Welcome to First Choice Studio (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Studio”), located at No. 25 Azikiwe Road, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of our website, your engagement of our photography services, and any session, event, or digital deliverable produced by the Studio. By booking a session, submitting an inquiry, or using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Booking & Retainer
All bookings are confirmed only upon receipt of a non-refundable retainer of fifty percent (50%) of the agreed session or event fee. The remaining balance is due no later than seven (7) days before the scheduled shoot date, or on the day of the shoot for studio sessions, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Dates are reserved on a first-paid basis. Verbal or email holds without payment do not guarantee availability.
2. Cancellation & Rescheduling
The retainer is non-refundable under all circumstances, as it compensates the Studio for reserving your date and turning away other clients. If you cancel, the retainer is forfeited.
Rescheduling is permitted once, free of charge, provided the request is made at least fourteen (14) days before the original date and the new date falls within six (6) months. Subsequent reschedules incur a 25% administrative fee.
In the event of force majeure (including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions, civil unrest, serious illness, or death of the photographer or client), both parties will work in good faith to reschedule without penalty.
3. Copyright & Ownership
In accordance with the Nigerian Copyright Act and international copyright law, all photographs, negatives, RAW files, and digital images created by First Choice Studio remain the exclusive intellectual property of the Studio. The photographer is the sole author and owner of the work in perpetuity.
Clients receive a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the delivered final images for personal, non-commercial purposes such as printing, sharing on personal social media, and gifting to family. Any commercial use, resale, sublicensing, or use by third-party brands requires a separate written commercial license from the Studio.
4. Model Release & Portfolio Use
Unless explicitly opted out in writing prior to the session, the client grants the Studio an irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use any images produced for portfolio display, the Studio's website, social media, marketing materials, competitions, editorial features, and educational purposes. Clients who wish to keep their images private must request a Privacy Addendum before the shoot, which may carry an additional fee.
5. Image Editing & Delivery
The Studio applies its signature editorial color, tone, and retouching style to all delivered images. Editing choices, including the selection of which frames are delivered, are at the photographer's sole artistic discretion. RAW or unedited files are not provided under any circumstances.
Standard delivery timelines are: studio portraits within 7–10 working days, events within 3–4 weeks, and weddings within 6–8 weeks from the shoot date. Rush delivery may be available for an additional fee agreed in writing.
6. Archive & File Retention
Final delivered galleries are hosted online for ninety (90) days from the delivery date. Clients are responsible for downloading and backing up their images within this period. The Studio retains high-resolution backups for one (1) year as a courtesy, after which files may be permanently deleted. Re-delivery after gallery expiry may incur an archive retrieval fee.
7. Client Conduct & Liability
Clients and their guests agree to behave respectfully toward the photographer and any assistants. The Studio reserves the right to terminate any session, with no refund, in cases of harassment, intoxication, threats, or unsafe conditions.
The client is responsible for the conduct of guests at events and for securing any necessary venue permissions, permits, or vendor meals. The Studio is not liable for missed moments resulting from guest interference, poor venue lighting, or undisclosed venue restrictions.
8. Equipment Failure & Limit of Liability
While the Studio uses professional-grade equipment with redundant backups, no electronic device is infallible. In the unlikely event of total equipment failure, lost or corrupted media, or any other circumstance beyond reasonable control, the Studio's maximum liability is strictly limited to a full refund of fees paid by the client. Under no circumstances shall the Studio be liable for consequential, indirect, emotional, or punitive damages.
9. Travel & Outdoor Sessions
For shoots outside Umuahia, the client is responsible for reasonable travel costs, including transport, accommodation (where applicable), and per diem. For outdoor sessions, the client accepts that lighting and weather conditions are beyond the Studio's control. Sessions affected by severe weather will be rescheduled at no additional fee.
10. Payment Methods & Late Fees
Payments are accepted via bank transfer or other methods explicitly listed on the invoice. Outstanding balances unpaid by the delivery date will accrue a 5% late fee per week and may delay gallery release. The Studio reserves the right to withhold delivery until all fees are settled in full.
11. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or any services provided by the Studio shall be resolved first through good faith mediation, and if unresolved, by the competent courts of Abia State, Nigeria.
12. Amendments
The Studio may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect on the date of your booking shall govern your engagement. Continued use of the website following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
13. Contact
For questions, clarifications, or to request a custom contract, please reach out to us at @firstchoice_studio or call +234 80379 17635.
See also our Privacy Policy.