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Last updated: June 2025

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of HotSpot (the "Service"), operated at hotspotphoto.com. By using the Service, you agree to these Terms.

1. The Platform & Eligibility

HotSpot is a two-sided marketplace that helps travelers ("Seekers") discover photography locations and book verified local photographers ("Creators"), and helps Creators monetize bookings and license their work. You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a binding contract to use the Service.

2. Accounts

You must provide accurate information and keep your credentials secure. You are responsible for activity under your account. Creators must complete identity and portfolio verification before accepting bookings.

3. Seeker Obligations

  • Show up on time at the agreed location, or notify the Creator in advance.
  • Pay the agreed booking price through the platform — never off-platform.
  • Respect the Creator's working hours, equipment, and creative direction.
  • Obtain any permits, model releases, or location access required for your shoot.

4. Creator Obligations

  • Maintain accurate availability, pricing, and portfolio content.
  • Deliver final edited photos within the timeframe stated on your profile.
  • Carry appropriate insurance and comply with local laws and permit requirements.
  • Treat Seekers professionally and uphold safety standards on every shoot.

5. Booking, Deposit & Cancellation

Bookings are confirmed once the deposit is captured. Cancellation policy:

  • More than 7 days before the shoot: full refund of deposit.
  • 7 days to 24 hours before: 50% of deposit refunded.
  • Less than 24 hours before: deposit is non-refundable.
  • Creator no-show or cancellation: Seeker receives a full refund and the Creator's account is reviewed.

Funds are held in escrow and released to the Creator 48 hours after the shoot is marked complete, unless a dispute is opened.

6. Payment Terms

  • 30% deposit is charged at the time of booking.
  • 70% balance is automatically charged 24 hours before the scheduled shoot.
  • All payments are processed by Stripe. By booking you also agree to Stripe's terms.
  • Payouts to Creators are issued within 2 business days after escrow release.

7. HotSpot Commission

HotSpot charges a 15% commission per completed booking, deducted automatically from the Creator's payout. License purchases follow the same 15% commission model. Commission rates are transparent and shown to Creators before confirming each booking.

8. Content & Intellectual Property

Creators retain full copyright in the photos they produce. By delivering work through HotSpot, the Creator grants the Seeker the license tier purchased (Personal, Commercial, or Editorial) as described at checkout. Creators grant HotSpot a worldwide, non-exclusive license to display delivered work and portfolio samples for marketing the Service. You represent that you own or have rights to any content you upload, including model releases where required.

9. Prohibited Conduct

  • Off-platform payments, contact, or booking circumvention.
  • Harassment, discrimination, threats, or unsafe behavior.
  • Trespassing, ignoring permit requirements, or coordinating illegal access.
  • Uploading infringing, deceptive, or AI-generated content misrepresented as original.
  • Scraping, reverse engineering, or interfering with the Service.

10. Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises, open a case in-app within 7 days of the shoot. HotSpot will review evidence from both sides and may release, refund, or split funds at its reasonable discretion. Disputes not resolved through the platform will be settled by binding arbitration under the rules of the AAA in the Creator's primary jurisdiction, except where prohibited by law. You waive any right to participate in a class action.

11. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

The Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. Photography spots may involve risk; you are responsible for your own safety. To the maximum extent permitted by law, HotSpot's total liability for any claim is limited to the greater of (a) the fees you paid to HotSpot in the 12 months before the claim, or (b) USD 100. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms. You may close your account at any time from settings.

13. Changes

We may update these Terms; continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. Material changes will be announced in-product or by email.

14. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Email hello@hotspotphoto.com.

See also our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.