FAQ's
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
1. I'm awkward in front of the camera and I'm not photogenic
I have been photographing women and their families for over 16 years. I know how to get the best out of all women because I see beauty in every woman I meet, it's my super power. I will guide and direct you every step of the way. Watching women grow in confidence throughout the shoot is something I am simply addicted to. Come and see for yourself. Yes, really!
2. I need to loose a few pounds...
No you absolutely don't. My lighting and posing will show you in the most flattering way.
3. What should I bring?
We will have a consultation before your shoot so you can be confident you have everything you need.
4. Is there anything I need to do to prepare?
Again you will be sent information on how best to prepare. Nothing too much to think about, just simple things like making sure your hair colour and roots are done a few weeks before and no chipped nail polish etc.
5. How long does it take?
For a full portrait experience allow half a day, normally 9.30 til 1pm. This allows approx. 1 hour for hair and makeup, time for refreshments and 3-4 different styled looks. We only book one session a day so you are totally relaxed.
6. When and how do I choose my favourite image?
We will make an appointment for you to view your beautiful images on the day of your shoot, normally around 2 weeks later. Part of our customer service is helping you select your images, because you will see a lot of images you will love so we can help navigate this in a non pressurised environment. If you are not living local to our studio, we will arrange an online appointment via Skype.
7. Can I view my images online?
We do not offer online galleries, we believe in the beauty of prints and we want you to view your images where you can see them on a properly calibrated monitor.
8. Can I bring someone with me to view my images?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a friend or a partner with you, we will make sure you have a price list before you arrive so that you are only buying what you love.
9. Do you sell digital images?
With every beautiful image you buy you receive the digital image. We do not sell digital only collections. We take great care, love and pride in both shooting and preparing your images and we are firm believers in the beauty of real prints.
10. Do you airbrush?
We edit each image individually and retouch to our exacting standards.
11. Is there a minimum order and how much should I expect to spend?
You simply buy what you love. Some people spend £500 and some £3000. We have selected a range of collections that include wall art and heirloom boxes for you to display and store your beautiful images. We have interest free payment plans available, please ask.
12. Whats the difference between a beauty portrait session and a boudoir session? Do I have to get undressed?
Boudoir is a speciality of The Portrait Boutique, where the images are more intimate. There are varying degrees of undress, but most of our Boudoir clients are wearing lingerie or loungewear or discreetly wrapped/draped in fabric. Nudity is more implied. You will be offered a gown to keep you comfortable at all times. Part of our services is to have a full consultation before your session to discuss exactly what you want to achieve. Some of your images will be anonymous - perfect for hanging on the wall as a piece of art. We have photographed women from 20 to 70 for this genre, beauty is ageless and there are no limits. This can be quite an empowering session as we show you how beautiful you really are. The most common gasp is "Is that really me?" The images have a definite fine art quality. We can show you sample albums at your consultation so you can decide if this is for you. Discretion and confidentiality is guaranteed - we never use images without your express permission.
Beauty sessions are perfect if the boudoir session is not for you. Our talented hair and makeup artists will make sure you look and feel your absolute best. You can choose a variety of different styled looks, casual jeans and shirt, a little black dress, full ballgown, business suit, acres of tulle (we have an in house wardrobe if you want to try something different). Don't tell me you have nothing to wear! Let's trawl your wardrobe, borrow that killer dress from your sister/girlfriend or hire a designer gown from our partner in London, delivered to our studio just for you. We will discuss at your consultation exactly the kind of images you want to achieve.
