Frequently Asked Questions - Portraiture
How long does a portrait take?
This, of course, depends on the subject.
We usually allow about an hour to obtain best results.
Proof albums are usually ready for collection a few days after your sitting, but this can vary depending on the time of year.
What should I wear?
Anything you like but you should feel comfortable.
Plain colours work best, keep away from stripes and checks which are fine for daywear but attract the eye away from the subject in photographs.
Avoid elasticised straps if you want bare shoulders etc., as the marks they leave look unsightly on photographs, along with underwear under strappy tops.
Retouching such marks or the removing of unwanted straps etc. will be charged on a time basis of £5.00 per half hour.
What about make-up?
It should be there but not seen to be there.
Remember to bring your hairbrush and make-up bag in case of 'emergency repairs'.
When is the best time to photograph my baby?
Any time, but the best results are achieved after they can sit up.
Please remember when booking your sitting, to take into account your child's routine.
Bring them when they are most comfortable and active, not just before feeding or sleeping.
Can you open closed eyes or insert a smile?
Possibly! If we spot someone blinking, we will re-shoot at the time.
However in a group of people (especially with children) this may not be possible.
We may be able to transfer the eyes or smile etc. from another photograph.
We may also be able to manipulate other physical features.
This retouching is charged on a time basis of £5.00 per half hour.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes, give us one day's notice before your sitting, to arrange a time.
What if I have a special deadline?
We all decide to do things on the last minute, so tell us at the time you book your sitting if you have a deadline.
We are used to dealing with 'short notice, special occasions', and will do our best to accommodate your time scale but this may vary, depending on laboratory production times.
Will you display my photographs?
We only display a client's photographs with their permission.
If you do not sign an agreement form, you can be confident that your confidentiality is assured.
All clients shown on this website have given their permission for us to display their photographs.
Why do you supply proofs?
Simple, we do not like high-pressure marketing and do not practise it ourselves.
We believe in giving our clients time to choose in their own time, at home, with family or friends, not in a viewing room at a studio with a commission based assistant forcing your orders.
Why are your proofs watermarked 'proof'?
It may come as a surprise, but photographers make their living out of the taking and supplying of photographs.
Regrettably with today's digital scanning technology, many people take a photographer's and illegally produce poor quality copies.
Under the 'Design, Patents and Copyright Act', it is illegal to copy a photographer's work without permission.
We will be pleased to produce as many copies of your favourite photographs as you wish.
Our prices compare very favourably with other photographers.
How are your reprints and enlargement made?
Reprints & enlargements are printed in lustre finish, on genuine photographic paper (for quality and longevity) in a professional photographic laboratory.
Our finished photographs are produced on genuine, traditional, lustre finish photographic paper in a professional photographic laboratory, not on an ink-jet printer, although we do reserve the right to produce prints using this medium, if your time-scale is urgent and cannot be met by our laboratory.
We will not produce photographs this way without prior agreement.
How do I pay?
We accept all major credit cards (subject to a 2% surcharge) and debit cards.
We also accept old-fashioned cheques and currency.
You may also spread your costs by paying weekly or monthly up to the date of your wedding.
Due to the personal nature of photography payment for all orders (reprints, souvenir albums etc.), must be made at the time of placing the order as costs for uncollected orders cannot by offset by resale.
Work will not commence on orders until full payment is made.
