1. Engagement

1.1 The Studio engages the Contractor as an independent contractor, not an employee.

1.2 The Contractor may operate their own independent business, provided it does not conflict with Adarling's brand or breach confidentiality, IP or non-compete requirements in this Agreement.

1.3 This Agreement does not create an employment, partnership or agency relationship.

2. Studio Bookings, Commitments and Work Allocation

2.1 The Studio may allocate shifts, event work, sessions or administrative duties to the Contractor in forward blocks where applicable.

2.2 Once the Contractor accepts allocated work - including shifts, events, interstate bookings or flights - these dates must be reserved and upheld.

2.3 Any reassignment of work occurs only if mutually agreed or if the Contractor breaches the terms of this Agreement.

3. Non-Competition (Boudoir Exclusivity)

3.1 Industry Exclusivity

The Contractor must not operate, promote, assist in, collaborate on or contribute to any boudoir or maternity-boudoir photography business outside Adarling. (General maternity photography may be ok with Studio Director approval.) This includes paid work, unpaid work, personal shoots, styled shoots, collaborations, or content marketed as boudoir.

3.2 Two-Year Post-Contract Non-Compete

If the Contractor has worked with the Studio for more than five (5) months and becomes a regular part of the team, they agree to a two (2)-year non-compete upon the ending of this Agreement.

During this two-year period, the Contractor must not:

• Offer or participate in businesses that offer boudoir or maternity-boudoir photography
• Advertise or market services in these genres
• Launch, join or support any competing boudoir or maternity-boudoir brand
• Use or replicate Adarling's intellectual property including scripts, training, workflows, sales systems, marketing tools or operational processes

3.3 Branding and Keywords

The Contractor must not use names, keywords or branding that may cause confusion with the Studio, including the words "darling", "adarling", or any close variations.

4. Confidentiality

4.1 Client Information

The Contractor will be privy to sensitive client information including names, contact details, addresses, personal notes, financial information and purchasing history.

The Contractor agrees to:

• Keep all client information strictly confidential
• Not record or store financial information in unapproved or unsecured locations
• Store all data only in Studio-approved systems
• Handle all information with utmost care and diligence
• Not solicit any client for personal or business gain
• Not solicit any other Adarling contractor (including Event, Photography, Administrative, Sales, and Make-up contractors) to work together outside of Adarling on business or personal projects

4.2 Studio and Business Intellectual Property

The Contractor will have access to proprietary business materials including scripts, workflows, marketing processes, sales systems, client communication templates and operational tools.

This intellectual property must not be disclosed to third parties or used for personal or commercial benefit.

5. Professional Conduct and Brand Representation

5.1 The Contractor agrees to uphold the Adarling brand with professionalism, warmth and integrity.

5.2 All conduct must reflect the supportive, premium, female-led client experience the Studio is known for.

5.3 The Contractor agrees to act in good faith at all times to protect the reputation, culture and values of the Studio.

6. Equipment Responsibilities

6.1 The Contractor must take reasonable care of Studio equipment including laptops, iPads, mobile phones, hard drives, camera gear and any other Studio-owned items used in their role.

6.2 All equipment must remain secure, maintained and returned upon request or at the end of the Agreement.

6.3 Event staff who require public liability insurance must hold valid cover and upload it to the Studio when applicable.

7. Sales and Role-Based Boundaries

7.1 To safeguard each client's experience and privacy, Sales Team members must not share sales results, client spending, package selections or financial details with photography contractors, event contractors, make-up artists, or marketing contractors.

7.2 Sales information may only be shared with:

• The Studio Director
• The designated Studio Manager
• Approved Sales Team members

7.3 These boundaries protect both clients and the integrity of the Studio's workflow.

8. Independent Contractor Obligations

8.1 The Contractor is responsible for their own taxation, superannuation, insurance and business compliance.

8.2 Nothing in this Agreement entitles the Contractor to employee benefits.

9. Entire Agreement

9.1 This Agreement represents the full understanding between both parties.

9.2 Any amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties.