Terms & Conditions

Acceptance of Terms

By booking, paying a deposit, signing a contract, or otherwise engaging the services of Steffen Studios (operated by Snack, LLC, a Minnesota S-Corporation), you ("Client") agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions. Engagement of services constitutes acceptance regardless of whether a separate contract has been signed.

Payment

Payment is due in full at the time of service unless prior written arrangements have been made. A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure all session dates. Weddings, bundled sessions, and custom-priced engagements require payment in full in advance unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Steffen Studios accepts cash, check, and credit card. No photos, videos, or any other deliverables will be released until all outstanding balances are paid in full.

Late Payment

Any balance remaining unpaid past the agreed due date will accrue a late fee of $50 per day until paid in full. Steffen Studios reserves the right to suspend delivery of all deliverables and pursue collection through all available legal remedies for unpaid balances.

Refund Policy

Cancellation & Rescheduling

Client must provide written notice of cancellation at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled session. Cancellations within 48 hours will incur a cancellation fee equal to 20% of the total session cost, in addition to forfeiture of the deposit.

One reschedule is permitted at no charge with at least 48 hours written notice and subject to availability. Additional reschedules incur a $200 rescheduling fee each.

Steffen Studios reserves the right to cancel any session due to circumstances beyond its control, including equipment failure, severe weather, or medical emergency, in which case a reschedule will be offered at no charge.

Copyright & Intellectual Property

All photographs, videos, and other content created by Steffen Studios remain the sole intellectual property of Steffen Studios (Snack, LLC) and are protected under United States copyright law. Client is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use delivered content for personal and business marketing purposes, including print, web, and social media.

Client may not modify, resell, sublicense, or transfer this license to any third party. Raw files and full ownership rights are available for purchase separately and must be agreed upon in writing prior to delivery.

Portfolio & Promotional Use

Steffen Studios reserves the right to use any session content — including photos, video, and behind-the-scenes material — for portfolio, website, advertising, and social media purposes. Clients who wish to opt out must do so in writing prior to the session date. Opting out does not affect pricing or delivery.

Editing & Creative Control

Steffen Studios retains full creative control over the editing, selection, and delivery of all final images and video. Client dissatisfaction with editing style, image selection, or other subjective creative decisions does not constitute grounds for a refund or dispute.

Raw, unedited files are available upon request at an additional cost. Additional editing beyond the standard scope may be performed for an additional fee agreed upon in writing.

Delivery of Final Products

Steffen Studios will make reasonable efforts to deliver final products within the timeframe communicated at booking. Delivery times may vary based on project scope and factors beyond Steffen Studios' control. Delivery will not occur until all outstanding balances are paid in full.

Overage Fees

For half-day and full-day bookings, any time beyond the agreed session length will be billed at $399 per hour, calculated in full-hour increments, and added to the final invoice. Setup time is included within the booked session window and is not billed as overage.

Setup Time

All half-day and full-day bookings include setup time within the scheduled booking window, including but not limited to lighting, camera gear, backdrops, microphones, and staging. Clients are responsible for ensuring the location is accessible and ready at the agreed start time. Delays caused by Client will not extend the session end time.

Travel

Sessions located more than 30 miles from Excelsior, MN may incur a travel fee. All travel fees will be communicated and agreed upon in writing prior to the session. For locations more than 250 miles from Minneapolis, MN, Client is responsible for reimbursing reasonable airfare and accommodations.

Associate Photographer / Videographer

In the event that Steffen Sharikov is unable to personally attend a scheduled session due to unforeseen circumstances, Steffen Studios reserves the right to assign a qualified associate photographer or videographer. All associates operate under the creative direction and professional standards of Steffen Studios. This does not constitute grounds for cancellation or refund.

Client Cooperation

Client is responsible for being on time, following direction, and providing all necessary information for the session. Steffen Studios is not liable for suboptimal results caused by Client's failure to cooperate, late arrival, or failure to disclose relevant information prior to the session.

Credit Card Disputes & Chargebacks

Client agrees to contact Steffen Studios directly at work@steffensharikov.com to resolve any billing concerns before initiating a chargeback or dispute with their credit card issuer or payment processor.

Steffen Studios reserves the right to withhold all deliverables and pursue collection through all available legal remedies, including civil action, until all balances are paid in full.

Liability & Indemnification

Steffen Studios is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage to persons or property occurring during a photo or video session. Steffen Studios is not responsible for loss of images or video due to circumstances beyond its control, including equipment failure, data corruption, or acts of God.

Steffen Studios' total liability under any claim arising from its services shall not exceed the total amount paid by Client for the session giving rise to the claim. Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Steffen Studios, its owners, employees, and agents from any claim arising out of Client's use of delivered content.

Force Majeure

Steffen Studios shall not be in breach of these Terms and Conditions for any failure or delay in performance caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disaster, illness, government action, or equipment failure. In such cases, Steffen Studios will make reasonable efforts to reschedule.

Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota. Any dispute arising from or related to Steffen Studios services shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Client consents to personal jurisdiction in Minnesota for this purpose.

Modifications

Steffen Studios reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. The most current version will be posted at steffensharikov.com. Continued use of Steffen Studios services following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any signed service agreement or invoice, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior representations, negotiations, or understandings. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and a signed contract, the signed contract governs.