General Policies
This page summarizes and serves as a quick reference for Mark O’Shea Studio’s photography policies, including booking, cancellations, turnaround times, and image usage for graduation and headshot sessions in Chicago.
Limit of Liability
Mark O'Shea Studio (MOS) takes great care to transport and process photographs, including the use of professional and backup equipment. However, in the unlikely event that photographs are lost, stolen, or destroyed for reasons within or beyond MOS's control, MOS's liability is limited to the return of all payments received, including the session fee.
Model Release & Image Use
Clients who opt for the "Portfolio Discount" grant MOS the irrevocable right to use and publish photographs of the client and/or their children for portfolio, social media, editorial, trade, advertising, and other lawful purposes.
Booking Restriction
Only clients that are at least 18 years old are permitted to book sessions. Any clients younger than this will need a parent/legal guardian to book on their behalf.
Rescheduling & Cancellations
Sessions may be rescheduled with at least 24 hour notice. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows may result in forfeiture of the session fee. MOS reserves the right to cancel at any time for any reason – in that event, MOS will return to the client all deposits and payments made.
Session Timing & Location
Sessions begin at the scheduled start time. If you arrive late, the session will still end at the originally scheduled time to avoid impacting other bookings. If you anticipate being late, please communicate as soon as possible. MOS reserves the right to modify the session location or start time due to logistical challenges. In such cases, MOS will offer a reschedule or full refund.
Weather
I will reach out if the weather will prevent us from shooting as scheduled. You are also welcome to contact me at hello@markosheastudio.com if you have concerns. Weather decisions are subject to the 24 hour cancellation policy.
Turnaround Time
Proof galleries (mostly unedited previews of photos from the session) are delivered within 2 weeks of the session (or 48 hours for rush delivery). This is a reasonable estimate but not a guarantee. After the client selects and submits all photos for final edits, final galleries will be delivered within another 2 weeks (or 48 hours for rush delivery). Client image selections must be submitted within 30 days of proof gallery delivery, or incur a $50 archive retrieval fee.
Image Selection & Editing
Clients will select their favorite images from a proof gallery. Final edits are completed in a style that reflects the portfolio and artistic direction of MOS. By booking a session, the client acknowledges that they have reviewed MOS's portfolio and are hiring MOS based on its photographic and editing style. No specific style, pose, expression, or composition is guaranteed.
Payment
Full payment is required to secure your booking. Additional images beyond those included in your session package are available for purchase.
Communication Consent
By engaging MOS for photography services, the client agrees to receive communication from MOS by email and/or text message regarding their session.
Usage
Final images are delivered for personal use. For commercial or extended usage, please reach out to discuss licensing.