1. Engagement

1.1 The Photographer is engaged as an independent contractor, not an employee.

1.2 The Photographer may operate their own business outside the Studio, provided they comply with the non-competition requirements in this Agreement.

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

1.4 The Studio owns all rights to the images taken by the Photographer at the Studio location.

2. Studio Bookings and Work Allocation

2.1 The Photographer agrees to honour all confirmed bookings and commitments to the Studio.

3. Non-Competition Requirements

3.1 To maintain fairness and team alignment, the Photographer agrees not to undertake marketing or promotional activity that directly competes with the Studio for the same audience at the same time/placement while actively engaged with Adarling. This includes advertising on the same radio station, advertising at the same trade fairs & events on the same day, advertising with the same outdoor advertising contractor, and advertising in the same newspapers and magazines.

3.2 Notice for New or Competing Activity

The Photographer must provide two months written notice of any new activity that may conflict with Section 3. Such activity will result in the cessation of future volume work with the Studio, and offer enough time for the Studio to secure a replacement.

4. Brand Keywords and Naming

The Photographer must not use any names, branding or keywords that may create confusion with the Studio, including "darling" or "adarling".

The Studio's name must not be referenced or leveraged when securing private boudoir clients. These obligations continue indefinitely after this Agreement ends.

5. Confidentiality

5.1 All client information, Studio operations and financial details must remain strictly confidential.

5.2 Confidential information must not be used for personal benefit or shared externally.

5.3 Adarling images, IP and materials must not be used for the Photographer's own business under any circumstances.

5.4 These obligations continue indefinitely after this Agreement ends.

6. Professional Conduct

6.1 General Standards

The Photographer agrees to uphold a warm, professional and consistent standard across all interactions.

6.2 Client Experience

The Photographer must not ask clients about booking details, pricing, packages or financial arrangements. If shared voluntarily, it may be acknowledged but not explored.

Client communication must remain within scheduled sessions and the scope of Studio work.

6.3 Sales Boundaries

The Photographer must not request financial or sales information from clients or Studio staff. Focus is to remain on creativity, image quality and client experience.

6.4 Non-Solicitation

The Photographer must not directly or indirectly approach, solicit or engage any current or former Adarling team member, contractor or partners for work outside the Studio. This applies to contacts and connections made through Adarling Boudoir.

This non-solicitation rule applies across all employee and contractor roles including photographers, makeup artists, sales, events, retouching and administration and partnerships with landlords or key business stakeholders.

6.5 Payments

Cash payments must not be accepted under any circumstances.

7. Photographer Responsibilities

7.1 The Photographer is responsible for their own equipment.

7.2 Public liability insurance must be maintained.

7.3 Memory cards must be cleared within 7 days once files are safely delivered and photographers are not to store confidential images at their private property.

8. Independent Contractor Responsibilities

8.1 The Photographer is responsible for their own tax, superannuation, insurance and compliance.

8.2 No employee benefits apply.

9. Legal Recovery

The Photographer acknowledges the Studio's significant investment in its brand, systems, intellectual property and team, and agrees to act in a manner that respects these.

The following conduct is not permitted:

• Breach of confidentiality
• Misuse of proprietary business information
• Passing off or misleading or deceptive conduct under the Australian Consumer Law
• Solicitation of clients, contractors or team members
• Conduct inconsistent with good faith and professional standards

Where such conduct occurs, the Studio may take appropriate legal action, including ending the engagement or seeking to recover any financial loss, or impact to goodwill and client relationships.

10. Agreement

This Agreement represents the full understanding between both parties.