Terms and Conditions of Photography Services

Last updated: 01.05.2026

These Terms and Conditions of Photography Services (the “Terms”) govern the booking and provision of photography services offered by Alena Surova, operating publicly under the photography brand Alena Gurenchuk, through alenagurenchuk.com, including the subdomains cs.alenagurenchuk.com and ru.alenagurenchuk.com.

These Terms apply to photography services booked directly with the Photographer, including bookings confirmed by email, contact form, payment link, bank transfer, card payment, PayPal, or messaging applications.

These Terms are prepared in accordance with Act No. 89/2012 Coll., the Czech Civil Code, Act No. 634/1992 Coll., on Consumer Protection, and other applicable Czech and EU consumer-protection legislation.

Sales of digital content and electronic gift vouchers through the online store are governed by separate Terms and Conditions of the Online Store.

Contents

1. Photographer

The photographer and provider of the services is:

Alena Surova, self-employed person / OSVČ, doing business in photography and also known publicly as Alena Gurenchuk.

  • IČO: 01147773
  • Registered office: Laponská 1185/3, 198 00 Praha 9 — Hloubětín, Czech Republic
  • Registered in the Trade Register kept by the Trade Licensing Office of Prague 9
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone / Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber: +420 608 916 324

The Photographer is not a registered VAT payer.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms:

  • “Photographer” means Alena Surova, operating publicly under the brand Alena Gurenchuk.
  • “Client” means the person booking the photography service. The Client may be a Consumer or an Entrepreneur.
  • “Consumer” means a natural person who, when concluding and performing the contract, is not acting in the course of their business or profession.
  • “Entrepreneur” means a Client who is acting in the course of their business, professional, or commercial activity.
  • “Services” means photography services provided by the Photographer.
  • “Photoshoot” means the agreed photography session at the agreed date, time and location.
  • “Pre-shoot Service” means preparatory work performed by the Photographer before the Photoshoot, including communication, planning, recommendations and coordination.
  • “Prepayment” means the advance payment, usually 30% of the total price, paid by the Client to confirm the booking and to start the Pre-shoot Service.

3. Services offered

The Photographer offers photography services including, but not limited to:

  • solo travel photoshoots in Prague,
  • couples photography,
  • family photography,
  • surprise proposal photoshoots,
  • group photoshoots,
  • dating profile / Tinder photoshoots,
  • portrait and studio photography,
  • business portraits,
  • mobile-phone photoshoots,
  • selected private or commercial photography services agreed individually.

Each service may have different packages, prices, included deliverables and delivery times. The details shown on the relevant service page, offer, email or written message form part of the agreement between the Photographer and the Client.

The Photographer may update, modify or withdraw services and packages at any time. These changes do not affect bookings that have already been confirmed.

4. Prices

Prices are shown on the relevant service page or communicated individually to the Client before booking.

Prices are usually stated in CZK. Approximate prices in EUR or USD may be provided for convenience. If payment is made in another currency, the final amount may depend on the exchange rate and payment provider fees.

The Photographer is not a VAT payer. Prices do not include VAT.

The price confirmed at the time of booking is binding for both parties.

For photoshoots outside Prague, additional travel fees may apply. These fees are communicated to the Client before the booking is confirmed.

5. Booking process and conclusion of the contract

5.1 Initial enquiry

The Client contacts the Photographer through the contact form, email, social media, messaging application, or another communication channel.

The Photographer may ask additional questions before confirming the final price and availability, especially regarding:

  • type of photoshoot,
  • number of people,
  • preferred date and time,
  • location,
  • purpose of the photographs,
  • required deliverables,
  • special wishes or limitations.

5.2 Booking confirmation

A booking is confirmed only when:

  1. the Client and the Photographer agree on the type of service, package, date, time and location, and
  2. the Client pays the required Prepayment.

The contract between the Client and the Photographer is concluded at the moment the Prepayment is successfully received by the Photographer.

Submitting an enquiry form or asking about availability does not create a confirmed booking.

5.3 Payment page

The payment page on /payment/ is used only for payments that have already been individually agreed with the Photographer.

Payment through this page does not automatically create a booking unless the date, time, service and price have been agreed in advance.

By making a payment, the Client confirms that they have read and accepted these Terms and the Privacy Policy.

5.4 Language

Communication and booking may take place in English, Czech or Russian.

If separate language versions of these Terms are published and there is any inconsistency between them, the version applicable to the language of the confirmed booking shall apply. If this is unclear, the English version shall be used for interpretation, unless mandatory Czech consumer law requires otherwise.

6. Payment

6.1 Payment structure

Unless agreed otherwise, payment is divided as follows:

  • Prepayment: 30% of the total price, paid to confirm the booking.
  • Final payment: the remaining 70%, paid before, during or immediately after the Photoshoot, as agreed with the Photographer.

The Photographer may require a different payment structure for selected services, commercial orders, events, last-minute bookings, gift vouchers, digital products or special packages.

6.2 Payment methods

The Client may pay by:

  • payment card via SumUp,
  • PayPal,
  • bank transfer,
  • QR bank transfer,
  • cash, if agreed in advance,
  • another payment method agreed individually.

Any fees charged by the Client’s bank, card issuer, PayPal, currency exchange provider or other payment provider are borne by the Client.

6.3 Invoice

After payment, the Photographer may issue an invoice upon request or when required by law or accounting practice.

The Photographer is not a VAT payer, and invoices do not include VAT.

7. Pre-shoot Service and what the Prepayment covers

The Prepayment confirms the booking and also covers the Pre-shoot Service.

The Pre-shoot Service begins after the Prepayment is received and may include, depending on the type of photoshoot and package:

  • communication with the Client before the Photoshoot,
  • discussion of the concept and goals,
  • recommendations on clothing, colours, accessories or styling,
  • location suggestions,
  • route planning,
  • time and light recommendations,
  • preparation checklist,
  • posing guidance,
  • logistical coordination,
  • answering Client questions before the Photoshoot,
  • reserving the agreed date and time in the Photographer’s calendar.

The Pre-shoot Service has independent value and is provided before the Photoshoot itself. For this reason, after the Pre-shoot Service has started, the Prepayment is non-refundable, except where these Terms expressly state otherwise.

By paying the Prepayment, the Client expressly requests the Photographer to begin the Pre-shoot Service before the Photoshoot date.

8. Cancellation by the Client

8.1 Cancellation within 24 hours of Prepayment

If the Client cancels the booking within 24 hours of paying the Prepayment and before the Photographer has started the Pre-shoot Service, the Prepayment will be refunded in full.

This applies only if no preparatory work has started, including consultation, location planning, sending recommendations, sending a checklist, or other communication related to the preparation of the Photoshoot.

8.2 Cancellation after the Pre-shoot Service has started

If the Client cancels the booking after the Pre-shoot Service has started, the Prepayment is non-refundable.

The Client does not have to pay the remaining balance, unless otherwise agreed for a specific commercial order, event or special service.

8.3 No-show

If the Client does not arrive at the agreed time and location and does not notify the Photographer within 30 minutes of the agreed start time, the booking is treated as a no-show.

In case of no-show:

  • the Prepayment is non-refundable,
  • the Photoshoot is not automatically rescheduled,
  • the Photographer is not obliged to accept another booking from the same Client,
  • the remaining balance is not charged unless otherwise agreed in writing.

8.4 Late arrival

If the Client is late, they must notify the Photographer as soon as possible by phone, WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber or another agreed communication channel.

If the Photographer’s schedule allows, the Photoshoot may still take place in full.

If the schedule does not allow this, the Photoshoot will take place only during the remaining time. In this case, the price is not reduced, and the number of final photographs may be adjusted proportionally to the shortened shooting time.

9. Rescheduling

9.1 General rule

The Photographer is flexible with rescheduling where there is a legitimate reason, such as illness, serious personal circumstances, adverse weather, force majeure or circumstances that make the Photoshoot unreasonable or impossible.

If the Photoshoot is rescheduled, the Prepayment remains valid and is transferred to the new date.

9.2 Notice

The Client should request rescheduling at least 24 hours before the agreed Photoshoot time, except in cases of sudden illness, emergency or force majeure.

9.3 Repeated rescheduling

The first reasonable rescheduling is free of charge.

Repeated rescheduling is assessed individually. If the Client repeatedly asks to reschedule, the Photographer may:

  • agree on a new date,
  • set additional conditions,
  • treat the booking as cancelled by the Client.

9.4 Weather for outdoor photoshoots

For outdoor photoshoots, the Photographer monitors the weather forecast.

Heavy rain, storm, strong wind, snow or other conditions that make a quality photoshoot unreasonable may be a reason to reschedule.

Light rain, cloudy weather, cool temperature or normal seasonal weather are not automatically considered a reason for free cancellation.

If the Client wishes to proceed despite challenging weather, the Photoshoot may take place by mutual agreement.

10. Cancellation or rescheduling by the Photographer

If the Photographer is unable to perform the Photoshoot due to illness, force majeure, emergency or other serious reason, the Photographer will notify the Client as soon as possible.

In such a case:

  • the Photoshoot will be rescheduled to a mutually agreed date, or
  • if rescheduling is not possible, the Prepayment will be refunded in full.

This may apply, for example, when the Client is visiting Prague for a limited period and no alternative date is possible.

The Photographer may recommend another photographer as a courtesy, but any booking with another photographer is a separate agreement between the Client and that photographer.

11. Conduct of the Photoshoot

11.1 Client cooperation

The Client agrees to:

  • arrive on time,
  • come prepared according to the agreed recommendations,
  • cooperate with the Photographer’s reasonable instructions,
  • inform the Photographer about any important health, mobility, accessibility or personal limitations,
  • behave respectfully towards the Photographer.

11.2 Photographer’s creative discretion

The Photographer makes creative and technical decisions during the Photoshoot, including decisions about:

  • light,
  • location,
  • composition,
  • posing guidance,
  • shooting angles,
  • timing,
  • selection of images,
  • editing style.

The Client acknowledges that photography is a creative service and that the final result depends on cooperation, weather, light, location, clothing, facial expression, movement, mood and other circumstances.

11.3 Group sessions

For photoshoots involving other people, such as partners, family members, friends, colleagues or event guests, the Client is responsible for informing them that photography will take place.

For commercial use, the Client is responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions from the people being photographed, unless agreed otherwise in writing.

11.4 Children

For photoshoots involving minors, the booking must be made by a parent or legal guardian, or with their consent.

A parent or legal guardian must be present during the Photoshoot unless agreed otherwise in writing.

11.5 Locations and permits

For public outdoor locations in Prague, portrait photography for personal use usually does not require a special permit.

For private venues, gardens, museums, castles, restaurants, hotels, commercial premises or other restricted locations, the Client is responsible for arranging access and any required permissions or fees, unless agreed otherwise in writing.

12. Delivery of photographs

12.1 Preview gallery

After the Photoshoot, the Photographer provides a preview gallery or photo selection gallery, unless the package states otherwise.

The preview gallery is sent to the Client by email or another agreed communication channel.

12.2 Selection by the Client

For packages where the Client selects photographs for editing, the Client should make the selection within 14 days after receiving the preview gallery, unless agreed otherwise.

If the Client does not make the selection within this period, the Photographer may select the final photographs in order to complete the order.

12.3 Editing time

After the selection is confirmed, the standard editing time is usually:

  • 10–15 business days for standard portrait, couples, family, dating and travel photoshoots,
  • longer for larger, commercial, event, premium or complex orders.

The exact delivery time may vary depending on the package, season, workload and complexity of the order.

12.4 Final delivery

Final edited photographs are delivered as JPEG files through an online gallery, cloud storage or another delivery system.

The final edited photographs are sent to the email address or contact provided by the Client.

12.5 Archive period

Final edited photographs are archived by the Photographer for 1 year after delivery.

Unedited photographs, if included in the package, may be available for a shorter period, usually 2–3 months after delivery.

The Client is responsible for downloading and safely storing the delivered files.

12.6 RAW files

RAW files, working files, Lightroom catalogues, Photoshop files and other source files are not delivered to the Client.

12.7 Additional editing

Additional edited photographs may be ordered for an additional fee.

The price for additional editing is stated on the relevant service page or communicated individually before the additional order is confirmed.

Additional editing is paid before delivery and has its own delivery time.

13. Right to withdraw from the contract

Photography services booked under these Terms are services connected with a specific agreed date or period.

In accordance with § 1837(j) of the Czech Civil Code, the Consumer does not have the right to withdraw from a contract for services related to leisure activities if the entrepreneur is to provide the service on a specific date or within a specific period.

By paying the Prepayment, the Client acknowledges that the Photoshoot is booked for a specific agreed date or period and that the standard 14-day withdrawal right does not apply to the Photoshoot itself.

This does not affect:

  • the Client’s right to cancel within 24 hours under Section 8.1,
  • the Client’s right to request rescheduling under Section 9,
  • the Client’s rights in case of cancellation by the Photographer under Section 10,
  • the Client’s rights from defective performance under Section 14.

14. Complaints and defects

14.1 Liability for defects

The Photographer is liable for defects in the Services in accordance with applicable Czech law.

A defect may include, for example:

  • delivery of corrupted files,
  • delivery of significantly fewer photographs than agreed,
  • technical failure that makes the photographs unusable,
  • failure to deliver the agreed service without a valid reason.

A defect does not include:

  • disagreement with the Photographer’s creative style,
  • subjective dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, expression, clothing, hairstyle, body shape or mood,
  • circumstances caused by weather, crowds, light, location restrictions or Client preparation,
  • results affected by the Client’s late arrival or lack of cooperation,
  • a request for a different editing style than the Photographer normally provides.

14.2 How to file a complaint

The Client may file a complaint by email to: [email protected].

The complaint should include:

  • the Client’s name,
  • date of the Photoshoot,
  • description of the issue,
  • preferred remedy.

14.3 Complaint resolution

The Photographer will confirm receipt of the complaint without undue delay.

Consumer complaints will be resolved within 30 days of receipt, unless a longer period is agreed with the Client.

Possible remedies may include:

  • re-delivery of files,
  • correction of technical delivery issues,
  • additional editing,
  • partial refund,
  • another reasonable remedy agreed between the Photographer and the Client.

A re-shoot is not a standard remedy and may be offered only in exceptional cases at the Photographer’s discretion.

15. Use of photographs by the Client

15.1 Personal use

Unless agreed otherwise, photographs are provided for the Client’s personal, non-commercial use.

Personal use includes:

  • private archiving,
  • printing for personal use,
  • sharing with family and friends,
  • posting on personal social media accounts.

Credit to the Photographer is appreciated where reasonable.

15.2 Commercial use

Commercial use is not included unless expressly agreed in writing.

Commercial use includes, but is not limited to:

  • advertising,
  • business promotion,
  • branding,
  • use on company websites,
  • use in paid campaigns,
  • use in media, magazines or press,
  • sale or redistribution,
  • use by third parties,
  • use by hotels, companies, agencies, brands or other commercial entities.

Commercial use requires a separate written licence agreement and may be subject to additional fees.

15.3 Copyright

Copyright in the photographs remains with the Photographer in accordance with Czech Copyright Act No. 121/2000 Coll.

The Client receives a non-exclusive licence to use the delivered photographs within the agreed scope.

The Client is not entitled to:

  • sell the photographs,
  • sub-license the photographs,
  • transfer the photographs for commercial use by third parties,
  • significantly alter the photographs and present them as the original work,
  • remove the Photographer’s signature or watermark where present,
  • use the photographs in a misleading, unlawful, offensive or defamatory context.

16. Use of photographs by the Photographer

The Photographer may use photographs in her portfolio, website, blog, social media, advertising materials, printed materials, photographer directories, competitions or professional presentation only with the Client’s consent, where such consent is required.

The Client may give, refuse or withdraw consent to portfolio use without affecting the price or quality of the Service.

For private sessions, dating profile photoshoots, surprise proposals, family sessions and other sensitive sessions, photographs are treated as private by default unless the Client gives separate consent.

The processing of personal data and consent for publication are described in the Privacy Policy.

17. Personal data

The processing of personal data in connection with booking, payment, delivery and communication is described in the Photographer’s Privacy Policy:

/privacy-policy/

The Client is encouraged to read the Privacy Policy before making a booking.

18. Out-of-court dispute resolution

If a consumer dispute arises between the Photographer and a Consumer and the dispute cannot be resolved directly, the Consumer has the right to contact the competent body for out-of-court resolution of consumer disputes.

The competent body is:

Česká obchodní inspekce
Ústřední inspektorát – oddělení ADR
Gorazdova 1969/24
120 00 Praha 2
Czech Republic
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://coi.gov.cz/informace-o-adr/

The Consumer may submit a proposal for out-of-court dispute resolution through the Czech Trade Inspection Authority.

19. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms and any contract concluded under them are governed by the laws of the Czech Republic.

This does not affect mandatory consumer-protection rights that may apply to Consumers resident in another EU Member State.

Disputes shall first be resolved by mutual communication. If this is not possible, the competent courts of the Czech Republic shall have jurisdiction, unless mandatory consumer-protection rules provide otherwise.

20. Changes to these Terms

The Photographer may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in services, prices, business practice or applicable law.

The version of the Terms valid at the time of booking applies to that specific booking.

The current version is available on this page, with the date of the last update shown at the top.

21. Final provisions

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain valid and enforceable.

These Terms enter into force on the date shown at the top of this document.

Last Edited on 01.05.2026