Terms of Service

Acceptable Use Policy

When using our website and services, you agree to:

• • Provide accurate and truthful information when submitting inquiries or enrolling in courses
• • Use our services solely for lawful purposes related to photography education
• • Respect the intellectual property rights of Apertura and other students
• • Maintain the confidentiality of any account credentials provided to you
• • Behave respectfully toward instructors and fellow students in all interactions

Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or other users' accounts
• • Distribute malware, spam, or engage in any activity that disrupts our services
• • Record, copy, or distribute course materials without explicit written permission
• • Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation with anyone
• • Engage in harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behavior toward others
• • Use automated systems to access our website without authorization

Service Access Requirements

To access our photography courses, you must be at least 18 years old, have a reliable internet connection for any online components, possess appropriate photography equipment as specified in course descriptions, and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations. We reserve the right to refuse service or terminate access for violations of these terms.

Fair Usage Guidelines

Our services are designed for individual educational use. Course materials and instructor time are provided for enrolled students only. Sharing access credentials or course materials with non-enrolled individuals violates these terms and may result in immediate termination of your access without refund.

Enrollment Process

When you enroll in an Apertura photography course:

• • You confirm that all information provided during registration is accurate and current
• • You agree to pay all applicable course fees as outlined in the course description
• • You understand that course availability is subject to minimum enrollment requirements
• • You acknowledge that course schedules and content may be adjusted as needed
• • You commit to attending sessions and completing assignments as required

Account Security Responsibilities

You are responsible for maintaining the security of any login credentials provided to you. This includes using strong passwords, not sharing credentials with others, logging out from shared devices, and notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access. You are liable for all activities conducted through your account until you report a security breach.

Course Cancellation and Refunds

Our refund policy is as follows:

• • Full refund available if you cancel more than 14 days before the course start date
• • 50% refund available if you cancel 7-14 days before the course start date
• • No refund available for cancellations made less than 7 days before start date
• • If we cancel a course, you will receive a full refund or transfer to another session
• • Medical emergencies may be considered for refund exceptions with documentation

Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to our services if you violate these terms, engage in conduct that disrupts our educational environment, fail to make required payments, or misuse course materials or resources. Upon termination, your right to access course materials ceases immediately.

Website Uptime and Maintenance

While we strive to maintain continuous website availability, we do not guarantee uninterrupted access. Our website may be temporarily unavailable due to scheduled maintenance, technical issues, or circumstances beyond our control. We will make reasonable efforts to provide advance notice of planned maintenance that may affect service availability.

Course Schedule Changes

Course schedules, locations, and instructors are subject to change based on enrollment levels, instructor availability, or unforeseen circumstances. We will notify enrolled students of significant changes at least 7 days in advance when possible. In cases of emergency changes, we will provide alternative arrangements or refund options.

Service Modifications and Updates

We reserve the right to modify, update, or discontinue any aspect of our services, including course offerings, website features, pricing structures, and terms of service. Material changes affecting enrolled students will be communicated with reasonable advance notice. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

Geographic Restrictions

Our in-person photography courses are conducted in Osaka, Japan. While our website is accessible globally, enrollment in courses may be restricted based on location, local regulations, or practical considerations. Online course components, if offered, may have different geographic availability.

Apertura Content Ownership

All course materials, including but not limited to lesson plans, handouts, presentations, video content, website design, logos, and educational resources, are the intellectual property of Apertura Photography Education. These materials are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without explicit written permission.

Student-Created Content

You retain ownership of photographs and creative work you produce during our courses. By sharing your work in class or allowing it to be displayed in student showcases, you grant Apertura a limited, non-exclusive license to use your work for educational demonstration purposes and promotional materials, with appropriate attribution. You may revoke this permission by written notice.

License for Course Materials

Upon enrollment, you receive a personal, non-transferable license to access and use course materials solely for your own educational purposes. This license terminates upon course completion or account termination. You may not share, sell, or distribute course materials to third parties.

Copyright and Trademark Protection

The Apertura name, logo, and branding elements are protected trademarks. You may not use our name or branding in any manner that suggests endorsement or affiliation without written authorization. All rights not expressly granted in these terms are reserved by Apertura Photography Education.