- Why the initial consultation?
Many photographers are quite happy to get you into the studio, photograph you against a plain white background, and get you out as quickly as possible. Your experience in my studio will be different: I pride myself in the quality of my work and my attention to detail. I carefully plan each shoot so that each session is productive. It’s my goal to bring out the best in you, and I make sure that you are 100% satisfied with the resulting photographs. Great photographs are not produced by accident – they require planning.
- What will happen at the initial consultation?
The meeting will last 15-30 minutes and will be used to establish the looks and styles that you have in mind. We’ll also discuss wardrobe selection, shoot location (if your session will be conducted off-site), and prop choices, if you plan to use any.
Additionally, if you would like to be photographed on location (instead of or in addition to the studio), I can help you choose some of the best indoor and outdoor sites in Glasgow. And, I have photographs of these locations, too. If you have a specific location in mind, such as your home, I encourage you to take snapshots of the location with your camera phone or digital camera and bring these to our initial consultation.
At the end of the meeting, you will be required to pay a non-refundable 50% deposit to confirm your booking. This deposit will be acknowledged with a company receipt.
Importantly, if you still are unsure about what looks you have in mind at this stage, I have plenty of reference material, including magazines and photographs, which will help you generate ideas about the looks that you like (and don’t like). You are welcome to bring your own magazines and props to the session, too.
- What should I bring to the initial consultation?
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- Any reference material you might want to consult, such as fashion magazines, catalogues, etc.
- Snapshots of your intended wardrobe, and/or a detailed list of outfits, including colours, styles, shoes, accessories, etc.
- Any props or snapshots of props that you would like me to use in the shoot.
- Snapshots of any locations in which you would like to be photographed. (Note that you must have permission to be photographed in certain locations.)
- Your photographic ID (a valid driving license or passport) to verify your age.
- A valid credit/debit card (or cash) to make your initial deposit payment.
- Do you provide wardrobe or a wardrobe stylist?
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No. You should bring your own wardrobe depending on the looks and styles that you want to create. You should coordinate these with me beforehand, ideally at the initial consultation, or as soon as possible afterwards.
Here are some guidelines for making your wardrobe selection:
- Solid colours work best. Bolder, thicker stripes or simple plaids may be suitable – consult with me if you are unsure. Floral prints or heavy patterns tend to photograph poorly and detract from the main subject (you!). They should be avoided.
- Timeless, classic styles are better than trendy fads and fashion-oriented outfits.
- Avoid visible brand names or logos. It’s best to avoid any clothing that has writing on it.
- Avoid clothes that don’t fit properly. Loose fitting clothes tend to look more graceful in photographs.
- Keep jewellery to an absolute minimum. Avoid extreme or trendy jewellery.
- It is always best to bring more than you need. If in doubt about an item, consult with me.
You are welcome to make your own arrangements for a wardrobe stylist, if you wish.
- What are props and how do I select them?
Props are items that adorn the set and give more meaning to your photographs. They should reinforce the looks and styles that you are after. Almost any item that you use in your everyday life can be a suitable prop: an umbrella; a train time-table; a tennis racket; a guitar; a blanket or throw, etc.
Other hints for selecting suitable props: choose classic, simple and elegant props; use the newest models of anything that could look outdated, such as mobile phones or other electronics. Better still, select timeless objects, and make sure they are in good condition and are top-quality. Finally, avoid items with visible brand names or logos. After all, a good photograph with a tacky prop is a wasted effort, so if you have doubts about your prop selection, please ask me.
- What about hair and make-up?
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You are welcome to do your own hair and make-up for the shoot – all models should be competent at doing so. If you are going to do so, just remember to keep it simple. Simple hairstyles work best. Avoid trendy hairstyles that will date a photograph. Also, avoid extreme make-up.
Note, however, that professional make-up for photography is very different from everyday make-up, and using a professional make-up artist can enhance the quality of your photographs greatly. I maintain an up-to-date list of freelance hair and make-up artists in the area with whom I have arranged to bundle their services with the premium packages. If you have chosen to use a hair and make-up artist, you will be able to view samples of their work and choose a shortlist of those that you’d like to collaborate with. I’ll ensure that one of the make-up artists on your list will be available for your shoot. You are also welcome to make your own arrangements for a make-up artist.
If you would like your make-up done before the start of the session so that you can have more shooting time, please notify me in advance. I can accommodate most requests for early arrivals of up to 45 minutes.
- How should I prepare for a shoot?
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- If you have not already done so, or if you have changed your mind about your wardrobe or props, send me a detailed list of your intended wardrobe including colours, styles, shoes, accessories and props. Also, send snapshots of these items, if possible. You should do this as soon as possible.
- Practice posing and making facial expressions in front of a mirror. Even top models spend time in front of a mirror practicing posing and facial expressions. You can get posing ideas from fashion magazines and catalogues. I have several of these as well as photos and posing guides for models which you can refer to before and during your shoot. I also will guide you on posing during the shoot.
- Please get plenty of sleep! It goes without saying that you should try to get at least eight hours of sleep for three consecutive nights before a shoot. Not doing so may result in bags and dark circles under your eyes.
- Visit a hairdresser if your hair needs a trim or if your hair colour needs to be updated.
- Do any waxing or shaving as needed.
- Get your nails done. Make sure that they are neat and well-maintained. They should generally be short to moderate length, and neutral or French manicured.
- Eat healthy and drink plenty of water within 24 hours of your shoot. Avoid alcohol, and fatty or salty foods.
- Pack up what you will need the night before the shoot to avoid any last minute rushing around.
- Try to eat a light meal before you leave. Avoid skipping your meals so that you don’t run out of energy, lose focus or become irritable during the shoot.
- Aim to arrive up to 15 minutes before your shoot time. Shoots are usually scheduled to fit within their allotted times, and it may not be possible to extend your session beyond the allotted time slot if you arrive late. If you have requested the services of a hair and make-up artist, you may be able to arrive up to 45 minutes before your session time.
- What should I bring to the shoot?
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- Wardrobe
- Props and accessories
- Make-up kit
- Hair accessories
- Bottled water, snacks and anything else necessary to keep you going
- A valid credit/debit card (or cash) to make your remaining payment
- What can I expect before the shoot?
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If you have booked a location-only shoot at a location arranged by you (such as your home), I will meet you at your chosen location. Otherwise, you will meet me at the studio.
I will collect the balance of your payment.
- What can I expect after the shoot?
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We will spend the last few minutes of the session going through the photographs taken during the shoot so that you can make your selection based on your chosen package.
Next, I will process and retouch the selected photographs and will have them ready for you to collect seven days after the shoot. Alternatively, I may send the photographs to you by post. See my Terms of Service for details.
- Do you shoot during the evenings and weekends?
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Yes, shooting times are flexible and include evenings and weekends for those with busy work schedules.
- I can’t find a package that fits my requirements on your website. What can I do about it?
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Contact me. I would be glad to create a custom package to fit your specific requirements.