Tell me your story

I want to get to know you as a person, not just as a client.

There’s obviously a reason for wanting to book a photographer to document your life right now, so tell me everything!

Whatever that reason is, I want to hear about it.

Who are these images for?

A simple question, but also loaded. Are these photos just for you? Or are they for you to share with friends and family?

At the end of the day I want to make sure you have the best experience possible, and that means I need to make sure I know your audience.

Do you know where these photos are going to go in your house?

Having a digital representation of an experience is a great way to reminisce, but having a physical copy hanging on your wall, or on your side table makes it so much more real.

This is why with all of my packages I print at least one photo of your choice out so you can display it in your home.

What is the emotion / feeling / vibe you want to portray in these images?

Is it fun, playful, mysterious, cute, serious?

Defining what you’re looking for will help solidify, and visualise, the shoot. And let’s face it, without emotion, all it will end up being is a bunch of pixels on some paper.

And we don’t want that.

We want to capture and celebrate you.

Do you have examples of images you like that you can share with me, such as in a mood board or similar?

This and the next question are somewhat linked, but I’ve broken them out because although they seem similar, they are quite different.

I find having a mood board or selection of images you like (bonus points if they’re some of mine!), it makes it easier for me to fulfill your requirements and ensure you are happy with the final outcome.

Is there anything (cliches / locations etc.) you want to stay away from?

Even if you don’t know exactly what you want, you will definitely know what you don’t want. So answering this question helps steer me in the right direction by avoiding the style you’re not interested in at all.

What are the things you HAVE to have in the images?

Maybe you have a favourite item of clothing / book / animal / picture / item of furniture / knick knack that helps you feel comfortable. It is often these things that help make you feel ‘home’, and that feeling is what we want to capture.

Being in front of a camera isn’t a natural place for a lot of people, so they get nervous. Having something that comforts you and makes you feel safe is important to ensure the time spent together is productive and brings out the real you.

What do you hope to get out of the experience?

Letting me know what you want to get out of this experience, we can work together to ensure you are satisfied and happy with the quality of work I provide you.

What is your budget?

I have several packages available as standard, but they are just jumping off points. If you want more of one thing and less of another, then reach out and we can discuss all the options available.

Will you be having hair and makeup done for the photo shoot?

If you are, let me know so I can quote it accordingly.

Most of the time I won’t be needed while that’s happening - unless you want me to capture the process of getting ready, which I am more than happy to do! 

How many images do you want?

My packages all come with a minimum amount of images, and this is dictated by how long the shoot will be (the less time we spend together, the less photos I will be able to provide).

If you only have a short amount of time, and need more than my normal minimum, let me know and I’ll see what I can do.

When do you need these images by?

I try to process and upload your photos as fast as I can, generally within 10 days of the shoot happening (again, this is dependent on how long the shoot was for as the more images, the more time it takes to process).

If you need them quicker, let me know and we can work out an arrangement where I can rush them for your needs.

What is the best way to deliver the final images?

I will provide links to an online gallery where you can view your images and select your favourite shots for me to supply to you, which will be via a link to download to your computer. The physical print will be brought or posted to you, depending on the circumstances.

If you would prefer to receive the images in a different format (CD or USB for example), please let me know.

Have you done this kind of shoot before?

If so, great! But please note I am not the person you would have used before (or if I am, thanks for using me again!), so my style, direction, and vibe will probably be different. This doesn’t mean better or worse, just different. So please don’t expect me to behave the way your other photographer did!

How did you hear about me?

Was it through word of mouth, trawling the internet, or somehow else? Knowing this helps me see how my business is going!

Why did you choose me? What do you like about my images?

I want to know what elements of my work most appealed to you when comparing me to other photographers. Do you like how my images feel? Or the emotions they capture? Or for any number of other reasons?

It’s important for me to know this so I can focus on what appeals the most to you when creating your image. If you liked an image because it was bright and airy and carefree, I can certainly deliver that, but I will also adjust my final images to suit the overall mood these images capture.

I will work with you to make sure you are completely happy with the end result.

Is there anything else you want to tell me?

We’ve covered a lot of ground with the above questions, but I know there might be some things you still want to talk to me about or tell me. So please, don’t hold back. If there is anything else you want to tell me, any further details you want to share, please do. It will help make the shoot the best one possible for you!