Terms and conditions

Version 2.0 · Updated 31 October 2026 · Singapore law

How booking works in three steps

The quick view of quotes, retainers and final payment. The full terms are further down.

1. Enquiry and quote

   You send your date, venue and what you need. I send a written quote with coverage hours, crew, deliverables and the fee in SGD.

2. Secure your date with a retainer

   The booking is binding once you accept the quote in writing or click Accept on your online quote, and pay the non-refundable 50% retainer (or full payment where the quote says so, for jobs under S$500). I turn away other bookings for that time, so the date is yours.

3. Balance, shoot and delivery

   The balance is due by the date on your invoice: 14 days before the day for weddings, and by the time I deliver your photos for everything else, unless we’ve agreed other terms in writing. Your licence to use the photos starts once full payment clears.

Please read this first. By accepting a quote and paying the retainer, you agree that your booking is governed by (a) the details in your quote and invoice and (b) the terms on this page, under Singapore law. How I handle your personal data is in the separate privacy policy.

Bookings at a glance

How bookings usually run. Your quote and Part B below are what count.

Weddings, ROMs and couple shoots

• Booking: message me your date and venue. If I’m free, I’ll send a quote you can accept online or by email, and an invoice for the 50% retainer. The date is yours once that’s paid.
• Holding a date: I only hold dates with a booking fee, which keeps it fair for every couple asking about the same day.
• Balance: for weddings, due 14 days before the day. For ROMs and couple shoots, due by delivery.
• Extra time: S$250 for each extra hour on the day.
• Off-peak dates: S$300 off for Monday to Thursday, the seventh lunar month, and non-auspicious dates from January to March.
• Sundays: evenings only, from 4pm.
• Delivery: 30 preview photos within 24 hours and your full edited gallery within 14 days. ROM coverage is delivered within 72 hours.
• If I’m ill: one of a small, named group of Singapore photographers I trust shoots your day in my style, and I still edit and deliver it.

Corporate events and headshots

• Quotation: a PDF with my UEN within 24 hours of your brief, ready for procurement.
• Payment: 50% to confirm for new clients. Repeat clients are invoiced on delivery with 14-day terms.
• Extra time: S$220 for each extra hour.
• Delivery: 30 edited selects by 10am the next working day, and the full gallery within 72 hours.
• Hour bank: prepaid, valid for 12 months, used in blocks of 2 hours or more, for businesses only.
• Photo use: your booking covers your company’s own website, social channels, internal communications and press. Paid advertising and third-party use can be added if you mention it in your brief.

For every booking

• Paying: PayNow to my registered business, bank transfer, or card through the invoice link.
• Travel: anywhere in Singapore is included. For overseas work, message me with the location and dates.
• Your photos: every keeper, edited and in full resolution, in an online gallery you can share and download for 6 months. RAW files aren’t included. I keep the originals for 12 months after delivery as a backup.
• Sharing: I may share a small selection of photos on this site, Instagram or in ads unless you tell me not to. Ask at any time and I’ll remove any photo of you.
• Promotions: each promotion’s own conditions are on the promotions page.
• Personal training: Ember Lean isn’t covered by these terms. Pack, validity and rescheduling terms are on the personal training page.

Key terms explained

• Retainer: the 50% upfront payment that secures your booking. Unlike a deposit, it’s non-refundable, because it pays for blocking out your date and turning away other enquiries.
• Deliverables: the final edited photos and other content I give you at the end of the job.
• RAW files: unedited, unprocessed image files straight from the camera. They aren’t included unless you buy them specifically.
• Usage rights or licence: permission to use the photos I create. I keep the copyright and give you a licence (personal or commercial) to use them as agreed.
• Copyright: legal ownership of creative work. I own the copyright in the photos I create, so you can’t sell them or use them outside the agreed licence without my permission.

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Part A Website terms of use

These terms cover your access to and use of this website (the “Site”). By using the Site, you agree to them.

1. Who I am

Ember Media is a sole proprietorship registered in Singapore (UEN 53516558K), run by Elijah Lim. “I”, “me” and “my” mean Ember Media. “You” and “your” mean anyone using the Site or booking my services.

2. Acceptance and changes

I may change these terms at any time by posting an updated version on the Site. If you keep using the Site after that, you accept the changes. Each booking runs on the version that was live when you accepted your quote.

3. Access and acceptable use

• You’re responsible for all access to the Site through your internet connection, device or account.
• You must not use the Site for anything unlawful, send malware, try to gain unauthorised access, harvest data, or interfere with security, hosting or network services.
• You must not copy, frame, mirror, scrape, reproduce, modify, distribute or build a database from the Site (including images, text and layout) without my written permission, apart from normal personal browsing.
• You must not use any automated system (including robots, spiders or offline readers) to access the Site in a way that sends more requests than a person reasonably could.

4. Intellectual property

Everything on the Site (including images, text, logos and layouts) is owned by me or my licensors and protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights. I give you a limited, revocable, non-exclusive licence to view the Site on your own device for your own non-commercial use.

You may not remove any copyright or other notices, or use my content to train AI models, for data mining or for any competing service, without my written consent.

5. Links to other sites

Links to other websites are there for convenience. I don’t endorse and am not responsible for those sites or their content, products or services. You use them at your own risk.

6. Disclaimers and limit of liability

• The Site and everything on it is provided “as is” and “as available”. As far as the law allows, I exclude all warranties, representations and guarantees (express or implied) about the Site, including accuracy, completeness, availability, non-infringement and fitness for a particular purpose.
• As far as the law allows, I’m not liable for loss of profit, revenue, business, contracts, goodwill or anticipated savings; loss or corruption of data; or any indirect, consequential or special loss arising from your use of (or inability to use) the Site.
• In any event, my total liability arising from the Site (in contract, tort, negligence or otherwise) is limited to S$100.
• Nothing in these terms limits or excludes liability that can’t be limited or excluded under Singapore law.

7. Suspension

I may suspend or end your access to the Site at any time, with or without notice, if I reasonably believe you’ve broken these terms, or for any other operational or security reason.

8. Governing law

These terms are governed by Singapore law, and the courts of Singapore have non-exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute. I may also bring proceedings anywhere you live or where a breach happens.

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Part B Photography service terms

These terms apply to every quote, booking and photography service I provide. By confirming a booking, paying a retainer or asking me to go ahead, you agree to them. They don’t cover personal training: Ember Lean has its own terms on the personal training page.

1. Definitions and scope

• “Client” means the person or organisation booking the Services.
• “Services” means the photography, editing and related services described in my quote or invoice.
• “Deliverables” means the final edited photos and other content supplied under the Services.
• “Event Date” includes wedding dates, event dates, shoot dates and any scheduled sessions.

These terms, your quote or invoice, and any variations we agree in writing form the whole agreement between us for that booking.

2. Quotes, scope and booking

• Quotes set out the Services, coverage hours, crew, deliverables and any expected expenses. A quote is valid for 14 days unless it says otherwise.
• Changes after you accept (for example extra hours, locations, deliverables or scope) are quoted separately and only go ahead once agreed in writing. Email or WhatsApp confirmation counts.
• When the contract forms. A binding contract forms when all three of these have happened:
  • I’ve sent you a written quote;
  • you’ve accepted it in writing (email is enough) or clicked Accept on your online quote; and
  • you’ve paid the 50% non-refundable retainer, or full payment where the quote says so (jobs under S$500).
  Until all three have happened, either of us can walk away with no obligation. An enquiry on its own doesn’t create a contract.
• The retainer is non-refundable because it secures your date exclusively: I turn away other bookings and keep that time for you.
• The balance is due by the date on the invoice. For weddings, that’s 14 days before the Event Date. For every other booking, it’s no later than delivery of the Deliverables. We can agree other terms in writing, for example repeat corporate clients, who are invoiced on delivery with 14-day terms.
• I may hold back the Deliverables and suspend your licence to use them until everything owed (including late-payment interest and agreed extras) is paid in full.
• Fees are quoted and payable in Singapore dollars (SGD) unless stated otherwise. Any taxes or government charges will be shown on your invoice.
• Accepted payment methods (for example PayNow, bank transfer or card) are shown on your invoice or booking message. You’re responsible for any bank charges or foreign exchange fees your payment provider adds.
• Unless your booking is a fixed package, prices and inclusions may change from time to time. Once your booking is confirmed, your agreed price won’t change unless you ask for changes to the scope or extra expenses come up.
• If you ask me to split an invoice between several payers, I may charge a small admin fee, and the person who made the booking stays primarily responsible for anything unpaid.
• If your employer or anyone else agreed to pay some or all of my fees and doesn’t, you (the Client) remain responsible for paying everything due.

3. Your responsibilities

• You’re responsible for:
  • giving me accurate event details, schedules and contact information;
  • making sure I can get into the locations, with any passes or permits needed (unless I’ve agreed to get them);
  • getting any permissions needed from venues, officiants or authorities; and
  • telling me about important moments, people, and any cultural or religious requirements.
• Please name a main contact person on the day to help with group photos, timings and coordination where needed.
• At weddings and events I make reasonable efforts to capture the key moments, but I can’t guarantee every person or moment. I’m not responsible for shots missed because of late running, crowding, non-cooperation, movement restrictions or other things outside my control.
• You confirm that:
  • anything you give me to use (for example logos, music or scripts) doesn’t infringe anyone else’s rights; and
  • you have the consent you need from the people and venues whose images or property may appear in the Deliverables.
• Model releases for commercial work. Corporate and brand clients must get written model releases or appearance consents from every identifiable person before the shoot. I can give you a standard template. Without releases, use may be limited to non-commercial or internal purposes.
• You agree to indemnify me against any claims or losses that come from a breach of these promises.

4. Rescheduling, lateness and cancellation

• Reasonable rescheduling depends on my availability. I may charge a reasonable rescheduling fee (for example to cover lost bookings or extra admin), and I’ll tell you the amount in advance.
• If you or key people are late, I’ll keep shooting within the original scheduled time where possible. Going past it may need overtime at my current rates.
• If you cancel:
  • more than 30 days before the Event Date, the retainer is forfeited and any other payments you’ve made are refunded;
  • 30 days or less before the Event Date, 100% of the agreed fee is payable (less any third-party costs I haven’t incurred).
• If I cancel for reasons within my control (not force majeure), I will either:
  • use reasonable efforts to arrange a replacement photographer of comparable skill and style, with your approval; or
  • refund everything you’ve paid in full.
  I’m not liable for any consequential losses, including the cost of rebooking, venue deposits or lost opportunities.
• Force majeure. If I can’t perform because of events beyond my reasonable control, I may arrange a substitute photographer of similar skill where possible, or refund what you paid for the affected Services (less work already done). I’m not liable for any further loss, costs or damages. Force majeure events include, but aren’t limited to, illness (including COVID-19 or other infectious disease), accident, severe weather, natural disasters, government restrictions or lockdowns, venue closure, transport failures and acts of terrorism.
  If a force majeure event affects your event, I’ll work with you to reschedule where possible, but the retainer stays non-refundable unless I can’t provide the Services on any mutually agreed alternative date within 6 months.
• Backup photographer. In the unlikely event of emergency illness or injury, I’ll use reasonable efforts to provide a replacement photographer of similar skill and style. If I can’t, it’s treated as force majeure under the point above.

5. Overtime, expenses and third-party costs

• Overtime is billed in hourly blocks at my current rates per crew member, rounded up to the nearest hour, unless we agree otherwise.
• Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (for example parking, tolls, permits or special equipment rental) are billed at cost, with receipts on request.
• Third-party suppliers booked through or recommended by me (for example videographers, live-stream operators, hair and makeup or musicians) are independent. I’m not liable for what they do or don’t do, and your remedies are against them directly.

6. Creative discretion, style and venue rules

• My creative approach, style, selection and editing are at my professional discretion. You confirm you’ve seen my portfolio and are happy my style suits you.
• I can’t guarantee specific shots, compositions or outcomes, even if you ask for them.
• Venue or officiant rules may limit my movement, angles, lighting or equipment (including flash and drones). Those limits may affect the Deliverables and aren’t my responsibility.
• I may decline any instruction that, in my professional judgement, would compromise safety, break laws or regulations, or put equipment at unreasonable risk.
• Weather and outdoor shoots.
  • I’ll watch the forecast and tell you if conditions may affect the planned shoot.
  • If weather on the day makes it unsafe or impractical to shoot (in my reasonable opinion), I may suggest rescheduling. That isn’t a cancellation.
  • If you choose to go ahead against my advice, I’m not responsible for quality limits.
  • No refund applies if you cancel because of weather concerns.
• Drone and aerial photography.
  • Drone work is subject to CAAS regulations, weather and airspace restrictions.
  • I’ll get the necessary permits where I’ve agreed to do so.
  • Venue or location rules may prohibit drones.
  • No refund or reduction applies if drone photos can’t be taken for regulatory, weather or safety reasons.
  • You confirm you’ve got any venue permission needed for drone use, and you’ll indemnify me against any claims.

7. Deliverables and timelines

• Usual timelines (depending on workload and scope):
  • Weddings: 30 previews within 24 hours, and the full gallery within 14 days. ROMs within 72 hours.
  • Corporate and private events: 30 edited selects by 10am the next working day, and the full gallery within 72 hours.
• These may stretch in peak periods, for large or complex jobs, or if the scope changes. I’ll keep you reasonably informed of any significant delay.
• Unless we agree otherwise in writing, I don’t guarantee a specific number of images. Any numbers given are estimates.
• RAW files aren’t supplied unless you buy them and they’re priced in the quote.
• How you get your photos:
  • an online gallery with high-resolution downloads;
  • JPEG files;
  • a USB drive or prints if you want them, at extra cost.
  Your gallery stays available to download for 6 months after delivery.
• Acceptance period. Any claims about quality or missing coverage must be raised within 30 days of delivery. After that, the Deliverables are treated as accepted.

8. Copyright and usage licences

• I keep all copyright and intellectual property rights in the photos, edits and Deliverables, unless we agree otherwise in writing.
• Private clients get a perpetual, non-exclusive licence to use the Deliverables for personal, non-commercial purposes (for example viewing, printing and sharing on personal social media), crediting “Ember Media” where practical.
• Business and brand clients get the licence described in the quote (including channels, territory and duration). Use beyond that needs an extra licence and fee.
• You must not sell, sub-license or commercially redistribute the Deliverables, enter them in competitions, submit them to stock libraries, or use them in any resale service without my written agreement.
• All licences depend on full payment of all fees and expenses. Until then, any use is unauthorised and may be treated as copyright infringement.
• I may use the Deliverables and behind-the-scenes material to make compilations and showreels, in line with section 9.

9. Portfolio and sharing

• I may show a small selection of photos in my portfolio, on this website, on social media, in printed materials and in ads.
• Tell me at any time and I’ll remove any photo of you, with no questions asked and no fee. This matches my privacy policy.
• For corporate and brand clients, I may name your organisation and use extracts of the Deliverables in my own marketing unless you ask me to keep the job confidential. You can ask at any time.
• Tagging. When I share your photos on social media, I may tag your account (if you’ve given it to me). You can ask me to untag at any time. When you share my work, I’d appreciate a tag or credit: @embermedia.sg or “Photography by Ember Media”.

10. Backups and lost files

• Where practical, I record to two cards or back up on site, then keep several copies after the shoot.
• I bring backup equipment to every shoot. If equipment fails and the backup fails too (extremely rare), I’ll carry on with what’s working, and any reduction in service gets a partial refund in proportion to the coverage affected.
• My liability for loss, corruption or damage of image files (from equipment failure, theft, accident or anything else) is strictly limited to, at my choice:
  • a re-shoot of the affected part of the Services (where possible); or
  • a refund of the fees paid for the affected part of the Services.
  I’m not liable for any further loss, including emotional distress, consequential loss or loss of opportunity.

11. Warranties, limit of liability and indemnity

• I promise to perform the Services with reasonable care and skill, in line with industry practice.
• As far as the law allows:
  • I exclude all other warranties, conditions or representations (express or implied) about the Services; and
  • I’m not liable for indirect, special or consequential loss, or loss of profit, revenue, business, contracts or anticipated savings, even if foreseeable.
• My total liability for any booking (in contract, tort, negligence or otherwise) is limited to the fees you actually paid for that booking.
• You agree to indemnify me, my crew and subcontractors against any third-party claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:
  • your instructions or requirements;
  • your breach of these terms; or
  • any materials or permissions you were responsible for (for example copyright-cleared music, logos, venue consents or model releases).

12. Health, safety and conduct

• If I reasonably think a location, activity or behaviour is unsafe, unlawful or likely to cause harm to people or equipment, I may pause or stop the Services.
• I don’t have to keep working if anyone is aggressive, abusive or threatening towards me or my crew. In that case everything owed remains payable and no refund is due.

13. Assistants and subcontractors

I may use trusted assistants, second shooters or subcontractors for parts of the Services, and I stay responsible for the overall delivery. You agree to this.

14. Payment, late payment and recovery

• Invoices are payable by the due date shown. If there’s no date, payment is due within 7 calendar days of the invoice.
• I may charge late-payment interest on unpaid amounts at 1.5% a month (or the maximum lawful rate, if lower), accruing daily until paid in full.
• You agree to pay all reasonable debt collection costs (including legal fees on a solicitor-and-client basis) of recovering overdue amounts.
• You must not withhold or set off any amount against my invoices, except where you have a legal right to do so that can’t be excluded by agreement.
• If you think an invoice is wrong, tell me in writing as soon as reasonably possible and no later than 7 calendar days after you receive it. I’ll look at it and discuss it in good faith. Any undisputed part is still payable by the due date.
• If a payment is reversed or charged back without a valid reason (for example a card chargeback after the Services were performed), I may treat it as non-payment and recover the outstanding amount and any bank or processing fees.

15. Insurance

You’re responsible for making sure your own insurance covers your event, guests and property.

16. Disputes

• Before starting any legal proceedings, we both agree to try to settle the dispute through good-faith negotiation for 14 days.
• If that doesn’t work, we may jointly refer it to the Singapore Mediation Centre.
• For disputes of up to S$20,000, either of us may choose to have it heard by the Small Claims Tribunals, whose decision will be final and binding.

17. General

• These terms and the quote or invoice are the whole agreement between us for the Services, and replace any earlier discussions, negotiations, representations or agreements. Brochures, portfolios and marketing materials are for illustration only and aren’t part of the contract.
• If any part of these terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the rest still applies.
• No change is effective unless it’s in writing (email counts) and agreed by both of us.
• I work as an independent contractor. Nothing here creates a partnership, joint venture or employment relationship between us.
• You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under this agreement without my written consent. I may assign it to a successor business.
• If I don’t enforce a term, that doesn’t waive it or any other term.
• Notices must be in writing and sent to the email or postal addresses on the quote or invoice. Emailed notices count as received when sent, unless you get a delivery failure message.
• We’ll both act in good faith and cooperate reasonably to carry out this agreement.
• These service terms are governed by Singapore law, and the courts of Singapore have non-exclusive jurisdiction.

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Questions about any of this? WhatsApp me or email [email protected].