We have just implemented a new system for booking sessions by date, to ensure you aren't disappointed by lack of availability, whilst keeping it manageable for us to schedule and arrange. Check when you need to book HERE
If you want sleepy, posed images, it's a newborn session you're after. Newborn sessions need to take place while baby is really young - preferably under two weeks old. For all other baby sessions, I have no preferences. I love the 4-5 months old babies who aren't afraid of strangers yet, and smile endlessly; for free! I adore the 6-8 months old age, and the posing variety they give us, while they sit up and start crawling. 9 months plus? Love them! So much character! Toddlers? They only get cuter! So while I don't have a favourite age, the only ones I avoid photographing, is between 6 weeks and 4 months old. Babies that age won't sleep anymore for newborn poses, but don't hold their heads up well enough for nice poses. They also do not smile to the camera easily, at a distance. Any other age is welcome.
Sessions are scheduled on Sunday between 10:30am and 4pm, or Monday to Thursday 9am to 3:30pm. Outdoor sessions in the summer may take place early evening for optimal lighting. If you require a specific date or time, out of these hours, we may be able to accommodate (with a slight surcharge). Get in touch to discuss.
The studio address is Unit 1 Ravensdale Industrial Estate, Timberwharf Road, N16 6AY . It's the first building as soon as you enter the estate, glass door on the left side.
Unfortunately, I do not have my own parking spaces right outside the studio, but there is bound to be a spot on the street somewhere nearby, on Timberwharf road, Fairweather, Leadale Road, etc. if you are stuck, call me when you are outside, I'll help you unload, and watch the kids while you park. Once inside the building, the studio is on the ground floor. No stairs to climb!
If you are coming for a newborn session, all you need to bring is the baby. I have everything else. Clothing, props, blankets, accessories etc. I also have nappies, wipes, and other essentials. If your baby takes a dummy, please do bring it along. If the baby is bottle fed, you'll need to bring that too. (I do have a kettle for hot water if you will need that). If you want to be photographed with the baby, wear your rings/bracelets etc, and pay attention to your nails, because your hands will make your way into the pictures. You might want to consider bringing a change of clothing for the baby for going home.
For all other sessions: Bring all outfit changes you want to use during the session. Don't forget accessories like matching socks, hair accessories, co-ordinating cappels, etc. If you are coming for a full session, bring simple snacks along for the kids, like crackers or plain biscuits, in case they feel nibbly. Hairbrushes, combs, gels, sprays, or whatever you use to touch up hair should be in your bag as well. Don't forget jewellery if you want them to show in your images. I discourage bringing treats or bribes for the kids.
After your booking is confirmed, we will have a pre-session consultation on the phone. Together, we will choose a location to suit the vision you have for your photos. There is a surcharge for outdoor shoots, (waived when spending more than £2000) plus a travelling fee if the location is out of the area.
Of course. This stuff happens. I have a super flexible schedule and am always happy to reschedule if a child is not up to it. We want best possible results. Just let me know as soon as there is a change and we will change the appointment date.
When you are photographing one child on his own, you can bring any of your favourite outfits that you have for him/her. It's easy to make anything work. If you are not sure, and have too much to choose from, get in touch, I will help you decide. You will show me what you have and I will tell you what photographs well.
If the session is for the family, or siblings grouped together, we need to plan carefully to make sure the results are awesome. In general, I like neutral colours best. Beige, grey, brown, taupe, cream etc. Complimenting colours, like Navy and mustard, or baby pink with baby blue, also looks awesome together. If you know what room in the house you will want to have the image hanging, think what colours will look best there. In general, I prefer when families are co-ordinating, rather than all matching.
What to avoid: Neon colours. not flattering at all. Also avoid very fine, thin stripes, or some types of very small detailed texture. It can cause complications when it comes to the printed effect. (If you care to look it up, it's called 'moire'. The only way to avoid it is to avoid those fabrics.) Call me if you are not sure.
I am happy to give you a full clothing consultation, or help you shop for the perfect outfits to get the best possible results out of your session.
Of course. There is no limit on the amount of clothing changes, or backdrop options. Even in a timed mini session, we often manage to quickly change so you get plenty variety.
No.
The only exception would be a pre Bar Mitzva session, where your family can stop in the studio on the way to the event, dressed for the occasion, for a family shoot. Some clients choose to use this option on the day of a relative's wedding. We plan the timing of the session for approximately 2 hours before the event begins.
If the group is a family; all siblings with their parents, the answer is yes. We do not limit family size ;)
For extended groups; typically a group of cousins as a grandparent gift, or other groups comprised of more than one family, depending on the amount of people, I can do an outdoor shoot if the studio is too small, or a composite/collage, where families are photographed in the studio individually and then merged in photoshop. These sessions are charged per family. It is not the same price as a single family shoot. Get in touch and we will discuss your needs.
When you book your session date, we will also schedule another slot, within a few days of your session, to come to the studio for a complimentary viewing and ordering appointment. (This is the fun part!) I use a customized program to help you select your images, and the best way to display them. You will also see all album, wall art and gift options to help you decide what to buy.
No. This is not an option, because I do not release images that are not fully edited. In order to send you a gallery, I need to edit the images. In order to edit, I need to charge for them. It's a shame for you to pay for images you might otherwise not have purchased!
If you live too far from the studio, we can have our viewing session remotely, on zoom.
If you live abroad, I will try my best to schedule your viewing session before you travel back home.
This number can vary greatly. Anything from 20-40 and up for a mini session, and 50 plus for a full session.
I include every great image in your gallery. If there are two or three very similar ones, I will leave them in the gallery for you to choose your favourite!
No. You tell me what you have in mind, and what you want to go home with, and I can create a custom package for you. The packages are a guide to what you can expect.
You sure can!
They're included free in top packages, or can be purchased separately.
If your order includes the high resolution images, you will receive them as soon as your full balance is paid, even if your products have not arrived yet!
Most definitely. The quality and craftsmanship of the labs that print for my clients, are a level above. At your viewing session, I will show you the different frames and formats and we will customize something to match your photos and your home decor. Ideally, take some snapshots of your walls, and measure the space, before you come, for a perfect result.
Yes.
I keep the images in my archives for 6 years. If you need help ordering something for your wall, or a gift for a grandparent, or want to purchase digital images at a later stage, get in touch and I will help you with that.
All credit cards are accepted, including American Express.
Yes. There will be a 25% minimum payment to confirm your order, and we will together agree on a way to spread the payments according to your wishes. As soon as the final payment is made, you will receive your products.
No. Nothing. We do not even charge extra for complicated, time consuming edits like headswaps. Everything is included in the cost.
If you have a specific request that might incur extra charges, you will be informed before confirming your booking.
This will largely depend on the nature of the products ordered, the season, and how soon you make a decision!
Most people will finalize their choice of images and products at the viewing session, which takes place within a few days of your session. I will never put pressure on you though, and if you need more time to make a decision, that's absolutely fine, however this is what makes the process take that much longer. By the time you will finalize, I will likely be busy with other, current work. So while I will never guarantee a delivery date, my promise to you is that if you choose within the expected time-frame, your pictures will be my top priority!
If your session takes place in July, be aware that the studio is closed through August, and if your session is in September, the studio is closed for most of October. Bear this in mind when scheduling your session, if you need your photos ready be a required date.
Digital images are often ready withing days of your viewing session. If you have chosen a package that includes digital images, they will be delivered to you as soon as your balance is paid. Custom albums and wall art can take longer, due to specialized production times, and shipping. You will be advised on turnaround time when placing your order. Regular prints and reprints can be ready for pickup within a few days too, usually.
In general, your pictures can be ready very soon after your session, provided the process is followed!