Frequently asked questions.
To answer some of your questions, we have put together below those we are asked most often.
Should there be anything else, you would like to know, please feel free to contact us, we are always pleased to help.
What are your opening times?
We are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 09:30 am to 5:00 pm. and Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
However, if Andy is not busy in the studio, he is probably out shooting on location, so please phone before making a journey if you are collecting photos.
We are closed Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays.
How do we book?
All of our sessions are by appointment only; you can book online via one of the “Book your Portrait” buttons. You can also view our contact details where you will find our address, email, phone number and social media details, all of which are great ways to discuss your upcoming portrait session.
Once an appointment is made, is it possible to change it?
We understand that sometimes it is necessary to change an appointment, please contact us on 01494 549944 to rearrange your appointment.
Please give us as much notice as possible to enable us to offer it to another customer.
If no notice is given, you may lose your deposit.
Is there parking at the studio?
There is ample parking directly outside the studio.
Please park in the forecourt when you arrive.
How long are the portrait sessions?
We never rush your sitting, and we will always ensure we have enough time to create images you will love.
As a point of reference, a Family sitting will typically take one hour, whereas a Newborn baby session could last a couple of hours.
What should we wear?
This is a question we are often asked, and this is mostly about common sense. If dad is wearing a suit and mum is in jeans with a tee shirt this, of course, would look strange.
Our suggestion would be to bring a change of clothes, and to avoid wearing strongly patterned clothing, or any articles with prominent logos, as these will date quickly in appearance.
We suggest that you wear loose, comfortable clothes, as the aim is to have you moving about and having fun!
White tee shirts and blue jeans are a great choice for children, though you may also like to bring another outfit a little bit more formal.
Some children like to have a favourite toy, or you may wish to bring sunglasses, baseball caps, or some other prop that you would like included.
If you are a large family group, perhaps two or more generations, please try to ensure that everyone dresses in a broadly similar style and level of formality. Necklines are important, and a scoop or vee neck is best if the subject has a fuller face. A high-necked blouse, shirt or sweater is more flattering if the neck is long, and the face slender.
Ladies should generally avoid sleeveless tops as the skin on the arms is often lighter and can draw the focus away from the face.
Can I bring along our dog?
Yes, dogs are very welcome, just let us know.
Will there be anywhere for us to change our clothes?
There is always time to allow for changing your clothes at the studio if you so wish, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in what you are wearing.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, we do, we offer a selection of Portrait Experience Vouchers which you can view here.
After purchasing one of our gift vouchers, you will receive details on how you or the recipient can make the portrait booking.
Each voucher is valid for three months from the date of purchase.
When will I be able to view the photographs?
We know how excited you are to see the pictures; therefore, we will arrange a viewing for you as soon as is possible this will usually be one or two weeks after the session at the studio after we have put the finishing touches to them.
How long does a viewing last?
We like to make sure you have adequate time to view the photographs and to make your selection of images you would like.
In broad terms, the viewing will take around one hour.
Who should come along to the viewing?
Please bring your partner and any other family members who would like to see the pictures.
We recommend that you do not bring very young children between the ages of 1 and 7 to the viewing. In our experience, young children can get bored and tired very quickly during viewing hours, and you will find it more difficult to concentrate and make your choices.
If you or your family members would like to purchase any of the photographs we do request payment in full at the time of placing the order.
How can I pay for my order?
Payment for your order can be made by cash, cheque or credit card and we also accept American Express for those who wish to add to their Air Miles.
When will my portraits be ready?
We will contact you when they are ready for collection, which is usually within four weeks.
Please let us know in advance if you need them urgently; we will always try our best to do them quickly for you if at all possible.
As we take great care in the processing and finishing of your photographs and all our frames are bespoke and made to order, we prefer not to cut corners.