Answers to commonly asked photography questions

Questions about:

Property | Product | Headshots | Events

Property Shoots (Houses, Flats, Hotels, Airbnbs and Business...)

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Will I attract more buyers?

Yes, the quality of your print or website photos can directly impact a potential customer's decision to get in touch. You’ll also attract more vendors too.

Will my property move faster just because of good photography?

It will, on average, sell three weeks faster

Will I get value for money?

AXA research reported that viewers estimated the value of a property 21% higher after a professional photoshoot.

Will I save time by using a property photographer?

Yes, I shoot and edit the images then I deliver the finished product to your inbox while you concentrate on running your business.

Will you work for estate agents?

Yes. Please contact me, we can have a detailed chat about your requirements and I can tailor a bespoke price.

Do you work for private sellers / property owners?

Yes. Please contact me to discuss your property and photography needs so I can give you a free quote based on your exact needs

Does property photography include the Garden?

Yes, the garden will be included. Sometimes it’s necessary to schedule an outdoor shoot to coincide with good weather but I always expect get great shots of your entire property, inside and out.

How many pictures will I receive?

Usually 3 to 4 general shots of each room (fewer for very small spaces) and I always shoot a couple of details too.

How much should it cost to have my property photographed?

1 Bed with Garden / without garden: £160 -£250 2 Bed: from £240 3 Bed: From £300 4 Bed: Call me!

Do I need to book far in advance?

Not always… It’s often possible to fit a property shoot around my other bookings, give me a call and I’ll see what I can do.

Can you photograph properties in London?

Yes. Although I am based in Devon, I’m very happy to work anywhere and have this year photographed property in North and South Wales, Cornwall and East Anglia. Please get in touch so I can give you a price based on your exact requirements.

Why is it better to pay more for a photographer? Can’t I use my phone which has a great camera?

You could use your phone but isn’t it better to focus on what you do best and allow a specialist professional to handle the image making? I do this every day all day and I have the equipment, ability and the experience to make the most of your property and how it is presented to the world. Recent research suggests that professional photography can result in a 30% increase in property sales. Just this year a client in Cornwall was astonished to see how engagement increased with a professionally shot cabin - they sold faster and at a higher than anticipated price.

What do I need to do to prepare my house, bed and breakfast, Airbnb for a photo shoot?

Your house needs to be decluttered, clean and well maintained, redecorate where needed if you think it will help. Don’t forget that these images will be how the public sees your property. Sparkling windows make a massive difference to the photographs. Don’t forget to tidy outdoors too, looking thru windows we need to see something attractive. Clean towels in bathrooms, tidy worktops in kitchens, expensive soaps, pretty cushions all make a difference. Make sure all the lighting is working, change bulbs if necessary. Lay tables if you wish, clean cutlery, glasses and attractive china will allow people to imagine scenarios. Flowers and plants are always worth the investment.

What do I need to do to prepare my hotel for a photo shoot?

As above. But also consider branding, so if you have products with the Hotel’s name on we can use them to help reinforce the brand and identity of the hotel.

What do I need to do to prepare my commercial property for a photo shoot?

Commercial property also needs to be clean, tidy and well decorated. Make sure all the lighting is working as it should and that the space is as you would want people to see it.

Do you outsource any of your photography / editing?

No, Every shot is pre-planned and I have a vision of the finished result in my mind’s eye when I press the shutter so I prefer to edit myself.

Product photography

Online, Social media and auction shops as well as restaurant, hotel, B&B menu items

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What products do you photograph?

I’m very happy to consider a shoot with any product at all, I’ve recently been asked to photograph building plastics, roofing materials, silver coffee pots (nightmare!), pet food and chocolates - all of which were a success.

What kind of product photography do you offer?

Lifestyle product photography - This is a very popular method of showcasing your products in an environment that emphasises a particular lifestyle aesthetic and gives the viewer context for the product. I have access to a variety of “real life” backgrounds and will light the set in a way that looks completely natural and is appropriate to your product.

Flat Lay – For this method we shoot your product from directly above on an appropriate background and with great lighting, it works especially well for products like clothing and food and can include props, accessories and even hands if they help to tell the story.

Pack Shots – Traditional pack shots are used to give the viewer a straightforward view of your product and its packaging. Usually shot on a white background with lighting to suit the product. This is the classic Amazon or e-commerce shot of a product and is powerful in its simplicity.

Detail – We can include all details of your products that are particularly relevant or important and that make your products unique during any shoot.

Can you photograph reflective and / or white products?

We certainly can. Photographing reflective or white products may take a little longer as it requires complicated lighting and reflectors to be expertly positioned and optimised for each product. While it takes longer, the end result is exceptional imagery that focuses on the product, uninterrupted by unsightly reflections/glares.

Do you work for large companies? How many products can you shoot in a day?

I work for large companies and for small and micro-businesses. The deciding factor in the number of products possible during a shoot is how consistent they are in size, texture etc, if the set needs radical rejigging for each product the shoot will take longer and the quantity that we can get done in a day will be reduced but the quality will be consistently high.

I have an eBay, Instagram, or other social platform store, can you photograph my products for these?

Yes I can. Having professional shots will definitely make a very positive difference to the viewer’s perception of your products and your brand.

How many pictures will I receive?

As many as you wish! I’d be very happy to discuss this with you but I’m generally asked to produce a single hero shot of each product with details and/or views from different angles as required.

Can I send you all the products and then arrange for them to be sent back when you’re done?

You can do this, it’s not unusual and I’m very happy to work this way. I’ll keep in touch during the shoot, sharing images, until we’re both happy with the results.

I don’t have a solid colour background; will you provide one?

I can supply backgrounds in a whole spectrum of colours with little notice and have white, black and grey on standby at all times.

I don’t have much space where I am, is this a problem?

I’m very happy to work in small spaces but if it’s really going to be an issue I’d prefer to get you and your products into the studio where we can get the best results, unhindered and in less time.

Do you photograph food products for shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels?

Absolutely, it’s a great way to showcase your menu. I occasionally combine a food shoot with property photography for hotels, pubs and restaurants. And a shot of the interior of your shop can convey a great deal in a small time.

Do I have to come to your studio?

It’s not always necessary. If you have space I can bring the studio with me, I only need a table and electricity. If you prefer not to be on set we can discuss your wishes prior to the shoot and I can keep you up to date with progress and how the images are looking via messages, email and telephone.

What do I do if the lighting isn’t good where at my location?

I bring a studio with me that contains professional quality lighting, backgrounds, reflectors and everything else we might need.

Do I need to book far in advance?

Not always… It’s often possible to fit a product shoot around my other bookings, give me a call and I’ll see what I can do.

Can you photograph products in London?

Yes. Although I am based in Devon, I’m very happy to work anywhere. Please get in touch so I can give you a price based on your exact requirements.

Why is it better to pay more for a photographer? Can’t I use my phone which has a great camera?

You could use your phone but isn’t it better to focus on what you do best and allow a specialist professional to handle the image making? I do this every day all day and I have the equipment, ability and experience to bring out the best in your products.

What do I need to do to prepare for a product shoot?

You only need to make sure that the products you’ve selected are in perfect condition and really showcase your businesses at it’s very best.

Do you outsource any of your photography / editing?

No, Every shot is pre-planned and I have a vision of the finished result in my mind’s eye when I press the shutter so I prefer to edit myself.

Headshot Photography

LinkedIn, Profile Pics, corporate and team pages.

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What is headshot photography?

Usually a tightly cropped professional portrait of you in your “business” persona. But it doesn’t have to be…

How long does a professional shoot take?

It can be as quick as a couple of minutes and will only usually take ten minutes at most.

Do you do group or team headshots?

I most definitely do.

How many pictures will I receive?

I’ll send an initial selection of around ten to fifteen from which I ask you to select your favourite two or three.

I want the best portrait of myself possible, what can I do to prepare?

Get a good nights sleep, select your outfit(s) in advance, think about what image you want to project. Do you have preferred side? If so let me know. Practice in front of a mirror or family until you find a look that you feel represents you.

Do I need to book far in advance?

I often have slots available at short notice and will always do my best to fit you in at a time that suits you best.

How much do corporate headshots cost?

A quick job could be as little as £100 in total.

What should I wear for my business headshot?

Wear what you’d normally wear in a busines environment. Strong contrasting colours are good, checks and busy patterns are not so good. Make sure your clothes are crease free and use a lint roller before you get in front of the camera. If you wear glasses give them a clean. You want to exude professionalism so dress for the job you want!

Can you do an outdoor corporate headshot for me or my team?

Yes, dependant on time of year and weather this is sometimes the only way if you have a very large team.

Do you offer discounts for corporate headshots?

Give me a call.

Any tips for the day of the photoshoot?

Just before your shoot check your hair and makeup (or ask a colleague to), use a lint roller on your clothes. Check for shiny skin and polish your glasses.

Do you only do formal headshots?

No, there’s plenty of scope for more environmental portraits shot in your office, laboratory, shop, wherever and show you in your business space. These can be as formal or informal as you wish and can help to locate you in your profession. Have a think about the image you want to convey and where you intend to use the images. Some clients want a formal portrait showing their professional, approachable look, some prefer a more relaxed informal feel.

What is the copyright situation?

I retain copyright, but I will never charge you for use, all of the pictures are yours to use wherever and whenever you like in perpetuity.

Do I have to choose between Black & White or Colour portraits?

I’ll send you the finished images in both black and white and colour, you can use them as you wish.

Why is it better to pay more for professional headshot photography? Can’t I use my phone which has a great camera?

You could use your phone but isn’t it better to focus on what you do best and allow a specialist professional to handle the image making? I do this every day all day and I have the equipment, ability and the experience to make the most of your property and how it is presented to the world. Recent research suggests that professional photography can result in a 30% increase in property sales. Just this year a client in Cornwall was astonished to see how engagement increased with a professionally shot cabin - they sold faster and at a higher than anticipated price.

Do you outsource any of your photography / editing?

No, Every shot is pre-planned and I have a vision of the finished result in my mind’s eye when I press the shutter so I prefer to edit myself.

Corporate event, show, group event photography

Dog shows, Horse shows and events

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I’m from a hotel or event company, can I recommend you to our clients on a preferred corporate photography rate?

It saves so much hassle when you have access to a photographer you can trust! It reflects well on you, being the one who recommends photographer, and the client gets the pictures they want and need. So I am more than happy to start a conversation with you or your clients directly.

Can you work for hotels or events companies?

I’m very happy to work for hotels and events companies, and also any other venues or event organisers.

Can you photograph conferences?

Yes, I’m as happy photographing conferences as any other event.

Can you photograph equestrian shows?

Although I’ve photographed horses and riders in the past, I’d recommend a specialist for an equestrian event as it’s quite a niche specialism.

Can you photograph dog shows?

An individual dog, or a small group would be the limit of my expertise and again I’d recommend a photographer who is a specialist in this area.

Are you able to photograph country shows i.e. The Wiltshire show?

Yes, county shows are something I’d be very pleased to cover as a photographer.

What are the largest events you can photograph?

Any size at all, none too big none too small!

As a corporate event photographer, does it matter how many attendees there are?

The number of attendees isn’t an issue but if there’s a significant number it may be worthwhile employing several photographers to ensure reasonable coverage.

How many pictures will I receive?

Depending on the size and duration of the event anything from 50 to 100 plus fully edited pictures.

Do I need to book far in advance to get event photography?

Not at all, a couple of weeks notice is usually plenty.

Can you photograph events in London?

Yes. Although I am based in Devon, I’m very happy to work anywhere. Please get in touch so I can give you a price based on your exact requirements.

Why is it better to pay more for a photographer? Can’t I use my phone which has a great camera?

Why is it better to pay more for a photographer? Can’t I use my phone which has a great camera?

You could use your phone but isn’t it better to focus on what you do best and allow a specialist professional to handle the image making? I do this every day all day and I have the equipment, ability and the experience to capture the memories in action.

Do you outsource any of your photography / editing?

No, Every shot is pre-planned and I have a vision of the finished result in my mind’s eye when I press the shutter so I prefer to edit myself.