Refund & Cancellation Policy

This policy summarizes how deposits, cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds work. The specific terms for your session are set out in the Photography Services Agreement you sign when you book, and that signed Contract controls if anything here differs from it.

Deposits

A non-refundable retainer (deposit) is required to reserve your date. It secures your time slot and is applied toward your session total. Because it holds a date we turn away other bookings for, the deposit is non-refundable except where this policy or your Contract states otherwise (for example, if we cancel). The remaining balance is due before your session as stated in your Contract.

If You Cancel

Cancellation terms depend on how much notice you give before the session date:

• 14 or more days before: you forfeit the deposit, but no further amount is owed.
• 7 to 13 days before: 50% of the total session fee is due.
• Fewer than 7 days before: the full session fee is due.

Rescheduling

We understand plans change. You may reschedule once at no charge with at least 7 days’ notice, subject to availability. Rescheduling with less than 7 days’ notice, or a second reschedule, may incur a $50 rescheduling fee. Your deposit and any amount already paid carry over to the new date. Card processing fees already paid are not refunded.

Weather

For outdoor sessions affected by weather that makes shooting unsafe or impractical, we will reschedule to the next mutually available date at no additional charge.

If We Cancel

If we must cancel or cannot photograph your session for any reason, we will first work with you to arrange a replacement date. If a suitable date cannot be arranged, you will receive a full refund of everything you paid, including the deposit and any card processing surcharge. This refund is our total responsibility in this situation.

Photo Delivery & Satisfaction

Photography is a creative service, and images are edited in our signature style. Payments cover the time, talent, and work of the session and editing — not a guarantee of specific results — so fees are not refundable based on subjective preferences once a session has taken place. If something goes wrong on our end, please reach out and we’ll make it right.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash, except where required by law. See our Gift Card Terms for details.

How Refunds Are Issued

When a refund is due under this policy or your Contract, it is returned to the original payment method through Stripe. Processing times vary by bank but are typically 5–10 business days. Card processing surcharges are not refundable, since they are third-party fees our payment processor does not return to us, so refunds are issued net of that surcharge. The one exception is a cancellation by us, as described above, where your refund includes it.

Questions

If you need to cancel, reschedule, or ask about a refund, email us at ryleebikmanphotography@gmail.com and we’ll help.