Terms & Conditions

These General Terms and Conditions ("Terms") apply to all photography engagements between Till Kuhlmann, trading as "Rakku Photography" (Kammermühlenweg 20a, 33607 Bielefeld, Germany, "Photographer"), and clients ("Client") arranged via this website, by email, or in person (e.g. at a convention). Any deviating terms proposed by the Client are not recognised unless the Photographer agrees to them expressly in writing.

The contract is formed in stages: the Client submits a non-binding request (via the form on this website or in person), the Photographer then provides a price offer, and the contract only becomes binding once both parties have agreed on price and date and the appointment is marked as confirmed in the booking system. No entitlement to a specific date exists before that point.

The exact scope (session duration, number of edited images, number of locations/outfits) follows the booked package or individual agreement as described on the "Angebote" page or agreed separately. Edited images are delivered via this website's password-protected client area. Delivery typically takes 2–6 weeks after the shoot but may vary; no specific delivery date is guaranteed unless agreed in writing.

The price agreed at the time of appointment confirmation applies. The Photographer qualifies as a small business under § 19 of the German VAT Act (Kleinunternehmerregelung); invoices therefore do not show VAT. Unless agreed otherwise, the invoice amount is due upon delivery of the edited images and payable by bank transfer or the online payment option stated on the invoice within the stated deadline. Late payment may incur reminder fees according to the applicable reminder stage, of which the Client will be notified before the amount becomes due. Alternatively, a shoot may be arranged as a "Time for Pictures" (TFP) collaboration without monetary payment — in that case the terms of the signed TFP agreement apply instead of this section.

Rescheduling free of charge is possible if requested at least 7 days before the agreed date, subject to availability. If the Client cancels less than 48 hours before the appointment or fails to show up, the Photographer may charge a cancellation fee of up to 50% of the agreed price, unless the slot could be filled otherwise. If the Photographer has to cancel (e.g. due to illness or force majeure), an alternative date will be offered or any deposit already paid will be fully refunded; further claims are excluded.

The Client ensures that costume/outfit, props, and any required permits (e.g. for a private location) are available in time for the appointment. If the Client is late without prior notice, the available shoot time is shortened accordingly without any reduction in price.

Upon full payment, the Photographer grants the Client a simple, unlimited-in-time-and-place licence to use the delivered images for private, non-commercial purposes (e.g. own social media profiles, private use). Commercial use by the Client requires the Photographer's prior written consent. Upon publication, credit as "Photography: @rakku.photography" (or the Instagram handle current at the time) is kindly requested but not mandatory unless otherwise agreed.

The Photographer remains the copyright holder of the images and may use selected, non-exclusively agreed images for their own portfolio (this website, social media channels, exhibition applications) unless the Client has expressly objected. Such an objection can be made informally by email at any time; already published content will then be removed promptly where technically and legally possible.

Until full payment, preview images are provided with a visible watermark only; using these preview images (even watermarked) beyond mere viewing is not permitted.

The Photographer is liable without limitation for intent and gross negligence, and under the German Product Liability Act. For slight negligence, the Photographer is only liable for breach of a material contractual obligation, limited to the foreseeable, typical damage. No liability is assumed for loss of image data due to technical failure (e.g. defective storage media), provided the Photographer has taken reasonable customary backup measures. Outdoor shoots may be postponed due to weather without giving rise to any claim for damages.

If the Client is a minor at the time the contract is formed, consent from a parent or legal guardian is required. The Photographer may request written proof of consent before finally confirming the appointment.

Please refer to the separate Privacy Policy for information on the processing of personal data.

The law of the Federal Republic of Germany applies, excluding the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG). If the Client is a merchant, a legal entity under public law, or a special fund under public law, the place of jurisdiction for all disputes arising from this contractual relationship is Bielefeld. Should any provision of these Terms be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected.