Terms of Service & Policies – Atelier Lumina Obscura

Thank you for choosing Atelier Lumina Obscura. We are a small independent analog photography studio specializing in handcrafted, one-of-a-kind portraits created using traditional darkroom methods. Due to the nature of our process, we kindly ask all customers to read and accept the following terms before placing an order or sitting for a portrait.

Process & Product Characteristics

All portraits are produced using a fully analog, artisan method. This means that unlike digital photography, each image is a handmade print with unique characteristics.

As part of the charm and imperfection of analog photography, your portrait may include natural variations such as:

Slight unevenness in lighting, contrast, or shadows
Minor surface blemishes, dust spots, or streaks created by liquid developing chemicals
Soft focus in certain areas of the image

These characteristics are not considered flaws, but rather a signature of our process — each image is truly one of a kind.

Session Conditions & Expectations

While our process is often described as “instant photography,” it is instant only by the standards of over a century ago. The street box camera technique we use is entirely analog and manual, requiring time, care, and patience.

Each portrait session takes approximately 10–15 minutes, including setup, focusing, exposure, and darkroom development inside the camera.
One session produces only one photo—additional poses, retakes, or variations are not possible due to the nature of the process.

Once focus is set, the subject must remain in the exact same position while the light-sensitive paper is placed inside the camera.

Even slight movement can cause the image to go out of focus during exposure.
During the exposure, which may take several seconds, the subject must remain completely still to ensure clarity.
We strongly recommend choosing a comfortable pose or position that you can hold steadily for the duration of the process.
Due to the stillness required, fidgeting children and restless pets may not be ideal subjects, as any movement can result in blurriness or distortion.

While we do our best to accommodate all customers, we cannot guarantee sharpness if the subject is in motion during the shot. In the event of an exposure or development error on our part, you are entitled to one reshoot in accordance with our Terms of Service.

Refunds & Reprints

If your photo is significantly underexposed or overexposed due to an error in our process—such as incorrect exposure time or issues during chemical development—to the point where your face is not clearly visible, we will gladly reshoot or reproduce your portrait at no additional charge.

Requests for a reshoot must be made on the day of the session or before you leave the booth. We are unable to reprint or recreate the image at a later time.

Please note: This policy applies only to errors that occur on our part during exposure or development. We do not offer refunds, reshoots, or reprints for results affected by:

Subject movement (e.g., shifting position, blinking, fidgeting)
External or environmental factors (e.g., weather changes, sudden lighting shifts, background distractions)
Accidental disruptions (e.g., passersby, unexpected physical interference to the set up)

In the rare event that the camera or equipment fails and we are unable to complete your session, you will be entitled to a full refund.

Aside from these specific circumstances, we do not offer free refunds, reprints, reshoots, or accept returns.

Care & Preservation

All prints are made on traditional photographic paper and are sensitive to heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Customers are responsible for the proper care of their portraits. We recommend storing the print in a cool, dry place, ideally away from sunlight or humidity, to preserve its quality over time.
Fading or damage resulting from improper storage is not covered under any reprint policy.

Please note: your black-and-white portrait print is made directly from a paper negative — our equivalent of a film negative. If it is lost, damaged, or destroyed, your portrait cannot be recovered or reprinted like a digital file. A new portrait session would be required. We strongly recommend that you store your print safely and handle it with care.

Use of Portraits for Promotion

From time to time, Atelier Lumina Obscura may use select portraits to showcase the beauty of our work on our social media channels, website, or promotional materials.

We always respect your privacy, and you may opt out of having your image shared by simply letting us know at the time of your session.
No photos will be posted without your verbal or written consent unless previously agreed.

Pre-Booking Policy

The special pre-booking rates at pop-up events are available only prior to the event day and must be paid in full before the day of the event. All pre-bookings must be made exclusively through our official booking form.

Clients may request to reschedule or cancel their booking at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund, which will be issued by bank transfer only.

Please note: No refunds will be given for no-shows or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the event start time.

Customer Agreement

By receiving a portrait from Atelier Lumina Obscura, you acknowledge and accept the above terms, and understand the handcrafted, analog nature of the final product.

We deeply appreciate your support of our small craft-based business and hope you enjoy your timeless portrait.