09/14/2026
A little policy update about payments 🤍
As my business continues to grow, I’ve realized I need to make a small change to my payment policies moving forward.
Effective immediately, I will no longer be accepting full payment for sessions significantly in advance of the scheduled date. As usual, a retainer will be required to officially reserve your date, with the remaining balance due no sooner than 2 weeks to your session or event.
Over the years, I’ve had situations where sessions have been paid in full months in advance and then postponed due to weather, illness, family circumstances, pregnancy/labor timing, or other unexpected situations. In some cases, those sessions have remained outstanding for a year or longer.
I’ve also had wedding cancellations after full payment has been made, which can create confusion surrounding refunds and what portion of a payment was intended to secure a date.
Moving forward, retainers will remain nonrefundable and will secure your date on my calendar, while final balances will be collected according to the timeline outlined in your contract.
This will apply to all sessions, including weddings and labor & delivery photography. Because birth photography is unpredictable by nature, payment does not guarantee that I will physically be able to attend a delivery; those circumstances and backup options will continue to be outlined clearly in the birth photography contract.
This change allows me to keep my bookkeeping cleaner, set clearer expectations, and avoid carrying fully paid sessions on my books indefinitely.
Thank you so much for understanding and for trusting me to document your families and biggest moments. 🤍
— Kylie Oakley Photography
