Studio Rental Terms and Conditions

Studio Rental Time & Access Agreement

For purposes of this agreement, “Renter” includes all clients, guests, stylists, contractors, collaborators, and associated parties present during the rental. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Indiana. Any legal action arising from this agreement shall be brought exclusively in Marion County, Indiana. If any provision of this agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions or understandings. In any action to enforce this agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. Electronic acceptance of this agreement constitutes a legally binding signature.

By booking the studio, Renter agrees to the following Rental Time & Access terms:

1. Rental Time Definition

Rental time begins and ends strictly at the scheduled start and end times selected at booking. Rental time includes, without limitation, entry, load-in, setup, styling, dressing, hair and makeup, shooting, breakdown, cleaning, reset, and exit of the studio.

2. No Early Entry or Setup

Renter, clients, subjects, stylists, and guests may not enter the studio or begin setup, preparation, styling, or dressing prior to the scheduled rental start time. Early arrival for any purpose, including getting dressed or waiting inside the studio, constitutes use of the premises and is not permitted.

3. Fair Use & Respect for Other Renters

The studio operates on a scheduled, shared-use basis. To maintain fairness, protect client comfort, privacy, and a professional environment for all renters, no individual may enter, wait inside, walk through, observe, remain or use the studio outside of their scheduled rental time.

Early arrival, waiting, observing, dressing, setup, or movement within the studio during another renter’s scheduled time disrupts active sessions, can be uncomfortable and intrusive for clients and subjects and is not permitted. These policies are strictly enforced to ensure all renters receive uninterrupted, private use of the studio space rented (stage 1, stage 2 or whole studio) for the time they have reserved and paid for.

If additional preparation time is needed, Renter must book additional rental time.

4. No Grace Period

There is no grace period at the beginning or end of the rental. Entry into the studio is permitted only at the scheduled start time, and the studio must be fully cleaned, reset, and vacated by the scheduled end time.

5. Time Management Responsibility

The studio does not provide time reminders, countdown warnings, or prompts to conclude a rental. Renters are responsible for monitoring their own rental time and ensuring cleanup and exit by the scheduled end time. Failure to do so constitutes misuse of rental time and authorizes applicable overtime charges.

Renters are encouraged to set a personal timer approximately ten (10) minutes before the scheduled end of their rental to allow sufficient time to wrap up shooting, return equipment, clean the space, and exit on time.

6. Overtime & Extensions

Any use or occupancy of the studio before the scheduled start time or beyond the scheduled end time, without exception, constitutes billable overtime and authorizes an automatic charge of $40 per thirty (30) minute increment, billed in full increments, to the payment card on file, regardless of minutes used. Overtime billing begins immediately at the scheduled start or end time, as applicable.

Extensions must be approved by studio management before the scheduled end time, are subject to availability, and are billed at $80 per hour.

7. Authorization to Charge

Renter expressly authorizes the studio to charge the card on file for any applicable overtime, unauthorized early entry, or additional rental fees incurred due to violation of this agreement. Renter acknowledges that these policies are strictly enforced to maintain fair scheduling and agrees to comply without exception. All determinations of policy violations, damages, overtime, and applicable fees are made at the sole discretion of studio management. Charges may be applied at the time of assessment or after services are rendered and do not require prior renter approval.

8. Declined Payments

If any authorized charge to the card on file is declined for any reason, Renter remains fully responsible for payment. Renter agrees to provide an alternate form of payment upon request and submit payment within forty-eight (48) hours of notification. Failure to resolve unpaid balances may result in suspension of future bookings and pursuit of collection or legal remedies.

9. Self-Service Rental Expectations

Studio rentals are self-service. This includes setting up light(s), backdrops, changing backdrop roll colors, lighting modifiers, swings, props, etc. You can purchase Photoshoot Assistance for $40/hour for us to assist you with one lighting setup and one backdrop roll change during your photoshoot. Backdrop assistance can be purchased as an add-on for $10/roll. Additional lighting setup assistance can be added on for $30/lighting setup.

10. Rescheduling Rentals

Studio rentals can be rescheduled at a MINIMUM of 72 hours before your scheduled rental start time by clicking on the Change/Cancel Appointment button at the bottom of your confirmation email sent when booked. Requests to reschedule under 72 hours before your rental start time will be denied as it does not allow us enough time to fill the rental spot.

11. Cyclorama (Cyc Wall) Use & Damage Policy

The studio’s cyclorama (infinity) walls are a specialty feature and must be treated with care at all times.

Renter agrees to the following:

No standing, sitting, leaning, jumping, or placing weight on the cyclorama curve.

All persons must remain at least twelve (12) inches away from the curve when standing or posing.

Shoes, props, furniture, equipment, ladders, and rolling items must not contact the curve.

Renter is responsible for ensuring clients, subjects, stylists, and guests comply with this policy at all times.

Failure to follow this policy constitutes a violation of the rental agreement.

12. Cyclorama Wall Damage Responsibility

Any scuffs, dents, cracks, chips, footprints, marks, stains, or structural damage to the cyclorama—including damage caused by clients or guests—will be billed to the Renter.

Repair costs may include labor, materials, repainting, resurfacing, downtime, and loss of studio use. Renter authorizes the studio to charge the card on file for all repair costs resulting from cyclorama damage. Repair costs may be charged upon assessment or after repair is completed and do not require prior approval from the renter.

13. Cyclorama Wall Minimum Damage Fee

Due to the specialized construction and labor required to repair cyclorama (infinity) walls, any damage to the cyclorama—including but not limited to scuffs, marks, dents, chips, cracks, footprints, stains, or surface damage—will result in a minimum repair fee of $450, regardless of severity.

If repair costs exceed the minimum fee, Renter is responsible for the full cost of repair, including labor, materials, repainting, resurfacing, downtime, and loss of studio use.

Renter authorizes the studio to charge the card on file for the minimum damage fee and any additional repair costs incurred as a result of cyclorama damage caused by the Renter or any person associated with the rental.

14. Housekeeping & Cleaning Expectations

We expect you to leave the studio as you found it. If cleaning/re-organizing/adjusting is necessary to return the studio to its original state, you will be charged a $50-$200 cleaning fee depending on the severity of the mess created and cleaning required. This includes backdrops, lighting, chairs, props, scissors, tape, trash on floor not placed in trash can, flowers not returned to their organized state, liquid spills on floor or furniture, etc. Cleaning fees may be assessed and charged after the rental concludes.

15. Studio Use Expectations

Studio may be used for photography, videography or similar, with the exception of those activities that require, but are not limited to, the use of specialized ventilation, chemicals or flammable props. Studio may only be used for legal business activities. Violations of studio policies, including repeated or willful violations, may result in immediate termination of the rental without refund.

16. Occupancy Limits

Maximum of 10 people (any age) per stage area - this includes photographers and videographers. If you would like to have a shoot larger than 10 people, it is considered a party rental and the entire studio can be rented out (up to 30 people) for $120/hr. Party rentals include, but are not limited to, any production exceeding standard 10-person studio occupancy. If you only book one stage but have a party of more than 10 people, you will be billed an additional $60/hour. It is expected that your production stays in their stage area during the rental time. For example, if you book stage 1 you should not be sitting or occupying in the stage 2 space, if you book stage 2 you should not be sitting occupying in the stage 1 space. Even if there is not another shoot taking place on the other stage, you are paying for the space you rented and it's not acceptable to be using space that you didn't pay for. For this reason, you may be charged an additional $60/hour if you book one stage but are utilizing the space of both stages during your shoot.

17. Damage Expectations

You are 100% liable for any damages to the studio during your session. Each renter assumes full responsibility for any damage caused to any part of the studio sustained while occupying the studio. Each renter agrees to be charged in full for the cost of repairing or replacing any item or structure damaged by the renters or by performers, collaborators, or guests invited to the studio. Renters also assume responsibility for any damage that results from the renter's employees, contractors, clients, and any and all of the renter's visitors during their rental period and time occupying the studio.

18. Backdrop Paper Damage

During your time using the studio, if damage to the backdrop paper occurs you will be charged according to the severity of the damage. Any tears of the backdrop paper larger than 10 inches will be charged a minimum of $25 and up to $85 depending on the length of the tear and severity of damage. Tears or holes created in the center or back of the backdrop paper will be charged $50 as we will need to cut the paper. Damage from stains left on backdrop paper from the use of any oil, liquid, paint, cake, excessive dirt, shoe marks, etc. will be charged $50 because of the need to cut the paper to remove these stains.

19. Inclement Weather

If weather causes a valid travel warning restriction, the studio will be closed for everyone’s safety and rescheduling will be issued for all shoots during the travel warning timeframe. In the event of weather-related closures or schedule changes, official updates and real-time information will be posted to the @JMikaelStudiosRentals Instagram page and/or Instagram Stories on this account.

Email notifications will also be sent if cancellations or rescheduling occurs; however, Instagram Stories should be considered the primary source for the most up-to-date information. Renters are responsible for checking the @JMikaelStudiosRentals Instagram page for current status updates.

20. Prop Use

Do not drag props and furniture across the floors or backdrops. Pick them up and move them properly to avoid damaging the studio. Return all items to their original location when finished. Any damage to the backdrop paper or failing to return props back to their original location may result in backdrop paper damage fees and/or cleaning fees.

21. Miscellaneous

No prior drop-off and/or pick-up after completion of rental, of equipment, props, etc. unless negotiated prior to rental. Additional fees may apply. Repeated or willful violations of studio policies may result in immediate termination of the rental without refund. Renter may not assign, transfer, or sublet this agreement or the studio space without prior written consent. The studio does not provide insurance coverage for renters, their clients, or their property. Renter acknowledges that video monitoring may be in use in common areas for safety and security. Nothing in this agreement creates a partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between the parties. The studio does not guarantee absolute sound isolation or silence due to shared building use. Provisions relating to payment, damages, liability, and indemnification shall survive the conclusion of the rental. The studio reserves the right to refuse service or deny access to protect safety, property, or operations.

22. Renter and/or Client Lateness

We are not responsible for you (the renter) or your clients being late, we are responsible for reserving the space, equipment and time that you have reserved.

23. Indemnification & Limitation of Liability

Renter and all associated parties assume all risk of injury, loss, or damage to persons, equipment or personal property while using the studio and release the studio from all related liability. Failure to enforce any provision of this agreement does not constitute a waiver of the right to enforce it later. Renter agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the studio from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from the renter’s use of the studio or the actions of any associated parties. In no event shall the studio be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits or business interruption. The studio shall not be liable for failure to perform due to events beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, power outages, government orders, or emergencies.

24. Music, Noise Levels & House Lighting

Music and audio must be kept at reasonable levels at all times. Volume may not interfere with communication, instruction, or the comfort of others in the studio or building. Because the studio is a shared space, explicit, offensive, or non–radio-friendly music is not permitted when children are present or when it may reasonably offend other renters or clients. Studio management may require music to be changed or lowered at any time. Exclusive control of music selection is only available with a full-studio rental. Renters booking individual stages must comply with the studio’s shared-space music guidelines.

Renters do not have exclusive control over house lighting unless the entire studio is rented. Full control of house lighting is only available with a full-studio rental or when no other renters are present and studio management expressly approves such use.

25. Parking

Please park in the first 3 parking spots designated for J. Mikael Studios on the side of the building or if full please park in the back of the building - if parked in The Cut or Maximum Grow designated parking spots you will be at risk of being towed and be responsible for a $150 towing fee. Please ask if you have any questions about parking. If you are renting the studio, you are responsible for communicating this information with your clients and protecting them from being towed.

26. Cancellation & Refund Policy

All bookings are subject to the following cancellation and refund terms. By completing a booking, the Guest acknowledges and agrees to this policy in full.

A. Cancellations 30+ Days in Advance

Guests may cancel their booking thirty (30) or more calendar days prior to the scheduled booking start time and will receive a full refund of the Booking Price, less any non-refundable processing or administrative fees, if applicable.

B. Cancellations Between 30 and 10 Days

Cancellations submitted less than thirty (30) days but at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the scheduled booking start time will receive a fifty percent (50%) refund of the Booking Price. The remaining balance is forfeited.

C. Cancellations Within 10 Days

Cancellations submitted less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the scheduled booking start time are non-refundable, regardless of reason.

D. No-Shows and Early Termination

Failure to arrive, late arrival, early departure, or voluntary termination of the booking for any reason does not qualify for a refund or credit.

E. Non-Transferability

Refunds are issued solely to the original payment method and may not be transferred, reassigned, or converted into credit unless expressly approved in writing by Studio Management.

F. Force Majeure

Refunds will not be issued for cancellations caused by circumstances outside the Guest’s control, including but not limited to weather conditions, illness, travel delays, equipment failure, or third-party cancellations, unless otherwise required by law.

G. Submission of Cancellation

All cancellations must be submitted in writing through the Studio’s official booking platform or designated communication channel. The effective cancellation date is the date the written cancellation is received.

H. No Exceptions

This policy applies uniformly to all bookings. No exceptions, extensions, or waivers will be granted outside of what is expressly stated herein.

J. Mikael Studios reserves the right to enforce this policy strictly. Booking dates removed from availability are considered lost revenue and are non-recoverable.

J. Mikael Studios reserves the right to modify, amend, or update its policies, terms, and conditions at any time, without prior notice. Continued use of the Studio or its services constitutes acceptance of any such modifications.

Please let us know if you have any further questions, comments or concerns before your shoot.

Justin & Ni

J. Mikael Studios