposit.
2.3 Rescheduling Policy
If you need to reschedule your session, we require at least 7 days' notice. Rescheduling requests with less than 7 days' notice may result in forfeiture of your deposit, subject to our discretion and availability.
2.4 Full Payment Refunds
If you have paid the full amount for your photography session in advance:
- Cancellations made more than 30 days before the scheduled session will receive a refund of the full amount minus the non-refundable deposit.
- Cancellations made between 14-30 days before the scheduled session will receive a 50% refund of the amount paid beyond the deposit.
- Cancellations made less than 14 days before the scheduled session are not eligible for a refund except in cases of documented medical emergencies or bereavement.
3. Digital Products and Online Purchases
3.1 Digital Downloads
Due to the nature of digital products, all sales of digital downloads (including digital image files, presets, templates, or educational materials) are final. We do not offer refunds on digital products once they have been downloaded.
3.2 Online Courses and Tutorials
For online courses and tutorial purchases:
- If you have not accessed more than 20% of the course content, you may request a refund within 14 days of purchase.
- Refund requests must include specific reasons for dissatisfaction with the course.
- After 14 days or if you have accessed more than 20% of the course content, no refunds will be issued.
4. Physical Products
4.1 Custom Photo Products
Custom photo products (including prints, albums, canvases, and other personalized items) are created specifically for you based on your order specifications. As such:
- Orders for custom photo products cannot be cancelled once production has begun.
- We do not offer refunds on custom photo products except in cases of manufacturing defects or damage during shipping.
4.2 Manufacturing Defects
If you receive a product with a manufacturing defect:
- You must notify us within 7 days of receiving the product.
- Please provide clear photos of the defect.
- We will either replace the defective product or provide a full refund, at our discretion.
4.3 Shipping Damage
If your order arrives damaged due to shipping:
- You must notify us within 48 hours of receiving the damaged item.
- Please provide clear photos of the damaged product and packaging.
- We will either replace the damaged product or provide a full refund, at our discretion.
4.4 Non-Custom Products
For non-custom physical products (such as camera accessories, merchandise, or books):
- You may return unopened, unused items within 14 days of delivery for a full refund minus shipping costs.
- Items must be returned in their original packaging and in new condition.
- Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the return is due to our error.
5. Refund Process
5.1 How to Request a Refund
To request a refund, please follow these steps:
- Contact us at [email protected] with the subject line "Refund Request".
- Include your order number, date of purchase, and the reason for your refund request.
- For physical products, include photos if applicable (for defects or damage).
- Our team will review your request and respond within 3 business days.
5.2 Refund Timeframes
If your refund request is approved:
- Credit card refunds typically process within 5-10 business days, depending on your card issuer.
- Bank transfers may take 5-7 business days to appear in your account.
- PayPal refunds typically process within 3-5 business days.
6. Exceptions and Special Circumstances
6.1 Weather-Related Cancellations
For outdoor photography sessions:
- If weather conditions are unsuitable for photography (heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperatures), we will reschedule your session at no additional cost.
- The final decision regarding weather suitability rests with Subtle Harmony Photography.
- Light rain, overcast skies, or other mild weather conditions are not grounds for rescheduling or refunds.
6.2 Illness and Emergencies
In cases of serious illness or family emergencies:
- If you need to cancel due to a documented medical emergency or bereavement, we will work with you to reschedule your session or provide a refund, at our discretion.
- Documentation may be required for emergency-related cancellations.
6.3 Dissatisfaction with Photography Services
We take pride in our work and strive for client satisfaction. If you are dissatisfied with your photography services:
- You must notify us of your concerns within 7 days of receiving your gallery or products.
- We will work with you to address your concerns, which may include additional editing, a partial refund, or a reshoot at our discretion.
- Full refunds for stylistic preferences (lighting style, posing, editing style) are not provided when the work delivered is consistent with our portfolio and professional standards.
7. Gift Certificates and Promotions
7.1 Gift Certificates
Gift certificates and gift cards:
- Are non-refundable once purchased.
- Cannot be redeemed for cash or credit.
- Are valid for the period specified on the certificate (typically 12 months from the date of purchase).
7.2 Special Promotions and Discounted Services
Services purchased at a promotional or discounted rate:
- May have different refund terms than regular-priced services.
- Any special refund conditions will be clearly communicated at the time of purchase.
- In the absence of specific terms, our standard refund policy applies.
8. Additional Terms
8.1 No-Show Policy
If you fail to attend your scheduled photography session without prior notice:
- Your deposit and any payments made will be forfeited.
- Rescheduling will require a new deposit and booking.
8.2 Late Arrivals
If you arrive late to your scheduled session:
- Your session time will not be extended, and no partial refund will be issued for the unused time.
- If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, it may be treated as a no-show, depending on our schedule and availability.
8.3 Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our services following any changes indicates your acceptance of the new terms.
9. Contact Information
If you have any questions about our Refund Policy, please contact us:
- By email: [email protected]
- By phone: +447679425684
- By mail: 73 Simpson Village, Carmenland, BS23 3YE, United Kingdom