Policies & Procedures
Outlined below are the policies and procedures governing photography and video services. These standards ensure consistency, efficiency, and exceptional results, and apply to all photography and video services in Aiken, South Carolina and surrounding areas unless otherwise specified in your agreement.
General Policies
Scheduling & Booking
Sessions are confirmed upon approval and scheduling. Certain projects may require a deposit or retainer to reserve the requested date.
Rescheduling
Requests to reschedule should be made at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. Availability for new dates cannot be guaranteed.
Cancellations
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee.
Travel
Travel within 35 miles of Aiken, South Carolina is included unless otherwise noted. Locations beyond this radius may incur a travel fee.
Weather
In the event of unfavorable weather, sessions may proceed, be modified, or rescheduled. Final decisions should be communicated as early as possible.
Real Estate & Property Photography
Property Preparation
To achieve the best results, properties should be fully prepared prior to arrival.
Recommended preparation includes:
• Cleaning and decluttering
• Removal of personal items and excess décor
• Opening blinds or curtains as desired
• Turning interior lights on unless an editorial look is preferred
• Turning ceiling fans off
• Removing vehicles from driveways and visible areas
Minor adjustments may be made on site. Clients are responsible for larger staging or furniture changes.
3D Services
3D floor plans and 3D render videos are available. Interactive 3D tours are not currently offered.
Weather Conditions
All photo packages include sky replacements. Cloudy conditions do not necessarily affect final image quality. Clients may request rescheduling due to weather.
Travel Fees
Travel is included within 35 miles. Properties beyond this radius are subject to a travel fee of $0.70 per mile based on total distance traveled.
Payment
Final balance is due at the time of gallery delivery. Select projects may require a 50 percent deposit to secure the scheduled shoot date.
Usage rights are granted upon full payment.
Delivery Timeline
Photos are typically delivered within 2 days, often next day. Videos and media packages are generally delivered within 2 to 3 days depending on scope.
In the event of a delay, clients will be notified promptly.
Image Delivery
Images are delivered via a private online gallery as high resolution JPEG files optimized for MLS, web, and marketing use. Higher resolution files are available upon request.
Real Estate Licensing
Usage rights are granted exclusively to the commissioning agent and are valid only while that agent holds the active listing. Licensing rights may not be transferred, assigned, or shared with another agent or party.
If a listing changes representation, the new agent must obtain licensing directly from Meghann Padgett for continued use of the media.
Data Loss
In the unlikely event of media loss prior to delivery, payments received for the affected services will be refunded.
Aerial Photography
Weather & Flight Conditions
Aerial photography is dependent on safe flying conditions. Flights may be delayed or rescheduled due to rain, high winds, restricted visibility, or other safety concerns.
Regulatory Compliance
All drone operations are conducted in accordance with FAA regulations and airspace restrictions. Certain properties or locations may prohibit or limit drone flights. If airspace authorization cannot be obtained, aerial services may be modified or canceled.
Site Limitations
Obstacles such as trees, power lines, buildings, and surrounding structures may affect flight paths and composition. Final imagery is subject to environmental and safety constraints.
Liability & Safety
The photographer reserves the right to decline or discontinue aerial services if conditions are deemed unsafe or non-compliant with regulations.
Interiors & Design Photography
Preparation & Styling
Spaces should be photo ready prior to the shoot. While minor adjustments may be made, full styling, staging, or extensive rearrangement remains the client’s responsibility unless otherwise arranged.
Creative Direction
Pre-shoot consultations and walkthroughs may be scheduled for larger or more detailed projects.
Image Integrity
Images may not be altered, filtered, or modified without written permission.
Licensing & Usage
Images are licensed to the commissioning client for self-promotion and marketing use, including portfolio, website, and social media.
Social media sharing is welcomed with appropriate credit or tagging. Images may be tagged; however, collaborators, vendors, or third parties may not be added as co-authors, contributors, or granted shared posting permissions without prior written approval. Use of collaborative posts or platform features that extend distribution rights is not permitted unless explicitly authorized.
Usage beyond standard promotional purposes, including paid advertising, publication, resale, or third-party distribution, requires additional licensing.
Third-Party Usage
Any third party, including designers, builders, vendors, publications, or manufacturers, seeking usage rights must obtain a separate license directly from the photographer. The commissioning client is not authorized to grant usage rights to others. Clients agree to refer all licensing inquiries accordingly.
Credit & Attribution
Where reasonably possible, the photographer appreciates credit in the form of “Photography by Meghann Padgett” when images are published or shared.
Environmental Conditions
Final imagery is influenced by existing site conditions, including natural light, weather, cleanliness, and styling. The photographer is not responsible for factors outside of creative control.
Portrait, Lifestyle & Branding Sessions
Session Planning
Clients are encouraged to communicate goals, locations, wardrobe, and visual preferences prior to the session.
Wardrobe & Styling
Clients are responsible for wardrobe and personal styling unless professional styling services are arranged separately. Photographer is happy to give recommendations or feedback prior to the session as needed.
Delivery Timeline
Galleries are generally delivered within 1-3 weeks depending on session scale and post-production requirements.
Deposits & Retainers
A 50 percent retainer may be requested for branding, lifestyle, or extended sessions. This retainer secures the session date and is credited toward the final balance.
Commercial Photo & Video Projects
Project Scope
Commercial projects are quoted based on creative direction, production requirements, usage, and deliverables.
Deposits
Larger commercial or multi-day productions may require a deposit to reserve shoot dates.
Revisions
Reasonable retouching or editing requests may be accommodated. Extensive revisions may incur additional fees.
Copyright
All photographs and video remain the sole and exclusive intellectual property of the photographer, including all copyrights and associated rights.
No transfer of copyright is granted.
General Licensing & Usage
Standard Licensing
Upon full payment, clients receive a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license for agreed marketing and promotional use.
Third-Party Use
Third-party usage requires separate licensing unless otherwise specified. Cost-sharing arrangements are available when coordinated prior to the shoot.
Image Alteration
Images may not be edited, filtered, or modified without written approval.
Acceptance of Terms
Booking and participation in any session constitutes acceptance of these policies. Additional terms may be outlined within individual agreements or contracts.