personal portraits
in your home, at a location of your choice or in our studio
prices and services
The creation of your portrait is so much more than a simple camera click. Typically you can expect three easy steps in your personal portrait photoshoot experience.
Planning is the obvious first step. This starts by us agreeing a time, date and location for your photoshoot. Typically, it’s during this stage that we listen to your ideas, and maybe make suggestions that will help to bring your ideas to life. We can also advise on practicalities like what sort of outfits, colours and textures are most likely to be effective for you. Often “less is more” is a good starting place when planning what to wear for your photoshoot. In the background, we are also making technical plans about equipment and other considerations to make your personal portraiture photoshoot a success. Often we aim for three or four distinct “looks” to add variety to your experience and give you a good choice of photographs.
Next is the day of your photoshoot. Your privacy is paramount. Before we start we ask that you read and sign a consent form that gives us permission to photograph you and puts you in control of how we use our photographs of you. The consent form also includes information about copyright, editing and other details. Although we are likely to spend only two to three hours together, in reality we reserve the whole day to make sure that we are prepared and entirely focused upon you and your needs. This makes for a relaxed atmosphere. By creating a safe space we are aiming to create the best results for you. We double check that we understand your expectations, review your outfits, discuss what will work best and then start the photoshoot. The details vary from client to client but we use a variety of techniques to make your experience enjoyable, the photographs professional, and to make sure that your needs are met. Towards the end of your photoshoot we check again to see that we have met your expectations.
After the photoshoot comes the third phase. We make sure that all the digital files from your photoshoot are backed up before we even consider selecting and editing any photographs. We operate to high standards and edit your photographs professionally ourselves (meaning that we do not send the photo files to third parties for editing). This way we can be very responsive and protect your privacy. After the editing process has been completed, you will receive a link to view the photographs. If you prefer we can review the photographs together. If you require any additional edits or other changes, we will make them and then deliver high quality digital files to you for your online use. The number of photographs is not limited to an arbitrary number. Instead, we send you what works for you. If you wish we will include, at no extra cost, a high quality 10”by 8” or 8” by 10” print of your favourite photograph.
Throughout the process you can expect great service and results. The cost is £950 for the total service described above. If the location of your photoshoot is in London we will not charge for travel and expenses. If you want something designed even more specifically for your needs, we will happily work something out for you and discuss the price.
Additional prints (either as individual photographs or as a collection in an album) are not included. This is for two reasons. Firstly, it is our policy to avoid “up selling” or putting pressure on our clients to spend more money than they expect at the time of their booking. Secondly, the price of printing photographs is not a one-size-fits all proposition. We can provide very high quality prints in either 8”x10”/10”x8” or A3 sizes. Larger prints and albums we can provide using professional specialists. Once we know what you want we can quote accordingly.
When making your booking we ask for a non-refundable advance payment of £250. The balance is to be paid on or immediately after the day of your photoshoot. We accept payment by most major debit and credit cards, Paypal or by direct transfer.
Stephen
stephen cotterell photography associates