Booking a photographer
Choosing a photographer to capture a special chapter in your life – a new baby, an update of family photos, a reason to celebrate a particular story in your lives – can feel like a big job. I want to take out all the possible stresses of this task and for it to be an easy process so that you can be fully informed and confident in knowing what you are receiving before you book a photographer.
Let’s dive right in with the steps from making the inquiry, all the way through to holding the beautiful images of your family that you will treasure. I’m here to look after you through every step and make this simple and easy for you, and we will have lots of fun along the way!
Making an inquiry
When using the contact form on my website (here), your message will ping over to my email. I’ll be smiling already when I see your inquiry! I’m so thrilled for you – I get excited for each message I receive, ready to discuss taking gorgeous family pictures for you. I love what I do and I want to share that!
I will respond to your inquiry within 1 working business day. My response will detail pricing, availability, and the options for photo session types so that you can see exactly what I offer with all the information you need to know before confirming a booking.
Deciding to book
You’ve read all the information and want to book – yay! My mind will begin whirring away with possible plans for your session from the moment you decide that I am the right photographer to fulfil your needs. No two photographers are the same as we each have our own essence of creativity, and I get very excited that you love what I create in my studio work. I can’t wait to schedule your date in my diary. Now for a little paperwork….
Deposit and contracts
The next step involves:
1.) completing the booking form
2.) signing a contract of terms and conditions
3.) paying your deposit of your chosen session
Completion of the 3 things secures your date with me officially and then we get planning!
The full session fee amount is due to confirm a booking, or £50 of a package session with the balance paid at least 48 hours prior to the session date. Session fees confirm your booking and pay for the planning and time of the session. Images are ordered separately at your presentation viewing, and not included in the session fee.
Scheduling and preparations
If you have booked me for family portraits (outdoor location or in the studio), headshot photography, maternity photography, or a cake smash photo session, we schedule a set date. If you have booked a newborn session, I book you for your due date (this is a temporary date). I only fill my diary with a certain amount per month to ensure I can accommodate all bookings regardless of when the baby actually arrives. When the baby arrives, you share your baby news with me, and we book a date from there.
When you have completed the contract and deposit, I will email over a prep guide. This details studio address and directions, clothing suggestions, tips for a successful session, and details of your preferences for the photosession.
Related post: What to wear for a family photosession
I will be in touch to check in during the weeks leading up to your photo session, and I can answer any questions you may have. For maternity photography and newborn photography sessions, you will also be sent a questionnaire to complete, which will help with further planning and styling of your session.
The day of the photo session
The day arrives! You will have all the guidance prior to this day, knowing exactly what you need to bring to either my photography studio, or to meet at a location in the gorgeous countryside of Bucks. On arrival at my Aylesbury studio, you can take a seat and relax through a newborn photo session, or with all the family, we get straight into fun with photos! My aim is always for you to enjoy the time spent in my studio while I create some incredible images for your family. On location, we make our way to some beautiful favourite spots of mine, usually on a gentle stroll while stopping along the route to capture precious family moments in action.
The presentation and ordering appointment
In the 2-3 weeks following your photo session with me, I will be choosing the best images from your gallery, and begin the first stage of edits on a sample of this gallery. You will be invited back to studio to view your images, and make your order. You will have already received the product pricing guide in your initial contact to me, so there are no surprises of pricing and what is available in the form of wall art, print collections, and digital collections.
The presentation viewing is often an emotional one. It is my job to create stunning images that you feel connected to, these are precious memories of that point in your life, and frequently those emotions come out in tears – not to worry though, I stock tissues too! I’m there to help you every step of the way, and can assist with tips on ways to frame your images in the best and most effective way.
Receiving your order
I will complete the editing on your chosen images (I love this bit – making those final tweaks to make it perfect), and fulfil your order. Approximately 4 weeks after your ordering appointment, I will invite you back to collect your gorgeous wall art or print collection. I love seeing the look on client’s faces when they see their images in print for the first time, it makes my heart flutter every time.
In a blink, children reach the next milestone; sitting, walking, starting school – my oldest will be at secondary school in just 18months! I want to capture every moment of my children, and be able to mark those memories for you too.
Get in touch – let’s make some memories!