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The Fine Print, Illuminated

Where raw light meets real responsibility—our policies, clear as glass.

Copper light leaks across concrete walls. The hum of a Profoto D2 power pack charging. A Hasselblad H6D’s shutter whispering at 1/1600s. This is where extraordinary images are made—and where every pixel of trust begins with transparency. Below, you’ll find the legal framework that protects your vision, your data, and your experience at GraniteGroveGate. No jargon. No obfuscation. Just the unfiltered terms of a partnership built on respect.

GraniteGroveGate studio interior with dramatic lighting

📜 Terms of Service

The foundation of our studio-client relationship. These terms outline your rights, our responsibilities, and the shared expectations that keep every shoot running smoother than a Gitzo tripod on a granite floor.

🔒 Privacy Policy

Your data is as sacred as a 100MP medium-format file. We collect only what’s necessary—your name, email, and shoot details—to craft seamless experiences.

📅 Studio Booking Agreement

The contract that turns your vision into a scheduled reality. This agreement covers everything from studio access hours to equipment liability.

♿ Accessibility Statement

GraniteGroveGate is committed to ensuring our studio and digital spaces are as inclusive as our photography.

Terms of Service

The rules of engagement for your shoot—written in ink, not stone.

1. Studio Access & Hours

The studio is available for booking 24/7, but our team is on-site from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. After-hours access requires prior approval and a $150 keycard deposit (refundable upon return). Think of it like a backstage pass—with fewer groupies and more Profoto gear.

2. Cancellation & Rescheduling

Cancel or reschedule with 48+ hours’ notice, and your deposit is fully refundable. Less than 48 hours? We retain 50% of the booking fee. No-shows forfeit the full deposit—because that time could’ve been someone else’s golden hour.

3. Equipment Use & Liability

You’re responsible for all gear checked out under your name. Damage or loss? You cover the repair or replacement cost (that $12,000 Phase One XF IQ4 isn’t self-insuring). We provide a gear checklist at booking—sign it, and the liability is yours, like a director’s cut of your shoot.

4. Intellectual Property

You own the rights to your images, but GraniteGroveGate retains the right to use them for promotional purposes (e.g., our portfolio, social media) unless otherwise agreed in writing. Want exclusivity? Add a ‘No-Promo’ clause to your booking agreement for $250.

5. Prohibited Activities

No smoking (including vape—those particles cling to seamless paper like glitter to a toddler). No open flames (candles, pyrotechnics—save it for the editorial shoot). No pets unless they’re service animals or have a signed ‘Model Release for Canines’ (yes, that’s a thing).

6. Payment & Fees

A 30% non-refundable deposit secures your booking. The balance is due 24 hours before your shoot. Late payments incur a 2.5% monthly fee—because even studios have rent (and that rent includes a 20x30’ cyclorama wall).

7. Damage to Studio Property

You break it, you buy it. Whether it’s a scuffed concrete floor from a rolling case or a shattered Profoto glass dome, we’ll invoice you for repairs. Pro tip: Use the provided floor protectors—like coasters for your gear’s heavy lifting.

8. Governing Law & Disputes

These terms are governed by Oregon law. Disputes? We’ll hash it out in arbitration first—because no one wants a judge deciding who’s responsible for that $800 Chimera softbox you ‘borrowed.’

Privacy Policy

Your data, treated like a limited-edition print—rare, protected, and never shared.

1. Information We Collect

When you book, we ask for your name, email, phone, and shoot details (date, time, equipment needs). If you opt in, we’ll send you occasional updates about studio upgrades (like our new Elinchrom ELC 125 Pro HD lights) or exclusive booking windows. No spam—just signal, no noise.

2. How We Use Your Data

Your info is used solely to facilitate your booking, send reminders (e.g., ‘Your shoot is in 48 hours—here’s the door code’), and improve our services. We’ll never sell your data or use it for targeted ads. Your inbox deserves better than that.

3. Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored on encrypted servers in Portland, Oregon, protected by 256-bit SSL encryption (the same standard banks use). We purge inactive accounts after 24 months—because even digital footprints fade over time.

4. Third-Party Services

We use Stripe for payments (they’re PCI-compliant, so your card details are safe) and Mailchimp for newsletters (only if you opt in). Both have their own privacy policies, but we’ve vetted them like a Leica lens—rigorously and without compromise.

5. Your Rights & Choices

You can access, correct, or delete your data at any time by emailing privacy@granitegrovegate.com. Want to opt out of emails? Unsubscribe with one click—no hoops, no guilt. Your data, your rules.

6. Cookies & Tracking

We use a single first-party cookie to remember your booking preferences (e.g., ‘You prefer the North Studio with natural light’). No retargeting ads, no creepy cross-site tracking. Just a smoother experience for your next shoot.

7. Children’s Privacy

GraniteGroveGate does not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you’re booking a family shoot, we’ll only collect info from the parent or guardian—because even privacy has age limits.

8. Updates to This Policy

We’ll notify you of any material changes via email (e.g., ‘We’ve upgraded our security—here’s what’s new’). This policy was last updated on [INSERT DATE], and it’s as current as our gear inventory.

Studio Booking Agreement

The contract that turns your vision into a scheduled reality—no surprises, just raw light and real space.

1. Booking Confirmation

Your booking is confirmed only after we’ve received your 30% deposit and signed agreement. You’ll get a confirmation email with your door code, studio rules, and a gear checklist. Think of it as your backstage pass—minus the rockstar ego.

2. Studio Access

You’ll receive a unique door code 48 hours before your shoot. Lose it? Call us at +81 263-32-4256—we’ll reset it faster than you can say ‘I forgot my memory card.’ After-hours access? That’s a $150 keycard deposit (refundable).

3. Equipment Rental

All gear listed in your booking is reserved for your exclusive use. Need to add a Profoto A10 flash or a 10x20’ seamless backdrop last-minute? Email us—we’ll adjust your invoice and have it ready when you arrive.

4. Liability & Insurance

You’re responsible for all gear checked out under your name. Damage or loss? You cover the repair or replacement cost. Pro tip: Check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance—some policies cover gear damage. Ours doesn’t.

5. Studio Rules

No smoking (including vape—those particles stick to seamless paper like static cling). No open flames (candles, pyrotechnics—save it for the editorial shoot). No pets unless they’re service animals or have a signed ‘Model Release for Canines.’

6. Cancellation Policy

Cancel or reschedule with 48+ hours’ notice, and your deposit is fully refundable. Less than 48 hours? We retain 50% of the booking fee. No-shows forfeit the full deposit—because that time could’ve been someone else’s golden hour.

7. Payment Terms

The remaining 70% of your booking fee is due 24 hours before your shoot. Late payments incur a 2.5% monthly fee—because even studios have bills (like that $15,000 cyclorama wall).

8. Intellectual Property

You own the rights to your images, but GraniteGroveGate retains the right to use them for promotional purposes unless you add a ‘No-Promo’ clause ($250). Want exclusivity? That’s a conversation worth having.

Download Full Agreement (PDF) Email Us to Modify Your Booking

Accessibility Statement

Because extraordinary images—and the spaces that create them—should be accessible to everyone.

1. Physical Accessibility

Our studio is fully wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp at the entrance and wide doorways (36” clearance). The main shooting area has a 10’ ceiling height and no obstructions—because even a 6’ seamless backdrop deserves room to breathe. Need assistance? Our team is trained to help with equipment setup, lighting adjustments, and anything else to make your shoot seamless.

2. Digital Accessibility

Our website meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards, with high-contrast text, keyboard-navigable menus, and alt text for all images (because screen readers deserve to ‘see’ our work too). We test regularly with tools like axe and WAVE—because accessibility isn’t a one-time fix, it’s a commitment.

3. Sensory Considerations

The studio’s ambient noise level is kept below 45 dB (quieter than a library), and we offer noise-canceling headphones for sensitive ears. Our lighting is flicker-free (thanks to Profoto’s IGBT technology), and we can adjust color temperatures from 2800K to 6500K to accommodate visual sensitivities.

4. Service Animals

Service animals are welcome in all areas of the studio. Just let us know in advance so we can prepare a water bowl and a quiet corner—because even working dogs deserve a break between takes.

5. Feedback & Improvements

We’re always improving. If you encounter a barrier—physical or digital—email accessibility@granitegrovegate.com. We’ll respond within 48 hours and work to resolve the issue. Your feedback isn’t just welcome; it’s essential.

6. Ongoing Commitments

We’re currently working on: (1) Adding tactile floor indicators for visually impaired clients, (2) Expanding our gear inventory to include adaptive equipment (like tripods with one-handed controls), and (3) Offering ASL interpreters for shoots upon request. Because accessibility is a journey, not a destination.

Request an Accessibility Accommodation Download Our Full Accessibility Report (PDF)

Questions? Let’s Talk.

Because even legal policies should come with a human touch.

Have a question about our terms, privacy policy, or booking agreement? We’re here to help—no legalese, no runaround. Email us at legal@granitegrovegate.com, and we’ll respond within 24 hours (usually sooner). Prefer to talk? Call +81 263-32-4256 and ask for our studio manager. We’re as approachable as a well-lit portrait setup.

General Inquiries

For questions about studio rentals, equipment, or bookings, email bookings@granitegrovegate.com or call +81 263-32-4256. We’re available 9:00 AM–6:00 PM PST, Monday–Friday.

Legal Questions

Need clarification on our terms or privacy policy? Email legal@granitegrovegate.com. Our in-house counsel reviews all inquiries and responds within 48 hours (usually faster).

Accessibility Requests

Need an accommodation for your shoot? Email accessibility@granitegrovegate.com or call +81 263-32-4256. We’ll work with you to ensure your experience is as seamless as our cyclorama wall.

Press & Partnerships

Interested in featuring GraniteGroveGate in your publication or collaborating on a project? Email press@granitegrovegate.com. We love sharing our space—and our story—with the right partners.

Email Legal Team Call Studio Manager: +81 263-32-4256