Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions:

“RHIPO Photography”, “We”, “Us”, or “Our” refers to Hitesh Agrawal doing business as RHIPO Photography, based in Seattle, Washington.

“Client”, “You”, or “Your” refers to any individual or couple who accesses this website, submits an inquiry, signs a service contract, or otherwise engages RHIPO Photography for photography or videography services.

“Website” refers to rhipophotography.com and any associated subdomains or landing pages.

“Services” refers to all wedding photography, videography, engagement sessions, and related services offered by RHIPO Photography.

“Agreement” refers to the formal photography services contract entered into between RHIPO Photography and the Client, in addition to these Terms and Conditions.

“Deliverables” refers to the final edited photographs, video films, or other materials produced by RHIPO Photography and delivered to the Client.

2. Scope of Services

RHIPO Photography provides luxury wedding photography and videography services, specializing in South Asian ceremonies including Hindu, Sikh, Punjabi, and Telugu weddings, and fusion weddings that bring Indian and Christian traditions together. Services are based in Seattle, Washington, and are available worldwide subject to availability and applicable travel arrangements.

The specific scope, timeline, deliverables, and pricing for each engagement are detailed in a separate written service agreement signed by both parties prior to the event date. These Terms and Conditions supplement and are incorporated into that agreement.

3. Booking, Retainer, and Payment Terms

3.1 Retainer Fee

A non-refundable retainer fee (the “Retainer”) is required to reserve your event date. The Retainer amount is specified in your service agreement. The date is not reserved until the signed contract and Retainer are received by RHIPO Photography.

3.2 Payment Schedule

The remaining balance is due as set forth in your signed service agreement. Failure to submit payment by the agreed due date may result in cancellation of services at RHIPO Photography’s sole discretion, with no refund of the Retainer.

3.3 Late Payments

Payments not received within 7 calendar days of the due date specified in the agreement are subject to a late fee of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance, in accordance with applicable Washington State law (RCW 19.52).

3.4 Returned Payments

Any returned check or failed electronic payment will incur a $35 returned-payment fee, in addition to any bank fees incurred by RHIPO Photography.

4. Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

4.1 Client Cancellation

All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to hitesh@rhipophotography.com. The Retainer is non-refundable in all circumstances. Cancellation fees apply as follows:

• More than 180 days before the event: Only the Retainer is forfeited.
• 91–180 days before the event: 50% of the total contract value is due and non-refundable.
• 90 days or fewer before the event: 100% of the total contract value is due and non-refundable.

These cancellation fees reflect RHIPO Photography’s good-faith commitment to hold the date exclusively for the Client, decline other bookings, and prepare for the event.

4.2 Rescheduling

Clients may request to reschedule their event date subject to RHIPO Photography’s availability. Rescheduling requests must be submitted in writing at least 90 days before the original event date. RHIPO Photography will apply the Retainer and any amounts paid toward the rescheduled date, provided the rescheduled event is within 18 months of the original date. Rescheduling is not guaranteed and may be subject to a rescheduling fee.

4.3 Cancellation by RHIPO Photography

In the unlikely event that RHIPO Photography must cancel due to a serious emergency, illness, or circumstances beyond our control, we will make every reasonable effort to secure a qualified substitute photographer of comparable quality and style. If a suitable substitute cannot be arranged, RHIPO Photography will refund all amounts paid by the Client within 30 days.

5. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be held liable for failure to perform any obligation under these Terms or the signed service agreement due to causes beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, government orders, civil unrest, power outages, venue closures, or other events that make performance impossible or impracticable. In such cases, RHIPO Photography and the Client will work in good faith to reschedule the event.

6. Intellectual Property and Copyright

6.1 Ownership of Work

All photographs, videos, and other creative works produced by RHIPO Photography remain the exclusive intellectual property of Hitesh Agrawal / RHIPO Photography under the United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq.). RHIPO Photography retains full copyright in all Deliverables.

6.2 Client License

Upon receipt of full payment, RHIPO Photography grants the Client a non-exclusive, non-transferable, perpetual personal-use license to use, display, print, and share the Deliverables for personal, non-commercial purposes only, including sharing on personal social media accounts.

6.3 Restrictions

The Client may not:

• Sell, license, sublicense, or otherwise commercially exploit the Deliverables without prior written consent from RHIPO Photography.
• Apply filters, overlays, or edits that substantially alter the artistic integrity of the Deliverables and represent them as unedited originals.
• Remove, crop, or obscure any watermarks or credits applied by RHIPO Photography.

6.4 Portfolio and Marketing Use

The Client grants RHIPO Photography a perpetual, royalty-free license to use Deliverables for portfolio display, marketing, advertising, social media, website, contest submissions, and editorial purposes. If you wish to opt out of this use, you must notify us in writing at least 30 days before the event date. Such opt-out may be subject to additional fees as specified in your service agreement.

6.5 Website Content

All content on rhipophotography.com, including but not limited to photographs, text, logos, and graphics, is owned by or licensed to RHIPO Photography. Reproduction, redistribution, or commercial use without express written permission is strictly prohibited.

7. Delivery of Deliverables

7.1 Timeline

RHIPO Photography will use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver the final edited Deliverables within the timeframe specified in the signed service agreement. Delivery timelines are estimates and may vary based on event complexity and seasonal volume.

7.2 Method of Delivery

Deliverables will be delivered via an online gallery or digital download link. Physical prints, albums, or other products are subject to separate pricing and ordering timelines.

7.3 Gallery Expiration

Online galleries will remain active for 90 days from the delivery date unless otherwise specified. It is the Client’s responsibility to download and back up all Deliverables promptly. RHIPO Photography is not responsible for data loss after the gallery expiration date.

7.4 Editing and Retouching

RHIPO Photography employs a signature editing style consistent with our portfolio. Extensive retouching or customizations beyond our standard editing workflow are not included unless agreed upon in writing and subject to additional fees.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Equipment and Technical Failure

RHIPO Photography carries professional-grade, backup equipment and takes all reasonable precautions to ensure successful coverage of your event. However, in the rare event of equipment failure, media corruption, or other technical issues beyond our control, RHIPO Photography’s total liability shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Client under the service agreement.

8.2 General Limitation

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, RHIPO Photography shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, loss of business opportunity, emotional distress, or any damages arising from the Client’s use or inability to use the Deliverables.

8.3 Venue and Third-Party Restrictions

RHIPO Photography is not responsible for Deliverables that are limited or compromised due to restrictions imposed by the venue, officiant, or other third parties (e.g., no-flash rules, restricted areas, crowd obstructions). RHIPO Photography will make every effort to communicate with the Client and venue in advance; however, compliance with venue and officiant rules is required.

8.4 No Guarantee of Specific Shots

RHIPO Photography will use professional judgment and best efforts to capture the moments and portraits requested by the Client. However, RHIPO Photography does not guarantee the capture of any specific moment, shot, or photograph. Factors outside our control — including but not limited to lighting conditions, weather, guest behavior, and event timing — may affect coverage.

9. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

• Provide accurate event information including names, dates, locations, timelines, and ceremony details.
• Assign a point of contact (such as a family member or wedding coordinator) to assist RHIPO Photography in gathering family members and guests for portraits.
• Inform RHIPO Photography of any restrictions at the venue or ceremony at least 30 days before the event.
• Ensure that RHIPO Photography’s team is treated respectfully and provided reasonable access to food, water, and restroom facilities during multi-hour events.
• Ensure RHIPO Photography is aware of all ceremony details, rituals, and timeline changes as soon as reasonably possible.

10. Messaging and Communications Consent

10.1 Consent to Receive Communications

By submitting an inquiry form, booking an appointment, or otherwise providing your contact information through this Website, you consent to receive communications from RHIPO Photography. These communications may include appointment confirmations, session reminders, follow-ups, service updates, and promotional content related to our services.

10.2 Text Message Consent (TCPA)

By providing your mobile phone number and checking the consent box on any form on this Website, you expressly consent to receive text messages (SMS/MMS) from RHIPO Photography regarding your inquiry, booking, or promotional offers, pursuant to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), 47 U.S.C. § 227. Message frequency may vary. Standard message and data rates from your carrier may apply. To opt out of text messages at any time, reply STOP. For help, reply HELP. Opting out of promotional messages will not affect your ability to receive appointment-critical communications unless you request full cessation of contact.

10.3 Email Communications (CAN-SPAM)

All promotional email communications from RHIPO Photography comply with the CAN-SPAM Act (15 U.S.C. § 7701 et seq.). Every marketing email will include a clear opt-out mechanism. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the “Unsubscribe” link in any email or by contacting us directly.

11. Privacy and Data Collection

11.1 Information We Collect

RHIPO Photography may collect personal information you voluntarily provide, including your name, email address, phone number, wedding date, venue, and any other details you submit through our Website or in correspondence.

11.2 How We Use Your Information

We use your information to respond to inquiries, fulfill service agreements, communicate with you about your event, and — with your consent — to send you marketing communications. We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

11.3 Washington State Privacy Rights

If you are a resident of Washington State, you may have rights under applicable Washington State privacy law, including the right to access, correct, or delete personal information we hold about you. To exercise these rights, please contact us at hitesh@rhipophotography.com.

11.4 Data Security

RHIPO Photography takes reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no internet-based system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11.5 Cookies and Analytics

This Website may use cookies and third-party analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand visitor behavior and improve our services. By continuing to use this Website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy.

12. Washington State Consumer Protection

These Terms and Conditions are subject to the Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86). Nothing in these Terms and Conditions is intended to limit, exclude, or waive any right you may have under the Washington Consumer Protection Act or any other applicable consumer protection law.

13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions, and any service agreement entered into with RHIPO Photography, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

13.2 Venue

Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms and Conditions shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in King County, Washington. Both parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

13.3 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal legal proceeding, both parties agree to make a good-faith effort to resolve any dispute through direct communication. Please contact us at hitesh@rhipophotography.com to initiate this process.

13.4 Mediation

If informal resolution fails, the parties agree to attempt mediation through a mutually agreed-upon mediator in King County, Washington, before pursuing litigation. The cost of mediation shall be shared equally by both parties.

14. Indemnification

The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless RHIPO Photography, its owner, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to: (a) the Client’s breach of these Terms and Conditions or the signed service agreement; (b) the Client’s use of the Deliverables in violation of these Terms; or (c) any third-party claims arising from the Client’s actions in connection with the event.

15. Modifications to These Terms

RHIPO Photography reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of this Website or our services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. Material changes will be communicated directly to active clients via email.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be unenforceable or invalid under applicable law, that provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or severed from these Terms, without affecting the enforceability of the remaining provisions.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with the signed service agreement and any written addenda, constitute the entire agreement between the Client and RHIPO Photography with respect to the subject matter herein, and supersede all prior discussions, representations, or understandings.