Terms & Conditions of Use

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions of Use ("Terms") govern your use of the website operated by Michael Francis Zeiss ("we," "us," or "our"), a wedding photography and cinematography studio based in Ontario, Canada. By accessing, browsing, or booking our services through this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the site.

2. Services

Michael Francis Zeiss provides professional wedding photography, videography, and related content creation services. Specific deliverables, coverage hours, turnaround times, and pricing for each package are outlined on our Packages page and in the individual service agreement or contract executed with each client. In the event of any conflict between these Terms and a signed contract, the signed contract shall prevail.

3. Bookings & Deposits

• All bookings are confirmed only upon receipt of a signed agreement and the required deposit.
• Deposits are non-refundable and reserve your wedding date on our calendar.
• The remaining balance is due according to the schedule outlined in your signed contract.
• Dates and times are subject to availability and are not held until the deposit is received.

4. Cancellations & Rescheduling

If you cancel your booking, your deposit will not be refunded. Rescheduling requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to availability. If we must cancel due to illness, emergency, or circumstances beyond our control, we will make every reasonable effort to provide a qualified replacement photographer or videographer, or refund any payments made for services not yet rendered.

5. Photography & Video Deliverables

• Turnaround times are estimates and may vary depending on the season and scope of coverage.
• Final edited images and films are delivered via online gallery or YouTube links as specified in your package.
• Raw, unedited footage is not included unless explicitly stated in your contract.
• We retain creative discretion over editing style, color grading, and final image selection.

6. Image & Video Usage Rights

Clients receive a personal-use license to print, share, and reproduce their delivered images and films for non-commercial purposes. Michael Francis Zeiss retains the copyright to all photographs and video footage and reserves the right to use them for portfolio, marketing, social media, advertising, and competition purposes unless the client has purchased a separate privacy or embargo agreement in writing.

7. Client Responsibilities

• Provide accurate event details, timing, and venue information in advance.
• Obtain necessary permissions for photography and videography at all ceremony and reception venues.
• Inform us of any restrictions imposed by venues, officiants, or other vendors.
• Ensure a safe and respectful working environment for our team.

8. Drone Footage

Drone footage is included in select packages and is subject to weather conditions, venue permissions, and Transport Canada regulations. We are not liable for inability to capture drone footage due to factors outside our control. No refund or discount will be issued when drone footage is not possible due to safety or regulatory restrictions.

9. Limitation of Liability

Michael Francis Zeiss is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our services or website. Our total liability for any claim arising out of or relating to our services is limited to the amount paid by the client for the specific services at issue. We are not responsible for lost images or footage due to equipment failure, though we take extensive measures including backup equipment and dual recording where applicable.

10. Website Use

You may not reproduce, distribute, or exploit any content from this website, including images, videos, text, or design elements, without our prior written consent. Unauthorized use of any content is a violation of copyright and may result in legal action. Right-click and image protection measures are enabled on this site.

11. Third-Party Links

This website may contain links to third-party websites and social media platforms. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or policies of those external sites and encourage you to review their terms independently.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Ontario.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

14. Contact

For questions about these Terms, please contact us or email michaelzeiss@gmail.com.