Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 18 October 2026

These Terms & Conditions govern the use of the Backstairs Studio website and the general terms under which we provide photographic and creative production services.

Backstairs Studio is operated by Backstairs Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales.

Website: www.backstairsstudio.com
Email: info@backstairsstudio.com

By using this website, you agree to the website provisions of these terms. Separate booking agreements, quotations or project contracts may apply when commissioning our services.

1. Website Use

The content of this website is provided for general information about Backstairs Studio, our work and services.

You may browse and share links to our website for lawful personal or professional purposes. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify or commercially exploit website content without appropriate permission.

We aim to keep information accurate and up to date but may amend website content, services, pricing and availability without prior notice. Changes will not retrospectively alter confirmed contractual agreements.

2. Copyright & Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, photographs, videos, graphics, written content and other original creative materials displayed on this website are protected by copyright and other applicable intellectual property rights.

Copyright remains with the respective rights holders, including Backstairs Ltd, Kate Ann Joy and any credited photographers, artists or collaborators.

Without prior written permission, you may not:

• Download, reproduce or redistribute photographs or other protected materials beyond what is permitted by law.
• Use images for advertising, commercial publication, merchandise or promotional purposes.
• Alter, manipulate or create derivative works from protected materials without authorisation.
• Remove copyright notices, watermarks or attribution information.
• Sell, sublicense or otherwise commercially exploit protected content.

Sharing a direct link to our website or publicly available portfolio pages is permitted.

3. Photographic Commissions & Image Licensing

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, commissioning photography does not transfer copyright ownership to the client.

Copyright in commissioned work remains with its lawful owner. Clients receive a licence to use the final delivered images according to the terms agreed for their commission.

Licences may specify:

• Permitted personal, editorial or commercial uses.
• Media, territories and duration of use.
• Exclusivity and third-party permissions.
• Reproduction, distribution and modification rights.
• Any additional licensing fees.

Images may not be used beyond the agreed licence without further authorisation.

Copyright assignment, exclusive licensing and additional usage rights must be expressly agreed in writing.

4. Enquiries & Quotations

Submitting an enquiry does not constitute a confirmed booking or commission.

Bespoke services are quoted individually according to the scope of work, production requirements, deliverables and intended usage.

Quotations may specify fees, payment schedules, deposits, licensing terms, deadlines and other relevant conditions.

A commission is confirmed when the applicable booking requirements have been satisfied, as communicated to the client.

5. Bookings & Payments

Directly bookable sessions are subject to the prices, availability and conditions displayed during booking.

Bespoke commissions may require a deposit or advance payment to secure production dates and commence preparation.

Unless otherwise agreed:

• Fees are payable according to the confirmed booking or quotation.
• Additional work outside the agreed scope may incur further charges, subject to client approval.
• Third-party production expenses may be charged separately where applicable.
• Final deliverables and usage permissions are subject to the agreed payment and licensing terms.

Any applicable taxes or additional charges will be disclosed before confirmation.

6. Cancellations & Rescheduling

Cancellation and rescheduling conditions depend on the service, booking arrangements and any applicable consumer rights.

The relevant conditions will be communicated before a booking or commission is confirmed.

Where cancellation charges apply, they will be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances, including work already completed, expenses incurred and losses that cannot reasonably be avoided.

If Backstairs Studio needs to cancel or substantially reschedule a confirmed service, we will contact the client to arrange an appropriate alternative or refund, in accordance with the agreement and applicable law.

Nothing in these terms limits statutory cancellation or refund rights.

7. Production & Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for providing accurate information, communicating relevant requirements and obtaining any permissions or approvals assigned to them under the agreed scope.

Where applicable, this includes access permissions, location approvals, product information, third-party materials and the availability of participants.

Changes to an agreed brief, production schedule or deliverables may affect the quotation, timeline or scope of work. Any material adjustments will be discussed before proceeding.

8. Editing, Deliverables & Revisions

Image selection, editing, retouching, file formats, delivery schedules and any included revisions are determined by the relevant booking or project agreement.

Unless expressly included, RAW files, unedited images, working files and intermediate production materials are not part of the final deliverables.

Additional retouching, revisions or deliverables outside the agreed scope may be quoted separately.

9. Portfolio Use & Publication

Backstairs Studio may seek to display commissioned work in its portfolio, website, social media, promotional materials or professional submissions.

Any such use remains subject to applicable copyright, privacy, confidentiality and contractual requirements.

Where client permission, model consent or other authorisation is required, publication will be subject to obtaining that permission.

Confidential commissions, embargoes and agreed publication restrictions will be respected.

10. Third-Party Services

Our website may link to external booking platforms, payment providers, social media services and other third-party websites.

These services operate under their own terms and privacy policies. Backstairs Studio is not responsible for the independent content or practices of external websites.

11. Liability & Consumer Rights

We provide services with reasonable care and skill and aim to fulfil the specifications agreed with each client.

To the extent permitted by law, Backstairs Studio is not responsible for losses arising from circumstances outside our reasonable control.

Nothing in these terms excludes or restricts liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or applicable statutory consumer rights.

12. Privacy & Personal Data

Personal information submitted through our website, contact forms, bookings and communications is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable UK data protection law.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details of how we collect, use, store and protect personal information.

13. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, subject to any mandatory legal protections applicable to consumers.

14. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions to reflect changes in our services, website operations or legal obligations.

Updated terms will be published on this page. Changes will not retrospectively alter existing confirmed agreements without an appropriate legal or contractual basis.

15. Contact

For enquiries relating to these terms, licensing permissions or commissioned services, contact:

Backstairs Studio
Backstairs Ltd
info@backstairsstudio.com
www.backstairsstudio.com