Answering your Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW?

What is Lifestyle Photography?

Lifestyle Photography is a style that lies somewhere between documentary photography (where the photographer is a fly on the wall and does not interfere at all) and classic portrait photography (where the photographer poses the subjects and gives them clear directions)

In a lifestyle session, you can expect some gentle guidance on posing, but also lots of opportunities to simple interact so candid moments can be captured, which can be encouraged with some prompts. In many images, you will be looking at and engaging with each other and not the camera.

Lifestyle Photography is perfect for those who feel awkward in front of the camera and want to avoid fake smiles. It’s also perfect for capturing genuine moments and bringing life to your photos.

What to expect?

• No awkward posing

• A natural and fun photoshoot

• Mostly lifestyle/documentary style photos

• Fun-loving and real moments to treasure

How do I book my session?

Please click here to fill in a contact form. Once we find a date that works for you I'll send you a contract, a questionnaire so I can get to know more about your event and an invoice for your non-refundable deposit (50%). Once these three items are completed, your session date is secured. The remaining balance for your session is due the day before your session.

What if we need to postpone or cancel?

For cancellations, the deposit is non-refundable to cover the costs of reserving the date, and depending on the notice given there may be a further fee payable. For postponements, I may be able to transfer fees paid to the new date, if I’m available. Full terms are detailed in the booking agreement.

When is payment due?

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your session.

The balance of your session fee is required to be paid 24 hours prior to your photoshoot.

Payment for any additional photos purchased is to be made after you have viewed your online gallery and have selected your photos.

When will I receive my images?

Unless otherwise stipulated and agreed, your images will be ready to view in your gallery within 2-3 weeks of your photoshoot. You will be sent your photos once you have viewed and chosen your photos.

1-2 days after the photoshoot I will share 2-3 images on my social media channels as a sneak peek

Why do we need to sign a contract?

At the time of booking, all clients are required to sign a contract. This is to ensure all parties have clear and agreed expectations of one another and of the process. I strongly encourage all clients to carefully read the contract prior to signing.

What should we wear?

I have written ‘what to wear guide’ which I send to all my customers once they have booked a photoshoot. I understand trying to decide what to wear can be super stressful and I want reduce that for you as much as possible so, please, don’t hesitate to ask for my advice at any point leading up to our photoshoot.

When is the best time of day to be photographed?

When shooting outside, my favourite time to photograph clients is just before sunset, the aptly named golden hour. Most people agree that warm, golden hour light is the most flattering natural light for portrait photography. The diffused light at golden hour gives the skin a soft look, and my clients can face the sun without squinting, so they're bathed in beautiful light.

While this is recommended, I fully understand that this time of day may not always be practical for families with young children. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon also offers nice lighting.

What if the weather is terrible?

In the run up to your shoot I’ll keep a close eye on the weather forecast, and I expect you might too! Regardless of what the forecast says, I always recommend that we don’t make any decisions until the evening before your shoot. The reason for this is that I find the forecast can change frequently over the course of a week, and a day that is forecast to be rainy in a week’s time, can often be forecast to be a lovely dry, sunny day once we reach the day before.

If the weather is so bad that we can’t go ahead, the next steps will depend on whether you’ve chosen to book a mini session or a signature session:

If it looks like it’s only going to rain for a short while and we both have flexibility in our diaries we could move the shoot to slightly earlier or later in the day. If that’s not possible we’ll reschedule to a new date free of charge.

Whatever you decide, we’ll work together and make sure that the solution is something you feel happy with.

Can we include special items in our photographs?

Of course. These photos are personal to you, and I know how meaningful it can be to include a particular piece of jewellery, a baby’s blanket or a child's cuddly toy etc.

What if my kids are not happy during the session?

Shooting candid, lifestyle sessions take a lot of the pressure off little ones who just want to play and do their own thing! If they want to do their own thing, that is ok. That’s the joy of lifestyle photography, we are capturing the moments (sometimes, even the tantrums)

What if we have mobility issues?

If anyone in your family has any mobility issues or if you need to bring a pram, please let me know at the time of booking so that we can select a location with appropriate access.

What if a member/s of our family has special needs?

If your family includes someone with special needs such as being on the autism spectrum, ADHD, SPD, hearing, vision or any other issues, please discuss this with me when booking. This allows you to advise me on the best way to engage with your family and, if needed, we can allow additional time on the day of the shoot.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. Proof of insurance can be provided upon request.

What equipment and software do you use?

I shoot with a Sony A7RIV, with good quality lenses, I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshoot for postproduction, to share your gallery with you, I use Pixieset and I will transfer your photos to you digitally via Pixieset.

What about books or prints?

I think you’ll love your photos, even more, when they’re printed! You’re very welcome to make your own prints, or for the very best quality, you can order premium prints and wall art directly from your gallery.