Questions before you begin
You are welcome to ask anything during your discovery conversation. These answers cover the practical questions women most often have before deciding whether the experience is right for them.
Do I need to know how to pose?
No. You are guided throughout the portrait day, including posture, hands, angles, movement and expression. Direction is part of the work; it is not something you are expected to bring with you.
What if I do not feel photogenic?
Most of my clients do not arrive feeling naturally confident in front of a camera. Being “photogenic” is not a quality you either possess or lack. Light, direction, timing, trust and the photographer’s attention all influence what the camera sees. You will not be left to work that out alone.
How much does the portrait experience cost?
Portrait commissions begin at £795. This includes the consultation, creative planning, wardrobe guidance, private portrait experience and five fully finished portraits supplied as matted prints and corresponding digital files.
The £1,295 Portrait Story commission includes ten finished portraits and a handcrafted ten-print folio collection. You may begin with the £795 commission and decide at the reveal whether you would like to upgrade by paying the £500 difference.
What is required to reserve a portrait date?
A signed portrait agreement and a £295 reservation payment are required to secure the date. The payment is credited in full towards your chosen commission. The remaining balance is due 14 days before the portrait day. Full cancellation and rescheduling terms are provided before you make any payment.
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How long does the experience take?
Allow approximately half a day for the portrait experience. This includes time to arrive and settle, wardrobe changes, breaks and movement between visual directions. Personal branding requirements vary, but I will explain the expected timing when we design your commission.
Is professional hair and makeup included?
No. You will receive clear preparation guidance and arrive camera-ready. If you would like professional hair or makeup, I can recommend trusted local professionals for you to arrange before coming to the studio.
What should I wear?
You do not need to solve that before enquiring. After you commission me, we review clothing you already own and decide what supports each visual direction. I give specific recommendations on colour, shape, texture and what to bring. You do not need to purchase an entirely new wardrobe.
Can portrait, branding and boudoir be combined?
Yes, when the combination makes sense for you. The experience can move between professional, personal and more intimate portraiture as connected chapters. We discuss this privately and design the day so that each direction feels intentional rather than like a collection of unrelated outfits.
Will my photographs be shared online?
Only with your explicit written permission. Image use is a separate choice, and declining permission does not affect the experience you receive. Boudoir and intimate portraits remain private unless you specifically authorise selected images for a stated use.
When do I choose my portraits?
After the portrait day, I curate the strongest photographs and invite you to a private reveal, usually within 7–10 days. We view approximately 20–25 proofs and choose the portraits that will be professionally finished.
Can I purchase only digital files?
Every finished portrait is provided as both a digital file and a physical print. I do not separate them because I want the work to exist as something tangible as well as something you can use and preserve digitally.
Can I buy additional portraits or wall artwork?
If you want more than the five included portraits, you may upgrade to the ten-portrait Portrait Story collection for £500. Statement wall artwork is available after the reveal, when you have seen the finished work and can decide whether a particular portrait belongs in your home.
Where is the studio?
The private studio is in Tranent, East Lothian, within reach of Edinburgh, Midlothian and the wider surrounding area. The full address, arrival information and parking guidance are provided to commissioned clients.
What happens after I enquire?
I read every enquiry personally. If it appears that my approach may be right for you, I will invite you to a private Zoom conversation. We discuss why you are considering the experience, what you would like to create, any concerns you have, how the process works and the investment. You can then decide without pressure.