Terms and Conditions - Horizonlens

These Terms and Conditions constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Horizonlens regarding your use of our website and participation in our landscape photography courses. By accessing our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with all provisions outlined in this document.

This agreement is designed to protect both your interests and ours, ensuring a clear understanding of rights, responsibilities, and expectations. Please review these terms carefully before engaging with our services.

Last Updated: November 28, 2025

1. General Agreement and Scope

By using the Horizonlens website or enrolling in any of our photography courses, you enter into a binding agreement to abide by these Terms and Conditions. This agreement covers all interactions with our services, whether through our website, in-person course attendance, or any other form of engagement with Horizonlens.

These terms apply to all users, including prospective students, enrolled participants, website visitors, and any individuals accessing our content or services. If you do not agree to these terms in their entirety, you must refrain from using our services.

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at our discretion, particularly in cases where we believe there has been a violation of these terms or where participation might compromise the safety or experience of other students.

2. User Obligations and Conduct Requirements

2.1 Accuracy of Information

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when registering for courses, submitting contact forms, or engaging in any communication with Horizonlens. You are responsible for updating any information that changes during your participation in our programs.

2.2 Proper Equipment and Preparation

Students enrolling in photography courses must possess functional photography equipment suitable for the course level. You are responsible for ensuring your equipment is in working order, properly maintained, and appropriate for outdoor field sessions. Horizonlens is not responsible for equipment failures, incompatibility issues, or lack of preparation.

2.3 Physical Capability and Health

Many of our courses involve outdoor activities in natural environments that may require moderate physical exertion, including walking on uneven terrain, carrying photography equipment, and working in varying weather conditions. You represent that you are physically capable of participating in such activities or have disclosed any limitations to us in advance.

2.4 Respectful Behavior

You agree to maintain respectful, professional conduct toward instructors, staff, and fellow students. Disruptive behavior, harassment, discrimination, or any form of misconduct will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the course without refund.

2.5 Environmental Responsibility

During field sessions, you must respect natural environments, follow Leave No Trace principles, comply with local regulations, and obtain necessary permissions for photography in restricted areas. You are responsible for any fines or penalties resulting from your actions during field sessions.

3. Course Participation and Attendance

3.1 Enrollment and Registration

Course enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of full payment or agreed-upon deposit. Course availability is subject to minimum enrollment requirements and instructor availability. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule courses that do not meet minimum enrollment thresholds, in which case full refunds will be provided.

3.2 Attendance Requirements

Regular attendance is essential for skill development in photography education. While we understand that occasional absences may occur, students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions. Missed sessions due to personal circumstances generally cannot be made up, and no partial refunds are provided for missed classes.

3.3 Schedule Changes

Course schedules and field session locations may be modified due to weather conditions, instructor illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. We will make reasonable efforts to notify students of changes in advance and to reschedule affected sessions when possible.

3.4 Course Materials

Educational materials provided as part of the course are for your personal use only and may not be reproduced, distributed, or shared with non-enrolled individuals. Course content remains the intellectual property of Horizonlens and its instructors.

4. Payment Terms and Refund Policy

4.1 Payment Requirements

Full course fees must be paid prior to the start date unless alternative payment arrangements have been explicitly agreed upon in writing. Accepted payment methods will be specified during the enrollment process. Late payments may result in loss of enrollment without refund of any deposits paid.

4.2 Cancellation by Student

• Cancellations made more than 30 days before course start date: 90% refund of paid fees
• Cancellations made 15-30 days before course start date: 50% refund of paid fees
• Cancellations made less than 15 days before course start date: No refund
• All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email

4.3 Cancellation by Horizonlens

If we cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment, instructor unavailability, or other operational reasons, you will receive a full refund of all fees paid. Horizonlens is not responsible for any additional costs you may have incurred, such as travel arrangements or accommodation bookings.

5. Liability Limitations and Disclaimers of Warranties

5.1 Educational Outcomes

While we are committed to providing quality photography instruction, we make no guarantees regarding specific skill improvements, artistic development, or photographic outcomes. Individual results vary significantly based on practice dedication, natural aptitude, equipment quality, and numerous other factors beyond our control.

5.2 Equipment and Property

You are solely responsible for the security and condition of your photography equipment and personal belongings during all course activities. Horizonlens assumes no liability for loss, theft, or damage to your equipment or property, whether occurring during field sessions, at course facilities, or in transit.

5.3 Personal Injury and Medical Matters

Outdoor photography activities carry inherent risks. You participate in all field sessions at your own risk. Horizonlens, its instructors, and affiliates are not liable for personal injuries, accidents, or health issues that may occur during course activities. Students are strongly encouraged to maintain appropriate health and travel insurance coverage.

5.4 Third-Party Interactions

During field sessions, you may interact with third parties, enter private or public properties, or use third-party services. Horizonlens is not responsible for these interactions or for ensuring that you have obtained necessary permissions or releases. You are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

5.5 Consequential Damages

Under no circumstances shall Horizonlens be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your participation in our courses or use of our services, including but not limited to lost income, business opportunities, or damages to reputation.

6. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Horizonlens, its instructors, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms and Conditions
• Your participation in course activities and field sessions
• Your violation of any rights of third parties
• Your violation of applicable laws or regulations
• Your negligent or intentional misconduct

7. Intellectual Property and Content Usage

7.1 Horizonlens Content

All course materials, teaching methodologies, website content, and instructional resources are protected by copyright and remain the exclusive property of Horizonlens. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of our materials is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

7.2 Student Work

You retain all rights to photographs you create during course participation. However, by submitting work for review or critique, you grant Horizonlens a limited, non-exclusive license to use your photographs for educational purposes within the course context and for promotional materials showcasing student work, with appropriate attribution.

7.3 Model and Property Releases

You are solely responsible for obtaining any necessary model releases, property releases, or permissions for photographs you create. Horizonlens assumes no responsibility for your compliance with intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights laws.

8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

8.1 Applicable Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply.

8.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms and Conditions or your participation in Horizonlens courses shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Kyoto, Japan. You consent to personal jurisdiction in these courts and waive any objection to venue.

8.3 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal legal proceedings, parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes through good faith negotiation and direct communication. We encourage students with concerns to contact us directly so we can work toward a mutually satisfactory resolution.

9. Force Majeure

Horizonlens shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters, severe weather, or environmental conditions
• Acts of war, terrorism, civil unrest, or government restrictions
• Public health emergencies or pandemics
• Labor disputes or strikes
• Failures of telecommunications, internet service, or utilities

In such events, we will make reasonable efforts to fulfill our obligations when circumstances permit. If course delivery becomes impossible due to force majeure events, refunds or credits may be provided at our discretion.

10. Severability and Waiver

10.1 Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable while preserving its intent. If modification is not possible, the provision shall be severed, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

10.2 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. No waiver shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Horizonlens.

11. Entire Agreement and Modifications

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any course-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Horizonlens regarding your use of our services. These terms supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Material changes will be communicated through our website or via email to enrolled students. Your continued use of our services after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

Any amendments or modifications to these terms must be made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Horizonlens to be valid.

12. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions or any legal matters, please contact us:

Email: info@oceanridgehike.com

Phone: +81 47-401-0202

Address: 1-5-8 Kawaramachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8023, Japan