Photoshoot FAQ’s
What area does your mobile photography service cover?
I cover a 25 mile radius and mobile studio and location photography coverage includes Liverpool, Formby, Crosby, Southport, Ormskirk, St Helens and Warrington to Northwich, Chester, Heswall, West Kirby and all places in between.
I am also willing to travel further afield where necessary at 45p per mile for sessions further than 25 miles.
What about poor weather for location photoshoots?
If it is pouring down with rain and blowing a gale then you could either opt for an indoor mobile studio session or reschedule your location session for a different day, as I’ll always have a back up date booked with you in advance.
Don’t worry if it’s cloudy, this is great for portrait photography as it means no harsh unflattering shadows.
How long does a photoshoot last?
A portrait session in your own home or on location is normally up to 2 hours, all information will be sent out to you in advance.
A newborn session can be slightly longer, as I allow for feeds and nappy changes. Depending on which session you choose, mobile studio or location, I always allow enough time so we don’t have to rush things, this is important especially where children and babies are concerned.
What to Expect?
For a mobile studio session, please allow me to be with you for up to 4 hours from start to finish. I require a minimum clear space of 2.5 metres x 3.5 metres in advance of my arrival. I’ll require time to set up my professional studio with a high key white background and white flooring, along with three studio lights and umbrellas. I will also to do all the relevant lighting tests before we start, as every house/venue is lit differently. I’ll always allow plenty of time for a relaxed photoshoot and afterwards I’ll dismantle the studio equipment and pack it away quite quickly.
For a location photoshoot, I will always do a recce on the same day before we meet, to get the best seasonal locations and also for the best light on the day. If it’s a family photoshoot, please allow up to 2 hours for your location session, I will also bring props to keep it fun and relaxed and to keep the little one’s entertained. With young ones, it will always be child led and I will go at their speed and stop for snack breaks whenever you feel necessary. I’m a mum myself and I know when the children are happy, then so are we.
What should we wear?
When you book a session, I will send you a copy of my ‘What to Wear Guide’ guide to help you in making those all important wardrobe choices.
Clothes really do have a huge impact on your finished portraits. Please feel free to have a change of clothes for yourselves or for children as this will give you more variety for portraits, but just keep it to one or a maximum of two changes, not your entire wardrobe!
Can we use props?
Yes please feel free to use your own props. Accessories for yourself and/or children are great and add variety to your images.
Think hats, scarves, funky shoes, wellies, parasols and pretty tutu’s (maybe save those for the little ones!). Anything that shows off your family’s personality is great as it makes your photos unique and more personal, maybe a favourite teddy or blanket for toddlers.
I also have some items that I bring along, depending on the type of photo session that help keep babies and toddlers attention, and to help make it a fun and relaxed time for all the family.
What if the kids are unwell?
This is not a problem so long as you let me know in advance and as soon as possible. If you could let me know as early as possible and before I set off, we can re-schedule for another day, subject to availability.
I would like to book a maternity session, when is the best time?
The ideal time for maternity photos is between 34 to 37 weeks.
How much work goes into producing your photographs?
Blood, sweat, tears and a lot of love and care and attention to detail. Your photographs are the result of my many years of experience, investment in professional equipment, hours spent at your photoshoot, plus hours of professional editing and retouching.
On all purchased images and products I also spend many hours giving all photographs a professional natural digital makeover, you can be guaranteed a professional result as I have over 37 years experience in the trade.
There are also other factors involved in keeping up to date with all the latest software and hardware equipment to produce professional quality images in post production, professional cameras and lenses to suit all types of portrait photography sessions and events. Also the storage of photographs, print costs, post and packaging, public liability and professional indemnity Insurances, advertising, marketing and website costs, to name but a few.
How much deposit do I need to pay to confirm my chosen date?
I require the full session fee/retainer as a non-refundable deposit to secure your date, this is due up to 5 days after booking your session.
If you have to cancel for any reason we will reschedule the session, subject to availability. However please try to give as much notice as possible, as I often have people waiting for dates. Please refer to my T&C’s which will be included in your email on booking for more information.
You can pay either by direct bank transfers (preferred), cheques or cash can also be paid and I will simply send you an email with the payment details prior to your photoshoot.
How do I order my photography products?
After I have edited your photographs and they’re available for viewing on your private online gallery, you may then order photography products.
I offer a hand picked selection of high quality bespoke photographic products to display your favourite photographs.
If you wish to order bespoke frames, I can create a visual design of how your chosen frames and photographs will look and email several options to you, to help you decide before placing your final order. I will give every chosen image a natural digital makeover, spending a lot of time on each individual image before creating your product.
If you wish to order either high resolution digital images, professional lab prints or gift accessories. All I require is the image numbers and product size from your private online gallery and then I can continue with the professional editing and creating your chosen product.
Payment for all photography product orders, this will only apply once you have chosen your final images and products to showcase your photographs. I will require payment in full before an order is placed with my professional suppliers, and due to the personalised nature of printed products, no refunds can be given once the order has been placed. Thank you for your understanding.
When will I receive my luxury frames or lifestyle folios?
Delivery time depends on the photography products ordered. I aim to personally deliver your wall products or lifestyle folios, please allow approx 2, 3 or 4 weeks after your order is placed, I will keep you updated throughout the process. Please allow a bit more time at peak periods (e.g Easter/Christmas).
It is advisable to book a photoshoot about two months in advance of when you need your products. I will keep you informed with the progress of your order at all times. The final products are worth their wait, they are truly stunning and on many an occasion, they have been presented to a close family member to celebrate a special occasion in their lives.
Professional Business Insurances and Certificates:
I hold a comprehensive public & products liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance for an Indemnity limit of £5 million.
I also hold a current Disclosure and Barring Service certificate (DBS). I’m more than happy to supply any documents required on request.