📑 Rules of Engagement

(Terms & Conditions)



These Terms and Conditions (“Rules of Engagement”) govern all services provided by Papercut Steam (“PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER”) to the CLIENT. By booking, confirming, or making payment, the CLIENT acknowledges and agrees to these terms.




1. Entire Agreement & Acceptance of Terms


This agreement contains the entire understanding between the PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER and the CLIENT. By booking, confirming, or making payment for any service, the CLIENT acknowledges and agrees to be bound by these Rules of Engagement, whether or not a separate written contract has been signed. These Terms and Conditions shall prevail over any conflicting terms proposed by the CLIENT, unless expressly agreed in writing.




2. Booking, Retainers & Payment


  • A booking is only confirmed once the required retainer is paid.
  • Retainers are non-refundable.
  • The balance is payable before or on delivery of the final work, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
  • Late payments may incur additional fees.



3. Deliverables & Turnaround Time


  • Deliverables consist only of the final edited photos/videos as agreed.
  • Raw files are not included unless purchased under a separate Raw File Buyout Agreement.
  • Standard turnaround time is 14–25 working days, unless otherwise specified.



4. Film & Copyrights / Raw Files


  • All raw, unedited footage, project files, and source material remain the exclusive property and intellectual property of the PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER.
  • The CLIENT is licensed only to use the final, edited deliverables provided upon full payment, for the purposes agreed upon in writing.
  • Raw footage and project files are not part of deliverables unless expressly purchased under a separate agreement and invoiced accordingly.
  • Any transfer of copyright must be agreed to in writing and may be subject to an additional buyout fee.



5. Usage Rights & License


  • Upon full payment, the CLIENT is granted a non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use the final deliverables for their intended purposes (e.g., marketing, social media, internal communications).
  • The CLIENT may not resell, redistribute, re-edit, or supply the deliverables to third parties without the prior written consent of the PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER.
  • The PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER retains the right to use the deliverables for self-promotion (e.g., portfolio, website, showreel) unless otherwise agreed in writing and subject to privacy/release conditions.



6. POPIA / Privacy & Model Releases


  • The CLIENT is responsible for ensuring that all individuals featured in the content have granted the necessary permissions or model releases.
  • The PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER will not use or publish the content publicly without the CLIENT’s written consent and/or the necessary releases, ensuring compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
  • The PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER accepts no liability for claims arising from the CLIENT’s failure to obtain such permissions.



7. Safety, Conduct & Working Environment


  • The PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER reserves the right to stop or refuse work if the environment becomes unsafe, hostile, or inappropriate.
  • The CLIENT shall ensure safe and reasonable working conditions at all times.



8. Storage & Backups


  • Deliverables will be made available for download for 30 days after delivery. The CLIENT must download and back up files within this period.
  • The PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER will maintain backups of raw files and deliverables for a maximum of 2 months. After this period, storage is not guaranteed.



9. Liability & Limitation


  • The PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER will take all reasonable steps to provide quality services.
  • In the event of equipment failure, acts of nature, or other circumstances beyond control, liability is limited to rescheduling or a refund of payments received.
  • In no event shall the PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER be liable for consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages, including but not limited to claims arising from the CLIENT’s use of the deliverables, POPIA compliance failures, or third-party claims.



10. Governing Law


These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.