Booking and Payment
All sessions are confirmed upon receipt of full payment. A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking and is applied toward the total session fee. The remaining balance is due on the day of the session. Cash is preferred. E-transfer is accepted — please note that HST applies to all e-transfer payments.
Bookings are not held without payment. MAARS Photography reserves the right to release any unconfirmed date.
Rescheduling
We understand that life happens. Rescheduling requests are accommodated where possible, subject to availability.
- More than 24 hours notice: rescheduling is permitted at no charge.
- Less than 24 hours notice: a $50 rescheduling fee applies.
To request a reschedule, please contact us by Instagram DM or email as early as possible.
Cancellation
- More than 24 hours notice: store credit equal to the deposit paid will be issued, valid for 12 weeks from the original session date.
- Less than 24 hours notice: no store credit or rescheduling will be offered.
- Cancellation by MAARS Photography: a full refund of all amounts paid will be issued.
No refunds are provided once payment has been made, except in the case of cancellation by MAARS Photography.
Late Arrivals
Sessions begin and end at the scheduled time regardless of late arrival. Out of respect for other clients, sessions cannot be extended due to late arrival.
- More than 30 minutes late: a $50 late arrival fee applies and the session proceeds for the remaining scheduled time only.
- If you are running late, please notify us as soon as possible so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Weather Policy
Outdoor sessions are weather dependent. In the event of rain, extreme cold, or unsafe conditions, we will work together to reschedule at no charge. MAARS Photography reserves the right to make the final call on whether outdoor conditions are suitable for a safe and high-quality session.
We recommend having a backup indoor date in mind when booking outdoor sessions, particularly between October and April.
Gallery Delivery
Edited galleries are delivered via Pixieset within 25 days of the session date unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- Express delivery within 7 days: $65.
- Additional retouched photos: $20 per image.
- Standard retouching is included as per the package selected.
Clients receive an email when their gallery is ready. Galleries remain available for download for 90 days from delivery. Clients should download and back up their images promptly.
Image Usage and Copyright
MAARS Photography retains full copyright of all images produced during the session. Clients receive a personal-use licence to print, share, and use delivered images for non-commercial purposes.
Clients may not alter, filter, or apply additional editing to delivered images without written consent. MAARS Photography may use session images for portfolio, website, social media, and promotional purposes unless the client opts out in writing before the session.
Child Safety
The safety and comfort of all children and babies in the studio is the highest priority. Sessions involving minors are conducted with at least one parent or legal guardian present at all times.
MAARS Photography follows safe handling practices for newborn and baby sessions. Newborns are never left unsupported and all posing is done with full parental awareness and consent. Parents and guardians are responsible for the wellbeing of their children throughout the session. MAARS Photography is not liable for injuries resulting from failure to follow photographer guidance during the session.
Studio Rules
The following rules apply to all clients and renters visiting MAARS Studio:
- Only clean indoor shoes are permitted in the studio and on the cyclorama.
- All studio equipment, props, backdrops, and furniture must be treated with care and returned to their original position.
- No alcohol, drugs, smoking, or vaping are permitted.
- No open flames, sparklers, dry ice, or smoke machines are permitted.
- Music and noise must remain at a reasonable volume.
- A security camera is installed in the studio for safety purposes.
- Aggressive or disrespectful behaviour may result in immediate termination of the session or rental without refund.
Damage Policy
Clients and renters are responsible for damage caused to studio property, equipment, backdrops, furniture, or props during their booking. Damage fees are assessed by MAARS Photography and are payable before departure or invoiced following the booking.
Damage fees range from $50 to $1,000 depending on the nature and severity of the damage.
Governing Law
These policies are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada. Any disputes arising from services provided by MAARS Photography shall be resolved in accordance with Ontario law.